September 24, 2024
By Manuella Eken
Can you ever truly leave the past behind? That’s the burning question in Madame Luna, the latest offering from Daniel Espinosa, the director of Safe House. Inspired by real events, this intense drama dives deep into the world of immigration, smuggling, and the harsh realities of survival, set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.
At the heart of the story is Almaz, played by the brilliant Meninet Abraha. But Almaz isn’t just any refugee. Once known as Madame Luna, she was a ruthless human smuggler with deep ties to the Sicilian Mafia. The tables have now turned, and she finds herself facing the brutal reality she once imposed on others. Stranded in Calabria, Italy, with the very people she once exploited, she’s forced to confront her past—and decide whether she’ll save herself or rise above and help those around her.
Abraha’s portrayal of Almaz is mesmerizing. As she struggles to leave behind her former identity, every whisper of the name “Madame Luna” sends shivers down her spine, a reminder of a life she desperately wants to forget. She’s shed the notorious smuggler’s name, opting instead to blend in as just another refugee, hoping a fresh passport will give her a chance at a new life. But can she truly outrun her past? Or will it catch up to her in a way she can’t escape?
Madame Luna offers more than just a gripping story. It captures the raw realities of migration, human trafficking, and the complex post-colonial tensions between Africa and Europe. Almaz’s personal struggle mirrors that of many refugees—caught between a violent past and an uncertain future in an often hostile Europe. Espinosa doesn’t shy away from tackling Italy’s role in the migrant crisis, offering a fresh take on the ongoing humanitarian disaster playing out on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Themes of identity, guilt, and survival pulse through every scene. Almaz’s internal battle—between the cold-hearted smuggler she once was and the chance for redemption—is as gripping as the life-or-death stakes she faces. Her transformation, from a feared criminal to a vulnerable refugee seeking a new beginning, is nothing short of captivating.
The shift from “Madame Luna” to Almaz isn’t just a name change. It’s a symbol of the deeper struggle she faces as she tries to redefine herself, leaving behind a life built on exploitation. But in a Europe that treats her like an outsider, can she ever truly start over? Or is she forever marked by her past?
With stunning cinematography and a hauntingly real depiction of refugee life, Madame Luna is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the hardest journey isn’t the one across the sea—it’s the one inside yourself.
Catch Madame Luna at the Montreal International Black Film Festival on September 26, 2024, at Cinéma du Quartier. This is one film you don’t want to miss!
Manuella Eken
Editor
Born in Cameroon and having lived in various cities including Brussels, London, and New York, Manuella recently settled in Canada. Holding a master's degree in finance and business management, she currently works in project management. Passionate about literature, she has also founded a community of readers to share their diverse interests.
As the founder of the "WhereTheReadersMeet"; Book Club, she has dedicated her life to creating spaces where readers can come together to explore the infinite worlds of literature. Manuella is driven by the desire to share her passion for reading and to foster enriching discussions withinher community of readers.
