The span of time between two linked films “The Birth of a Nation” and “BlacKkKlansman”—103 years—may serve as the bluntest example of how essential it is for generations of individuals to be taught inclusivity and not exclusivity. A film like “Planet of the Apes” sought to convey the same lesson but took greater creative license with how to present it—unlike the more direct approach of the two previous films. Regardless of approach, a film that can entertain and enrich is a meaningful achievement.
Hopefully, this is what Ciro Guerra presents in his English-language directorial debut “Waiting for the Barbarians.” The story—written by J.M. Coetzee and published in 1980—concerns a nameless magistrate who refuses to support the taking up of arms by his regime’s army against the native people—rumored to be planning an attack against the regime. Coetzee is South African, and the novel can be viewed as an allegory of apartheid.
Here’s the official synopsis:
READ MORE: 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2020
The Magistrate (Mark Rylance) of an isolated frontier settlement on the border of an unnamed empire looks forward to an easy retirement until the arrival of Colonel Joll (Johnny Depp), whose task it is to report on the activities of the ‘barbarians’ and on the security situation on the border. Joll conducts a series of ruthless interrogations, which leads the Magistrate to question his loyalty to the empire.
READ MORE: The 25 Best Movies Of 2020 We’ve Already Seen
Along with Rylance, the film stars Johnny Depp as Colonel Joll—commander of the regime’s army—with Robert Pattinson and Greta Scacchi (“The Player”) also in the cast. Netflix released a miniseries entitled “Green Frontier”—co-created by Guerra—last summer.
“Waiting for the Barbarians” comes out on VOD August 7, 2020 via Samuel Goldwyn Films. Take a closer look at the film below and witness one man taking a stand against intolerance.