Boris Lojkine's impactful drama "The Story of Souleymane" has received accolades and praise not just for its narrative, but more so for the electrifying debut performance by non-professional actor Abou Sangare. The film skillfully weaves a tale of struggle, persistence and humanity that many genre thrillers struggle to match.
Souleymane, played by Sangare, is a recent Guinea immigrant in Paris hustling a living as a delivery biker for an account owned by Emmanuel, a portion of his earnings for which he parts with. His life is hard and demanding, marked by punishing schedules- from everyday delivery deadlines to document validations and bus timings.
Despite his difficulties, Souleymane is well-regarded in his community for his good nature, hard work and handsome looks. Labeled "Souleymane of Paris" by his peers, he navigates the streets of a largely indifferent middle class, delivering their food orders.
Souleymane's existence revolves around an impending interview with OFPRA, a French immigration agency. His chances rely on a broker, Barry, who dismisses Souleymane's genuine asylum story as insufficient and scripts a dramatic tale of torture and imprisonment for him to recite in its place. Reluctant to lie, Souleymane memorizes the tale.
Souleymane's job is further threatened by an accident that injures him and damages his bike, yet he powers through. His earnings aren't easy to access, they are gate-kept by Emmanuel and subject to customer ratings and complaints, revealing the systemic disregard for workers inherent in the sector.
The screenplay by Lojkine and Delphine Agut, with Tristan Galand's visually lyrical camera work and Xavier Sirven's dynamic editing, play major roles in delivering this story. However, it is Sangare's extraordinary performance that truly commands attention. His portrayal prevents Souleymane from being reduced to a stereotypical 'good immigrant' role, bringing depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to his character.
The climax of the story is a captivating monologue by Sangare, which sees the film's pivotal conflict crystallize: a test of honesty versus survival, of sticking to one's truth or adhering to an expedient lie. It examines the mental turmoil of Souleymane as he is torn between his conscience and the measures he needs to take for survival.
