Lilting is a 2014 drama film directed by Cambodian-British director Hong Khaou. The film explores the grief and isolation experienced by two women, Junn (played by Cheng Pei-pei) and Richard's (played by Ben Whishaw) in the aftermath of the death of a young man named Kai (played by Andrew Leung).
Junn is Kai's mother, a Cambodian woman who lives in a care home in London and speaks little to no English. Richard is Kai's boyfriend, a young man who is also struggling to come to terms with his loss. Though they share a close relationship, Richard never told Junn about his relationship with Kai, and the two women are initially hesitant and suspicious of each other.
As they spend time together, however, they begin to bond over their shared grief and loss. Richard hires a translator to help them communicate, and the three of them take trips together and share memories of Kai. But their fragile new friendship is tested when Richard reveals the true nature of his relationship with Kai, forcing Junn to confront her own prejudices and misunderstandings.
Lilting is a nuanced exploration of the immigrant experience, the challenges of cross-cultural communication, and the power of grief to draw people together. It was praised by critics for its moving performances, affecting story, and subtle direction.
