The Visitor

Main Plot

The Visitor follows a lonely college professor named Walter Vale, who travels to New York City for a conference. Upon arriving at his apartment, he discovers that it has been occupied by a Syrian musician and his Senegalese girlfriend, who are living there illegally. Initially resistant to their presence, Walter gradually forms a bond with the couple, finding a renewed sense of purpose and connection in their friendship. As he becomes more involved in their lives, he learns about their struggles with immigration and the challenges they face in America. The film explores themes of isolation, cultural dislocation, and the transformative power of human connection, as Walter's life is profoundly changed by his interactions with the couple, leading him to confront his own emotional barriers and the complexities of belonging in a diverse society.

Characters

• Richard Jenkins plays Walter Vale, a lonely college professor who discovers undocumented immigrants living in his apartment, leading him to form unexpected bonds and confront his own isolation.
• Haaz Sleiman plays Tarek, a Syrian musician who forms a deep bond with a lonely professor, transforming both their lives through unexpected friendship and cultural exchange.
• Danai Gurira plays Zainab, a Senegalese immigrant who forms a bond with a grieving professor, helping him rediscover purpose and connection.

Ending Explained

In the ending of The Visitor, the protagonist, Walter Vale, confronts the realities of his life and the world around him. After forming a deep bond with Tarek and Zainab, two undocumented immigrants he initially meets by chance, Walter's life takes a transformative turn. The climax occurs when Tarek is arrested during a routine police check, highlighting the harsh realities of immigration enforcement. Walter's growing attachment to Tarek and Zainab compels him to take action. In the final scenes, Walter attends Tarek's immigration hearing, where he witnesses the bureaucratic indifference that threatens Tarek's future. This moment catalyzes Walter's decision to speak out, showcasing his evolution from a passive observer to an active participant in the fight for justice. He ultimately decides to take a stand, indicating a shift in his character from isolation to connection. The film concludes with Walter playing the djembe, symbolizing his newfound rhythm in life and the connections he has forged. This act signifies not only his personal growth but also a broader commentary on the importance of community and solidarity in the face of adversity. The ending encapsulates the film's themes of belonging, empathy, and the human spirit's resilience.