Home Again (2012)

Home Again Poster

Returning to a "home" they hardly know after being deported from their adopted countries for minor criminal offenses, three people from very different backgrounds try to make a new life for themselves, in Jamaica in this gutsy drama from writer-director Sudz Sutherland. (TIFF)

Introduction
"Home Again" is a 2012 Canadian drama film directed by Sudz Sutherland and produced by Jennifer Holness. The movie is embeded in Canada and Jamaica, and it tells the story of three deportees who are returned to Jamaica after serving time in the U.S. and Canada. The movie stars Tatyana Ali, Stephan James, and Richard Chevolleau in the lead functions. The motion picture highlights the challenges and struggles faced by the deportees as they try to assimilate into a culture they barely keep in mind and navigate a society that is typically hostile to their existence.

Plot
The film follows 3 primary characters-- Marva (Tatyana Ali), Dunston (Richard Chevolleau), and Everton (Stephan James)-- all of whom have been deported to Jamaica from their particular houses in the U.S. and Canada. Marva is a single mother who is separated from her kids and sent back to Jamaica due to a minor infraction. Dunston is a Jamaican gangster who has lived most of his life in the U.S. however is sent back after serving time for criminal activities. Everton is a young man who was raised in Canada and now discovers himself back in Jamaica, the country of his birth.

Marva's Story
Upon arriving in Jamaica, Marva is initially excited to restart her life, till she deals with the extreme realities of her living conditions. She desperately wants to reunite with her kids and bring them to Jamaica, however she is overwhelmed by the financial and bureaucratic difficulties of doing so. To support her household, Marva takes a job at a call center, where she deals with discrimination and bias due to her deportee status. She struggles to find a sense of belonging in her brand-new environment and is typically viewed with suspicion by her colleagues and other residents.

Dunston's Story
Dunston's shift back to Jamaica is filled with difficulty, as he tries to distance himself from his criminal past and go back to square one. He finds work as a mechanic, but his previous overtakes him when he is targeted by local gangs seeking vengeance for his past actions. In spite of his efforts to live a serene life, Dunston can not seem to escape the cycle of violence he was as soon as a part of.

Everton's Story
Everton's story is one of self-discovery and approval. Raised in a middle-class Canadian home, he is ill-equipped to handle the harsh truths of life in Jamaica and struggles to browse the unsafe streets. He ultimately attempts to get in touch with his Jamaican roots by immersing himself in the island's lively music scene. The budding artist discovers solace and identity in reggae music, as it eventually assists him come to terms with his identity as a Jamaican deportee.

Conclusion
"Home Again" is a dark and poignant expedition of the experiences of deportees forced to return to a homeland they hardly know. The movie touches on styles of identity, displacement, and the cycle of violence, presenting the often unknown and surprise struggles dealt with by those who are deported. The lead actors' efficiencies successfully convey the sense of frustration and despondence experienced by their characters, as their dreams and aspirations are shattered by the difficulties of their new situations.

"Home Again" is, at its core, a story about identity and the lengths we go to comprehend who we are, revealing that 'home' is often far more complex and elusive than location. The motion picture functions as an effective pointer that deportees, like all people, have their special histories, dreams, and goals, and must not be decreased to the circumstances of their deportation.

Top Cast

  • Tatyana Ali (small)
    Tatyana Ali
    Marva Johnson
  • CCH Pounder (small)
    CCH Pounder
    Dulsay Mooreland
  • Stephan James (small)
    Stephan James
    Everton St.Clair
  • Lyriq Bent (small)
    Lyriq Bent
    Dunston Williams
  • Dewshane Williams (small)
    Dewshane Williams
    Alton
  • Fefe Dobson (small)
    Fefe Dobson
    Cherry C.
  • Eugene A. Clark (small)
    Eugene A. Clark
    Principle Raye
  • Paul Campbell
    Uncle Archie Morris
  • Lamar Johnson (small)
    Lamar Johnson
    Young Dunston
  • Shaun Austin-Olsen
    Mr. Irving