Ish Film Review
· news
The Painful Familiarity of “Ish”
The latest film from artist Imran Perretta, “Ish” is an urban pastoral that explores the complexities of young masculinity, identity, and community in the face of systemic racism. Set against the backdrop of Luton’s streets and woodlands, the movie follows two teenage friends, Ishmail and Maram, as they navigate their relationships with each other and the world around them.
The film’s setting is notable for highlighting the often-overlooked experiences of Muslim and south Asian communities in Britain. Jermaine Canute Edwards’ monochrome cinematography adds to the sense of stark realism, making the viewer feel like an unwelcome observer in a world that is both familiar and foreign.
Racial profiling has a devastating impact on young people, eroding trust between individuals and communities. “Ish” shows how this insidious practice can create a sense of suspicion and mistrust that is difficult to overcome. This is particularly relevant given recent revelations about police surveillance and facial recognition technology.
The relationship between Ish and Maram is at the heart of the film, with their bond beautifully rendered by the performances of Farhan Hasnat and Yahya Kitana. However, as the movie progresses, it becomes clear that this friendship is being pulled apart by external forces beyond their control. The police presence in Luton serves as a constant reminder of the systemic racism that pervades British society.
In “Ish,” we see two boys whose destinies are diverging. Ishmail struggles to come to terms with his emotions and place in the world, while Maram seems to be embracing his identity and finding purpose. The final sequence highlights the ways in which systemic racism can prevent young people from reaching their full potential.
Luton is often overlooked as a setting for stories about identity and community, but “Ish” shows that these issues are just as relevant in smaller towns like Luton, where the impact of systemic racism can be felt deeply. The film’s portrayal of the police presence raises important questions about the role of law enforcement in communities like this one.
The use of facial recognition technology has been shown to disproportionately target Muslim and south Asian individuals, highlighting the ways in which systemic racism can perpetuate itself through seemingly neutral tools. This is a stark reminder that even well-intentioned measures can have unintended consequences when they are not designed with equity in mind.
As “Ish” comes to a close, it’s clear that this film is not just about two teenage friends navigating their relationships with each other and the world around them. It’s also about the need for greater understanding and empathy between communities. The implications of “Ish” are far-reaching, and its portrayal of the impact of racial profiling on young people will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
The film is a powerful reminder that we must do more to address the systemic racism that pervades British society. As we watch Ishmail struggle to come to terms with his emotions and place in the world, we are forced to confront our own complicity in a system that perpetuates racism and oppression.
Reader Views
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
While "Ish" effectively captures the complexities of young masculinity and systemic racism, its portrayal of police surveillance feels somewhat one-dimensional. The film's emphasis on facial recognition technology as a tool of oppression overlooks the fact that many Muslim communities in Britain have long been subjected to stop-and-search policies, which often involve no such technology. A more nuanced exploration of these existing dynamics would add depth to the narrative and underscore the systemic nature of racism.
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
While "Ish" sheds light on the corrosive effects of systemic racism, it's crucial to consider the intersections between racial profiling and economic marginalization. The film's portrayal of Ishmail's struggles hints at the limitations placed on young people from working-class backgrounds by a society that perpetuates class divisions alongside racial ones. A more nuanced exploration of these intersecting forms of oppression would have added depth to an otherwise poignant portrayal of life in Luton, highlighting the need for holistic solutions to address the multifaceted challenges faced by communities like Ish's.
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
While "Ish" masterfully captures the complexities of young masculinity and identity, I'd argue that its most striking critique lies not in its portrayal of systemic racism, but in its exploration of the ways in which community trauma can be intergenerational. The film's understated suggestion that Maram's sense of purpose stems from a desire to escape his community, rather than engage with its problems, raises important questions about the responsibility of individuals within marginalized communities to perpetuate social change. This nuanced perspective adds depth to the film's already impactful commentary on racial profiling and police surveillance.