Blue Bayou – A Raw Immigrant Drama

There is perhaps no more timely of a topic than immigration, an issue that is arguably not in the forefront in terms of coverage. Suffice it to say that it is ripe for plenty of storytelling and the fact that Blue Bayou was written and direct by and starring Justin Chon who just happens to be the son of immigrants just adds more significance and a sense of credibility to this story. Premiering at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, this gritty, grounded, and very human immigrant drama offers a compelling take on what it means to be American and the American dream that is sure to tear at the heartstrings. While not groundbreaking by any means and despite dipping into the bleakness pool one too many times in order to illicit emotion, it’s heart and performances across the board lift it above its conventional nature. Perhaps not setting itself apart from other similar films in the genre, it does just enough to provide a compelling and emotional watch over the course of its sub 2 hour running time.

Blue Bayou follows a man named Antonio Leblanc (Chon), a Korean-American raised in the heart of Louisiana who worked hard to support and make a life for his family, including his pregnant wife Kathy (Vikander) and his stepdaughter Jessie (Sydney Kowalske). However, his past suddenly caught up with him as he was forced to confront it as he stood the chance of being deported from the only country he’s ever known. Leblanc’s life was already not an easy one, trying to dig himself out of a hole he had created for himself during his younger years. He and Kathy were not the richest people but their determination and love for one another and their family was what kept them going. The biracial nature of their relationship was unusual, it lingered on the periphery and was seemingly another hurdle against them though was mostly implied. That being said, the film did feature some more blatant moments that did stick out perhaps too much.

In the end, despite the odds stacked against him, Leblanc wasn’t willing to give up on his family without a fight but that would be easier said than done. The threat of being deported further reinforced his connection to the United States and what it meant to be American while a chance encounter with a Vietnamese immigrant named Parker (Linh Dan Pham) granted him some perspective and helped him to connect with his true identity. Meanwhile, diving back into his past wasn’t necessarily a glamorous proposition however. Through his many ups and downs, mostly downs, Leblanc was compelling to watch. His relationship with Jessie especially was incredibly moving as regardless of what he looked like, she saw him as her father in spite of her estranged police officer father Ace (O’Brien). If anything, he was not going to leave her. Unfortunately for both of them, living as an immigrant and winning against a system designed to work against immigrants would be next to impossible. Little did he know that being adopted as a child to parents failing to complete the correct paperwork to ensure his citizenship made him a target which is also a rampant issue in the United States today.

Blue Bayou may not be an easy watch but it was a beautiful one thanks to some great cinematography, featuring great sunset shots of the Louisiana bayou shot with a graininess to it that made the film for the most part feel dreamlike. The best part of the film ultimately was its performances and the stellar chemistry across the board. Chon was spectacular as Leblanc, bringing charisma in spades as the broken down yet relatable everyman father working hard for his family. That energy and determination came as he wore the pain and frustration from the bleakness of his circumstances right on his face. Though we know the truth, one can’t help but root for him anyway. Vikander was just as good as Kathy as he completed the husband and wife dynamic nicely. She loved her husband and stood with him through the ups and downs as she and him were a partnership. Finally, Kowalske was absolutely adorable as Jessie.

At the end of the day, those looking for a tearjerker will surely be satisfied with Blue Bayou and its timely message. Whether or not the film itself has staying power remains to be seen.

still courtesy of Focus Features

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.