Written and directed by Max Burgoyne-Moore and Salvatore Scarpa, a young Syrian refugee living in the UK without his parents decides to build a boat and sail home to find them. Starring: Zack Elsokari, Tamsin Greig, Kevin McNally, Ammar Haj Ahmad, Jasmine London-Willis, Jax James, Kit Duke, Houda Echouafni and Waleed Elgadi.
Straight off the bat Max Burgoyne-Moore and Salvatore Scarpa build the perfect blend of atmospheres for Largo. They tap into classic tension and emotional depth but mix that with a quintessential wholesomeness, making something that has a strong impact but that’s accessible to different ages. Another thing the filmmakers establish early on is a very realistic portrayal of the racism in the UK. It’s a poignant and vital element of this short film, because it confidently and clearly makes the point that the problem with today’s Britain is not immigration but the rising tide of hate, prejudice and a devastating lack of compassion or respect.
For Burgoyne-Moore and Scarpa to capture that heavy theme in a way that’s somehow friendly and keeps the focus not on negativity but on family, is actually quite impressive. Especially as short films like this can often then find themselves straying into overtly sentimental territory but here, they cleverly avoid that trap by holding onto a good balance between a harsh reality and the warm, emotional undercurrent. The directorial style is undoubtedly a key factor in holding that balance, the aesthetic has a wonderful texture, helped by the terrific locations. The direction brings through strong metaphors and the cinematography (by Rick Joaquim) is excellent and satisfying to watch.
Another great addition is the gentle score (by Stuart Hancock), it matches that accessible nature, keeping itself fairly subtle but also embraces the emotional nature to the story. Each of the different elements that went into making Largo feel keenly aware of the sweetness which lies beneath these difficult issues. Another issue that the script does a superb job of capturing is how people are not born with hate, children don’t inherently show that kind of prejudice, unless that’s what they’ve been taught. It forever lies with the parents to guide their kids into having open minds and respectful attitudes.
One particular element which undoubtedly has tonnes to add to Largo is the remarkable performance from Zack Elsokari. To give such a complex role to such a young man and have him deliver this moving and layered performance, is a genuinely lovely thing to watch. It’s also a strong reminder of how much more children take in and are aware of, than they typically get credit for. It adds these incredibly sad waves all throughout the film. Then you have the excellent Tamsin Greig, who’s never not an asset, bringing this very real performance to the table. She allows you to see Grace’s flaws and struggles but how behind all of them are the best of intentions and genuine love and care.
Seeing Kevin McNally step into the role of a bigoted Brit is an interesting change of pace. He’s surprisingly well suited to the role despite typically playing such charming characters. Ammar Haj Ahmad is another great addition, the brief scene that he shares with Elsokari is a sincerely touching moment. There’s really no weak link in this ensemble, all of the child actors do a terrific job of expanding Largo’s youthful perspective and seeing the impact of immigrants adjusting to a new life, missing their homes and families.
Largo is extremely relevant and captures how harsh immigration policies are changing the UK for the worse. Exploring how we are increasingly living in a society without compassion, sympathy and respect. Max Burgoyne-Moore and Salvatore Scarpa capture these issues with a lot of sensitivity, but it also feels very real, it doesn’t get caught up in sentimentality but also doesn’t shy away from making it child friendly and gentle. There’s a superb cast at work, especially Zack Elsokari and Tamsin Greig who have a very sweet connection. It’s a necessary reminder of how so many people’s views of immigration, and the policies surrounding it, are deeply lacking in humanity.
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