"The Visitor” is one of those small independent films that critics adore and usually no one sees, which is a shame. But in this case “The Visitor” has had strong word of mouth and has made a tidy sum of money, making its budget back and then some. This is a wonderful and beguiling film that as it progresses it pulls you in and upon ending releases you with that rush and glow that one rarely gets with a studio film with the huge budgets and bigger than life stars.

Sixty two year old Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins of “Six Feet Under) is basically slumming through life. His wife died 2 years prior to the start of the story and outside of his boring and stale job as an economics professor and writer, his only other connection to the world are his piano lessons, which too bore him. But his life does change when he is forced by his boss to do a lecture in Manhattan on a book that he barely co-authored. He decides to stay in his apartment in town that he owns but rarely uses. But upon his arrival he stumbles upon an foreign couple, Syrian born Tarek(Haaz Sleiman) and his girlfrien d Zainab(Daina Gurira) living in his apartment who have unwittingly taken part in an real estate scam.

Of course at first all 3 are upset over the circumstance. Tarek and Zainab leave willingly, having been embarrassed at having been had by the scam and then there’s Walter feeling awkward at this unexpected intrusion. But Walter takes pity and allows them stay since they have nowhere to go. Already having an interest in music Walter quickly notices that Tarek plays the African drum. Walter surprises both Tarek and himself over his enthusiasm in playing and listening to this instrument. He asks Tarek to teach him the drum and what transpires over the rest of the film is both a transformation of character on all sides and a subtle but clearly spoken commentary over the American governments xenophobia in the wake of the 9/11 and the illegal immigrant issues.

To give anything else away would be to take away some of the pleasant surprises and nuances in the story. There are wonderful moments of low key humor and at times excruciating bits of outrage. But it is safe to say that by the end of the movie you will have gone through all of the wonder and turmoil experienced by Walter and his new friends and to come out feeling glad that you made the decision to visit “The Visitor”.

The performances all around are spot on. This may be Richard Jenkins role of a life time. His character conveys so much by doing so little. Both Haaz Sleiman and Daina Gurira fill their characters so fully that one wished you had friends like them too. They express fear, hope and love and many times all at once and not one time are their performances forced. And lastly but not least isTareks mom, played by the beautiful Hiam Abass , who is a wonder to behold. Her’s is both a fearful and resigned women, being both burdened and encouraged by her faith. Watching the relationship slowly unfurl between her and Walter is wonderful in its simplicity and dignity.

“The Visitor” is my favorite movie of the year so far. It probably won’t be remembered at Oscar time, though it should. But it will be remembered by almost everyone who sees it.

****(out of 5)