Over the years of observing its negative social, economic, and political effects on migrant communities, immigration, in general, and immigration to the United States, in particular, has lost a substantial part of its appeal. Disclosing the troubling underbelly of sociocultural challenges and economic struggles that immigrant families often face in the U.S., In America represents one of the few honest portrayals of immigration and the life of immigrants in the American sociocultural context. By portraying the difficulties of immigration through the lens of childhood, In America manages to encapsulate the complexity of adjusting to a new sociocultural environment as a family unit and the significance of mutual support in a culturally hostile and alien setting.
The honesty with which the movie portrays the disillusionment with the unattainable American Dream is one of its major advantages. In the beginning, there is an evident fascination with the aaa and delight over the anticipated wonders of the new life that the family is yet to experience: “We heard Manhattan before we ever saw it” (Sheridan, 2002, 00:03:40). The specified sentiment translates the busy atmosphere of New York perfectly, rendering the multicultural nature of the city impeccably. However, the rapid transition to more prosaic and mundane issues brings the realization that the life of an immigrant is fraught with challenges. Namely, when the family nearly loses the newborn baby and strives to support its life while facing multiple hospital bills, Sarah captures the despair, weariness, and depression of every family member in a single sentence: “If the baby dies, just don’t wake me up” (Sheridan, 2002, 01:19:30). Combining deeply personal issues with those related to the economic and financial challenges, In America captures the complexities of immigrant life in the U.S.
In addition, the issue of alienation is rendered in the movie to perfection. Introducing subtle observations and changes in the characters’ emotions, In America produces a rather accurate portrayal of the sense of alienation and ostracism that immigrants experience in the U.S.: “I’m an alien, like E.T., from a different planet. My skin is too sensitive for this Earth. The air is too hard for me” (Sheridan, 2002, 01:08:56). The anguish of being distanced from the rest of the community due to the cultural barrier, as well as the prejudices that others hold for the descendants of immigrants, is quite pronounced in the movie, allowing the audience to sympathize deeply with the leading characters.
Nevertheless, it would be a mistake to claim that the movie is overly pessimistic in its portrayal of immigration issues and the struggles of a family. Although the film does not resort to the trope of the world viewed in a whimsical tone through the lens of childhood, it leaves an uplifting message about a family overcoming the difficulties of immigrant life. Specifically, the focus on the family as a unit and a massive support system is consistent: “Are you okay little girl?” (Sheridan, 2002, 01:21:07). Thus, In America leaves a generally positive impression, encouraging inclusivity and diversity.
Offering a perspective of a child on the difficulties associated with immigration, In America creates a tapestry of experiences that reflect the challenges of living as immigrants in the U.S. The film emphasizes that migrating to the so-called land of opportunities does not imply resolving the issues that were present within a family in the previous country of residence. Instead, In America shows the significance of addressing these problems as a family unit and learning to fight to survive. Nonetheless, the underlying message of the movie is inherently positive, allowing In America to end on a hopeful note.
References
Sheridan, J. (Producer and Director). (2002). In America [Motion picture]. United States: Fox Searchlight Pictures.