In the climax of this Parisian immigrant drama about a night-time wanderer, a sudden turn of events gives the film’s seemingly neutral title a powerful meaning. The protagonist, Souleymane, a food delivery rider, is on the brink of changing his fate, and this pivotal scene is elevated by Abou Sangaré’s incredible performance. He trembles intensely as a lifetime of tension and struggle, along with the daily grind of being an app-based wage slave, pours out of him.
Souleymane represents the typical immigrant, barely holding on at the edges of Paris. Originally from Guinea, he rents a delivery app account from Cameroonian Emmanuel to earn a living. Under constant pressure to meet delivery quotas, he needs money to pay Barry, a fellow Guinean who is coaching him for his upcoming asylum interview. However, the stressed Souleymane finds it hard to memorize the fabricated story of political persecution that Barry advises him to use.
The film follows Souleymane as he navigates Parisian streets, featuring some of the most nerve-wracking cycling scenes since Buster Keaton. Director Boris Lojkine captures the ever-changing city with a dreamy, impressionistic style, occasionally shifting to sharp, clear shots to ground his protagonist in this capitalist maze. Souleymane remains the constant focus, vulnerable not only in traffic but also financially and emotionally. As he desperately contacts the app’s call center and then snaps at a slow restaurant, the film shows how these small humiliations chip away at his spirit.
In its close-up look at an immigrant’s struggle to survive, Lojkine’s film recalls Ramin Bahrani’s 2005 New York drama Man Push Cart, though it’s even less sentimental in today’s digital era, often cutting scenes short as if on Souleymane’s tight schedule. The core issues remain the same: the invisibility forced upon a growing class of economic migrants, many of whom resort to gaming the system, only to face doubled exploitation. Sangaré’s authentic, heartfelt performance gives them a voice. Souleymane’s Story opens in UK and Irish cinemas on October 17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and natural FAQs about Souleymanes Story Review
General Beginner Questions
Q What is Souleymanes Story about
A Its a powerful drama film about a man named Souleymane who is struggling to survive and make a living on the outskirts of Paris
Q Is the movie based on a true story
A While its a work of fiction its inspired by the reallife struggles of many people living on the margins in cities like Paris
Q Who is the main actor and why is his performance so praised
A The main actor is often cited as the anchor of the film His raw and emotional performance makes Souleymanes struggles feel incredibly real and moving which is why critics highlight it
Q Is the movie sad or depressing
A Its a heavy and emotionally intense drama that deals with difficult themes but its also powerful and thoughtprovoking not just depressing for the sake of it
Q What language is the film in and are there subtitles
A The film is in French International releases will have subtitles in various languages
Deeper Thematic Questions
Q What are the main themes of the movie
A The main themes include poverty and social exclusion the struggle for dignity survival the immigrant experience and the human cost of living on the fringes of a wealthy society
Q What does the fringes of Paris refer to
A It refers to the banlieuesthe suburban neighborhoods often located on the outskirts of Paris These areas can face significant social and economic challenges which is central to the films setting
Q Why is the setting in Paris important to the story
A The contrast between the glamorous image of central Paris and the harsh reality of its outskirts highlights the social inequality and invisibility that characters like Souleymane experience
Q What kind of struggles does Souleymane face
A He faces a combination of struggles including financial instability finding and keeping work potential legal issues social prejudice and the psychological toll of constant pressure and uncertainty
Q Does the film offer any hope or resolution
A The film is more focused on portraying a realistic situation than providing a
