Matrixiole
Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.
Robert Joyner
The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
Guillelmina
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
Phillida
Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.
JustCuriosity
They Live Here, Now was warmly received in its world premiere at Austin's SXSW Film Festival. This is a small intimate film about Austin's Casa Marianella refugee house. The humanitarian work done here is inspiring in its simplicity and its bravery. The film's power is in its intimacy. The director uses straight-forward interviews to tell the stories of refugees from numerous countries in Africa and Latin America who are struggling to overcome horrendous conditions at home and make themselves new lives in the United States. The power of this film is that in a time of anti-immigrant hatemongering is that it puts human faces on refugees.
There has been some controversy over the director's decision to use an actress to portray a character in the documentary. I think the director wanted to present a composite character who could fill in some of the stories that privacy and safety wouldn't allow him to tell with the material he had. Unfortunately, this is not clearly explained in the film. I believe the attempt was a well-intended. He called the film a hybrid of a documentary and scripted film during the Q & A session, but it is highly problematic none-the-less. This action undermines the strength of the film which is its authenticity and honesty. It makes the audience question whether the portrait itself is a fair one or an attempt to manipulate the audience. While I agree with his goals, this is not a wise decision. Still, for those who are open-minded and want to learn about the real-life experiences of refugees, the film is recommended.