Blue Bayou is a 2021 American drama film written, directed, and produced by Justin Chon. It stars Chon himself, alongside Alicia Vikander, Mark O'Brien, Linh Dan Pham, and Emory Cohen. The film premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival and opened in theaters on September 17, 2021.
The story follows Antonio LeBlanc (played by Chon), a Korean-American man who was adopted and raised in the Louisiana bayou by a white family. Antonio has a wife named Kathy (played by Vikander) and a daughter named Jessie. He works hard as a tattoo artist and construction worker to provide for his family.
However, Antonio's life is upended when he discovers that he is not a US citizen and could be deported to Korea, a country he has never visited. As he tries to fight his deportation, he must confront the ghosts of his past, including the abuse he suffered as a child and the trauma of being torn away from his birth mother.
The film explores themes of identity, belonging, and the American dream, as Antonio struggles to hold onto the life he has built for himself and his family. It also sheds light on the harsh realities of immigration laws and the impact they can have on families and individuals.
Overall, Blue Bayou is a powerful and emotional film that tackles important issues with sensitivity and nuance. The performances are strong, particularly Chon's, who gives a nuanced and deeply felt performance as the film's protagonist.