Lingua Franca

Lingua Franca

Year: 2020

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Drama

In this poignant drama, Isabel Sandoval shines as Olivia, an undocumented Filipino transwoman struggling for identity and stability. As she navigates her complex relationships with elderly patient Olga and Alex, her grandson-turned-love-interest, Olivia must confront the harsh realities of immigration and the lengths she'll go to secure a new life in America.

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Timeline & Setting – Lingua Franca (2020)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Lingua Franca (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie captures contemporary issues related to immigration, identity, and family dynamics in modern-day America. It highlights the struggles faced by undocumented individuals amid a politically charged climate surrounding immigration laws.

Location

Brighton Beach, Brooklyn

Brighton Beach is a vibrant neighborhood in Brooklyn, known for its large Russian-speaking community and cultural diversity. The area features a scenic coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, bustling markets, and a close-knit atmosphere where many residents share deep-rooted ties to their heritage.

🌊 Beach 🏙️ City

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:45

Main Characters – Lingua Franca (2020)
Meet the key characters of Lingua Franca (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Olivia

Olivia is a resilient Filipina trans woman who works as a caregiver for Olga while grappling with her undocumented status and aspirations for a better life in America. Her strength in facing adversity is complemented by her emotional depth, particularly as she navigates complex relationships with both her clients and her romantic interests.

👩‍⚕️ Caregiver ❤️ Transgender 🌏 Immigrant

Olga

Olga is an elderly Russian-Jewish woman suffering from early stages of dementia. Her reliance on Olivia highlights her vulnerability and the poignant themes of aging and memory loss. Throughout the film, her character symbolizes the intersection of heritage, family, and the challenges of care.

👵 Elderly 🇷🇺 Russian-Jewish

Alex

Alex is Olga's grandson who battles his own demons while attempting to build a responsible life after rehab. His evolving relationship with Olivia creates emotional tension as he struggles to reconcile his family's past with his present, leading to significant but complicated connections.

💼 Worker 🌪️ Troubled

Andrei

Andrei is a drunken friend of Alex whose reckless behavior leads to a betrayal of trust. His actions set off a chain of events that put Olivia at risk, highlighting themes of insecurity and the consequences of poor decisions within a circle of vulnerability.

🍺 Drunk 🥴 Betrayer

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:45

Major Themes – Lingua Franca (2020)
Explore the central themes of Lingua Franca (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Identity

The theme of identity is central to Olivia's journey as a trans woman facing societal challenges while striving for acceptance and love. Her relationship with Alex delves into the complexities of understanding oneself and being understood by others despite hidden truths.

🤝 Love and Sacrifice

The film explores love intertwined with sacrifice, particularly through Olivia's dedication to her family back in the Philippines. The romantic connection with Alex symbolizes hope but also the vulnerabilities that come with trusting someone amid personal struggles.

⚖️ Immigration

Immigration serves as a crucial theme in the movie, showcasing the precariousness of undocumented life in America. Olivia's fear of ICE raids underscores the harsh realities many face while navigating their dreams for a better future.

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:45

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