“Fremont” is a 2023 American drama film written and directed by Babak Jalali. It stars Anaita Wali Zada, Gregg Turkington, and Jeremy Allen White. The film follows Donya, an Afghan translator who works for a Chinese fortune cookie factory in San Francisco. In a moment of sudden revelation, she decides to send out a special message inside one of the cookies.
The film premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Award for Cinematic Vision. It was released in theaters on August 25, 2023.
About the Movie – It got raving reviews
Fremont is dreamlike and atmospheric. almost ethereal, and mostly in a pleasant way. The reviews it received were remarkable; Ross McIndoe of Slant Magazine noted the combination of radiance and resignation, particularly at the end of the film. While, Anthony Lane of the New Yorker noted the debut of Anaita Wali Zada as the movie’s main asset.
Wendy Ide of Screen International called it a stylish and sweet evolution for Jalali, and a reflection of the modern immigrant experience. And, according to Hannah Strong of Little White Lies, the drama has a wry tone and ample substance. Namrata Joshi of the New Indian Express praised it as one of the best indie breakouts of the Sundance Film Festival.
It does not stop there, Hector A. Gonzalez of The Movie Buff admired the black-and-white photography, bone-dry humor, and engrossing performances. Oh, and Kent M. Wilhelm of Tilt Magazine called it a unique dramedy with solid direction, powerful performances, and eye-popping cinematography.
Collider critic, Marco Vito Oddo said that the politics of the content is imbued in the film’s conception and construction without self-congratulation. Now, that is a compliment.
Lastly, Jesse Catherine Webber of In Review Online praised Anaita Wali Zada’s performance in conveying Donya’s alienation and her efforts to reconnect, sounds good. And, Peter Sobczynski of The Spool urged viewers not to miss Babak Jalali’s coolly deadpan comedy. That is a one good recommendation!
Release Date
August 25, 2023 (United States)
Director
The Cast
Hilda Schmelling
Siddique Ahmed
Visitor Rating: 3 Stars