Almost Home is making waves at festivals around the world (London Festival of Cinema, Festival of Cinema NYC, and now heading to the Burbank International Film Festival and DC South Asian Film Festival this September). And it deserves every bit of that spotlight.
The story follows Aamir, a Muslim-American Marine, struggling with PTSD and the heavy guilt of a tragic incident during his service. On top of that, he faces the prejudice of society and even rejection from parts of his own community. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it’s the kind of story that hits home for a lot of us in the South Asian diaspora. Many of us grew up with uncles, cousins, or friends who chose military service, and we’ve seen how their sacrifices often go unrecognized.
What makes Almost Home so powerful is that it doesn’t shy away from tough truths. It sheds light on the invisible battles our veterans fight long after they return home like night terrors, loneliness, and the struggle to belong. And the fact that the film highlights Muslim-Americans serving in the Armed Forces makes it even more important for our community. Representation matters.
Kamal Khan delivers a performance that feels both vulnerable and strong very much like those Bollywood heroes we grew up watching, but this time the fight isn’t with villains on screen, it’s with the demons inside. The film has a desi soul wrapped in a very American reality, and that combination makes it so relatable for our generation.
If you’re looking for a film that’s not just entertaining but also meaningful, one that sparks conversation about identity, service, and healing – Almost Home is a must-watch. Big respect to the filmmakers for using cinema not just to tell a story, but to make an impact.
Trailer:
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