The Visitor

Walter Vale, a widowed economics professor from Connecticut, lives a solitary and unfulfilling life. He spends his time taking piano lessons in an attempt to connect with his late wife, a talented concert pianist.

Walter is reluctantly asked to attend a conference at New York University to present a paper he co-authored, despite never having read it. His department head, Charles, insists on his participation, prompting Walter to confront his discomfort.

Upon arriving at his Manhattan apartment, Walter discovers a young couple living there, Tarek and Zainab, who had mistakenly rented his apartment from a fraudulent landlord. Initially startled, he learns that they are illegal immigrants with nowhere else to go.

Walter persuades Tarek and Zainab to stay after initially packing their belongings to leave. A friendship gradually forms, with Tarek teaching Walter how to play the djembe, leading to leisurely afternoons spent at a drum circle in Central Park.

While trying to return home, Tarek is arrested for an alleged subway fare violation, mistakenly charged with turnstile jumping. His detention places him at risk of deportation, deepening Walter's concern for his new friend's wellbeing.

To help prevent Tarek's deportation, Walter takes the step of hiring an immigration lawyer. This decision marks a significant shift for Walter, as he begins to actively engage in the lives of the people he has grown close to.

Feeling uneasy about staying with Walter after Tarek's arrest, Zainab decides to move in with relatives in the Bronx. Her departure marks a turning point, leaving Walter and Tarek to navigate their friendship and the looming issues of immigration.

Tarek's mother, Mouna, arrives from Michigan after realizing she cannot reach her son. She too is living in the U.S. illegally and accepts Walter's offer to stay with him, leading to a new bond forming between them.

As Mouna settles in, she and Walter begin to share meals and companionship. They bond over their personal histories, with Walter revealing his dissatisfaction with his career and Mouna expressing concern over Tarek's future.

Walter takes Mouna to see 'The Phantom of the Opera' after she expresses a fondness for the music. This gesture symbolizes Walter's growing affection for Mouna and his willingness to embrace life beyond his solitude.

Without warning, Tarek is deported back to Syria, which devastates Mouna and Walter. Faced with the loss of both friends, Walter grapples with feelings of helplessness and the realities of immigration.

In light of Tarek's deportation, Mouna chooses to follow her son. This decision leaves Walter alone again, highlighting the fragility of their connections and the challenges faced by those living as immigrants.

Feeling the weight of solitude, Walter decides to play his drum on a subway platform, channeling the spirit and dreams of Tarek. This act symbolizes his acceptance of grief while cherishing the connections he made.