Undocumented Review

Politics: a topic so deep-rooted within society that it effects each and every one of us globally. In one way or another, Politics are cemented in one’s belief structure, morality, in law, and unfortunately; are arguably one of the primary stimulates of poverty, conflict and tragedy. In both the U.K And U.S, Immigration is indeed a very sensitive Political subject that often grows heated. One man may cast his eyes upon the immigrant and see an additional brick in the wall of his country’s struggling economy, whereas an equally integral man may see father, a mother, somebody’s child or a victim. In his directorial feature debut, Chris Peckover presents us with “Undocumented”; an on the ground account of what desperate lengths the impoverished will go to when seeking illegal entry into another country.

Five American post graduate students travel to Mexico whilst filming a documentary on immigration. Fortunately for them, the gang’s cameraman Davie (Greg Serano) has a cousin south of the border who plans on gaining access into the United States illegally. Naturally, the opportunistic documentarians are intent on capturing the tribulations of illegal immigration first hand, so they opt on paying off the local coyote in order to tag along.

The young film makers do indeed partake in an illegal border crossing, but their freedom on American soil is short lived when they’re intercepted and ultimately kidnapped by a gang of sadistic vigilantes known as “The Patriots”. The Patriots are out to teach immigrants that refuge comes with a price tag far greater than a coyote’s, and with the added bonus of having a trained crew of film makers in their midst, it’s decided that a demonstration video would be just the right thing to deter any future would-be border jumpers from the “land of the free”.

Now held captive at The Patriots’ ranch, the Mexican illegals are stripped of their clothes and their human rights; subdued to torture and depravity. In order to survive, our hapless film makers; led by Travis (Scott Mechlowicz) and his ex-girlfriend turned producer Liz (Alona Tal) must toggle between carrying out their new “educational” film assignment, and escaping their bloody confines.

Upon watching “Undocumented”, what resonates with me the most is the movie’s differential stylings of cinematography. In my opinion, director Chris Peckover takes a considerable risk by editing scenes shot in the “found footage” format between scenes captured with traditional stock. Overall it’s an effective technique for it’s genre; mercilessly catapulting the audience beside the unfortunate immigrants. Just like our American protagonists, I too felt like I was tagging along for the ride. However, mistakes were made by result of this gutsy filming technique. I noted a couple of uneasy cuts throughout the movie’s duration that unsettled me back within the harsh confines of inattention.

Another major benefactor of “Undocumented” is the unforgiving depiction of it’s subject matter. The concept is credible and it’s premise, to me, feels entirely believable. The fact is that we as humans are capable of the extraordinary. Desperation can drive one to extreme lengths; “Undocumented” exploits this with lucidity. The writing flows smoothly with natural dialogue and intense set pieces. The general concept of direction blends faux documentary footage with softcore torture porn and competent story telling.

Cast-wise the overall performance isn’t great in this little independent ensemble. But considering the movie’s limited budget of an estimated $1,400,000, I think you’ll find a lot to gain from a screening of “Undocumented”. There are notable exceptions in Alona Tal and Yancey Arias. Some of you may remember Alona more commonly as Jo Harvelle; Dean Winchester’s brief love interest and fellow ghost buster in T.V’s Supernatural. In “Undocumented” she’s cast perfectly. Along with the fact that the girl’s got respectable acting chops, she projects a contradictory aura of both fragility and capability that for myself; she made the perfect scream queen. As for Yancey, I really am surprised this guy hasn’t made the big leagues. For a guy who landed most of his prestigious roles of the last decade as a bit-actor in T.V Serials, I imagine it would be all too easy to overact a character such as the ill fated father and husband Alberto. Yet he addresses the situation with respect. Imagin how you would feel if your wife and child were snatched from your arms. Yancey Arias manages this difficult feat with merit.

IFC Films released Undocumented theatrically on a limited release back in 2010. The movie has been available via video on demand since September 2011 and is out now on DVD.

Ry’s rating: 3.5 out of 5