2009 * Not Rated * 1h 24m A powerful, slow-moving film that will stay with you long after you see it. In the wake of the devastating London bombings in the summer of 2005, a mother travels from her home in Guernsey to London to find out what happened to her daughter. There she meets an older gentleman from France, who's searching for his son. The film stars Brenda Blethyn, who you've seen in a ton of movies, and Sotigui Kouyate. Both actors turn in brilliant performances. They play Elisabeth and Ousmane.
As the film progresses, we discover that their children not only knew each other, but actually lived together. Then more about their lives is revealed. The daughter was learning Arabic, and was studying to become a Muslim. This immediately raises thoughts of possible involvement into terrorism, a theory shared by the police investigating their whereabouts. At first the two parents strike up a friendship, but this is obviously strained when Elisabeth finds out more about her daughter.
I found the film to be thought-provoking and sad. It made me think back on 9/11 and what this country went through in its aftermath. The two actors are on screen for a good deal of the film, and their acting is absolutely riveting. Obviously London River is not a happy film, but if you're like me, you'll find it quite rewarding.
4 out of 5 stars
Streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy.com and on Prime Video.
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