Atlantics is a 2019 supernatural drama film directed by Mati Diop. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was critically acclaimed for its unique approach to storytelling and social critique.
The film takes place in contemporary Dakar, Senegal, where a group of young construction workers have not been paid for months. One of them, Souleiman, decides to leave the country by boat with his friends to seek better opportunities in Spain. Ada, his lover, is left behind and is forced to marry a wealthy man of her family's choosing.
On the day of her wedding, Ada discovers that her bridal bed has been set on fire, and the police launch an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, a mysterious fever starts to spread among the workers who had left the country, adding to the sense of tension and unease.
In the second half of the film, the story takes a supernatural turn as the spirits of the dead workers begin to appear to Ada and their loved ones. Souleiman also mysteriously returns to Dakar, but in a different form, as a ghostly presence lurking in the shadows.
As the narrative unfolds, the film explores themes of migration, social inequality, gender dynamics, and the clash between tradition and modernity. The performances by the mostly non-professional actors are memorable and powerful, capturing the nuances of life in contemporary Senegal.
Overall, Atlantics is a thought-provoking and visually striking film that blends realism and myth to offer a poignant commentary on the human condition.