Driftis a film thatdefies stereotypesin many ways; it’s not a call-to-action refugee story, and it’s an ode to healing and human connection. The film, starringCynthia Erivoand directed by Anthony Chen, tells the story of Jacqueline, who has fled Africa. At first glance, it may appear to be just another call-to-action refugee story, butDriftis so much more than that.
Drift doesn’t serve to indict European indifference, as refugee films so often do. Instead, it uses Jacqueline’s fictional journey as an unlikely ode to healing and human connection. This is an ambitious gamble, as Europe’s real-world immigration troubles are severe enough that inventing a story purely for representational purposes might have seemed tacky. Thanks to the intuitive and understated performance of Cynthia Erivo, who also produced the film, and Chen’s nuanced approach, Drift never feels didactic.
What setsDriftapart from other refugee stories isits portrayal of Jacqueline. She is a woman who is trying to make herself invisible, but she attracts attention at every turn. While the characters around her genuinely want to help, Jacqueline has untold trauma to work through before she can even think about rejoining society. Jacqueline is bright and resourceful, observing the undocumented people around her for ideas on earning a bit of money as she needs it.
Another way in which the film defies stereotypes is that Jacqueline speaks impeccable English and can pass as a tourist rather than a refugee, challenging the stereotypes of African immigrants presented in other films. Jacqueline is revealed to be the daughter of a former Liberian minister, educated in England. A visit home turned violent, and Jacqueline’s family was raped and murdered in front of her.
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Drift Features Diverse Award-Winning Production Team
The production team behindDriftis a diverse and talented group of individuals who came together to bring this powerful story to life. The film is directed by Singaporean Anthony Chen, who has previously won several awards for his work, including the Camera d’Or at Cannes.
The film was written by Alexander Maksik, based on his novel “A Marker to Measure Drift.” Maksik has previously written for film and television, including writing and producing the seriesThe VillageandThe Resident.
Cynthia Erivo, who stars as the main character Jacqueline, also served as a producer on the film. Erivo is a critically acclaimed actress and singer known for the films,HarrietandWidows.
The cinematography is by Benoit Soler, a French cinematographer who has previously worked on several award-winning films, includingThe Wonders.
