Movies

Review: Heading abroad, a stranger decides to stay awhile in the gently funny ‘The Black Sea’

BBG News

As a world-weary movie critic who’s seen more films than I can count and visited cinemas across the globe, I must admit that “The Black Sea” has left me with a peculiar longing – to pack my bags and hop on a plane to Bulgaria. This delightful comedy, co-directed by Crystal Moselle and Derrick B. Harden, offers a captivating glimpse into the heart of a picturesque fishing village that seems almost too inviting to resist.

I’ve never had the chance to visit Bulgaria, but it’s primarily known to me as a charming Balkan country that offers affordable locations for action films, and it’s the homeland of tennis sensation Grigor Dimitrov and Oscar-nominated actress Maria Bakalova. However, a film that has sparked my curiosity about visiting is “The Black Sea,” a spontaneous comedy directed by Crystal Moselle and Derrick B. Harden, with Harden also starring in it. This movie evokes a desire to explore the country, if only to find the lively spirit and striking beauty it showcases so captivatingly.

This is a vibrant, warm-hearted story about an unintended American traveler (Harden) who, while trying to return home, finds himself welcomed and potentially laying the foundation for a joyful future. Exploring unknown territories and making new acquaintances has never looked so appealing.

The situation is reminiscent of a Preston Sturges comedy, implying a more lively and humorous plot than initially anticipated. Harden portrays Khalid, a financially strapped but charming Brooklyn resident who receives an invitation to the peaceful Bulgarian fishing town of Sozopol for a simple job: a wealthy local woman is said by her fortune teller to require the assistance of a Black man to resolve her problems. (In a short introduction, when inquired about where to find one, the psychic casually responds: “Facebook.”)

Khalid shows up, only to learn that his distant benefactress has passed away and her son, Georgi (Stoyo Mirkov), a powerful figure in town, won’t be providing him with the promised funds. The unique arrangement they had leaves Khalid as an outsider in one of Europe’s less populated, snow-white regions. Strapped for cash and without his passport but possessing a wanderlust spirit, Khalid searches for temporary work – restaurant jobs, cleaning the harbor, painting boats – to earn enough money for his return journey.

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With Ina, a travel agent who harbored dreams of her own yet remained supportive, he stumbles upon a welcoming community. This community flourished through a friendly exchange of cultural oddities. People on the streets mistook him for a sports star or a renowned rapper, but Khalid was merely amused by hip-hop’s worldwide influence. However, they grew fond of his company. After trying the country’s open-faced cheese toasties called prinzesi, Khalid and Ina decided to establish a temporary cafe, incorporating his matcha-making skills as an immigrant from “Brooklyn gentrified.” The cafe quickly became popular among the locals, particularly when Khalid introduced open-mic nights, creating a mix of rhymes, beats, and folk music that filled the night air.

Some films rely on improvisation and others seem to be created on the spot. The film “The Black Sea” falls into the latter category, with an edgy feel that is reminiscent of movies in which things are unpredictable because of a stranger in town. This sense of unpredictability actually enhances the film, making it engaging for viewers who find themselves both captivated by the story and appreciating its raw, behind-the-scenes atmosphere. (It’s like a friendlier version of a place where Borat might show up.)

The collaboration between the movie makers is evident: Moselle, well-known for her 2015 documentary success “The Wolfpack,” contributes her compassionate perspective as a documentarian, while Harden, a newcomer who goes by Dear Derrick in the rap world, takes on dual roles as visitor and guide within this dynamic narrative. His charisma shines brightly, a rarity in recent films. He seems to intuitively grasp that being a star involves knowing what kind of event you’re orchestrating.

Is a pleasant atmosphere, stunning scenery, and a spirit of adventure enough for a memorable experience? The title “The Black Sea” suggests as much, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. In an important sense, this relaxed, impartial gathering carries a message that resonates with current times. As our world becomes increasingly preoccupied with ideas of homelands and boundaries, it’s refreshing to be reminded by such a welcoming event that the world is at its best when we have the freedom to create our ideal lives wherever we wish.

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2024-12-13 17:31

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