The Space Between

The Space Between (2010/I) was written and directed by Travis Fine.

It stars Melissa Leo as Montine, an unhappy, worn-out flight attendant who, on 9/11, suddenly has responsibility for a ten-year-old Muslim boy. His name is Omar, and he's portrayed very well by Anthony Keyvan.

The movie is a road movie because it unfolds as Montine and Omar struggle to get back to NYC at a time when all air travel is grounded. They thrust and parry, but a definite fondness grows between them.

Melissa Leo is a brilliant actor, who later won an Oscar. Keyvan is also very, very good in his role. Special mention goes to AnnaSophia Robb, who portrays Montine's niece. She should have won an Oscar for best portrayal of a troubled, angry, depressed teenager.

We saw the film on a small screen, and it worked well. This isn't a brilliant, must-see film, but it establishes the fact that people of different cultures can overcome these cultural differences. They can learn to understand and trust each other, if given the opportunity. That's a very important message for our time.