The Nightmares We Live: Exploring Trauma, Migration, and Class in Two Powerful Films
When was the last time you had a nightmare? Nightmares are often a window into our deepest fears — fears not only on a personal level, but also those that resonate within our society and communities. Today, I want to talk about two films that might feel like a nightmare to some but reflect the harsh reality for others. These films explore themes of forced migration, assimilation, and class struggles.
The trauma of forced migration, particularly on the African continent, is deeply entangled with Europe’s colonial history, which was marked by exploitation of both land and people. The two films I’ll discuss not only shine a light on this collective trauma but also give their characters depth, resilience, and individuality. These characters aren’t written as monolithic victims; they have their own interests, desires, and agency.
His House (2020) – Directed by Remi Weekes
His House is a haunting film that follows Bol and Rial, two refugees from South Sudan who are trying to adapt to life in the outskirts of London. They are haunted not only by the trauma of their past but also by the racism of their neighbors and the constant threat of deportation. Adding to their distress, something terrifying begins to manifest in their new home.
This film masterfully captures the anxiety, grief, and guilt experienced by people displaced by violence. What’s unique is how the spirits of those lost are portrayed — not as enemies to be vanquished, but as voices to be heard. His House questions the idea of assimilation and what it means to integrate into a new society, while reminding us that the dead are not forgotten, and the cost of survival often comes at a personal and spiritual price.
Atlantics (2019) – Directed by Mati Diop
Atlantics is Mati Diop’s directorial debut, and it made waves in 2019 by winning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. With its dreamy cinematography and haunting score by Fatima Al Quadiri, this film blurs the lines between a love story, a supernatural thriller, and a social critique.
The film centers around Ada, a young woman from Senegal who is torn between the life laid out for her and the love she desires. While she is expected to marry a wealthy man, her heart belongs to another, who leaves Senegal in search of a better life in Spain. When he doesn’t survive the perilous journey across the sea, his return in a supernatural form challenges the boundaries between life, death, and the living’s pursuit of a better future.
Atlantics is as much about love and loss as it is about the economic disparity that drives people to risk their lives for the hope of something more. It weaves together personal longing and collective grief, creating a film that is visually stunning and emotionally profound.
Why These Films Matter
When I watch fiction, especially stories that tackle these heavy themes, I find it crucial to ask myself: Who wrote these stories? Who benefits from these narratives being told? And who is missing from the conversation?
Both His House and Atlantics answer these questions in their own way. They give voice to the voiceless and reflect the nightmares that too many people live through in real life. At the same time, they offer their characters dignity, resilience, and the chance to be more than just victims of circumstance. They are human, flawed, and seeking better lives, just like anyone else.
Have You Seen These Films?
If you’re interested in thought-provoking films that tackle complex issues, these two are a must-watch. Let us know in the comments if you’ve seen them or if they’re on your watchlist. What other films explore these themes in a way that resonated with you?