Director Mati Diop
Set in Dakar, Senegal, Atlantics at first seems a story of unrequited love as young Ada prepares for a loveless arranged marriage whilst her true love Sulemaine, despairing of his prospects, joins the exodus of young men to Europe looking for work. As fears grow about the men’s fate, the film takes a right turn into the supernatural and forces Ada to decide her own future.
Verdict Whilst cheap and cheerful in its execution, Diop gives an insight into modern Senegal, far more sophisticated than Africa is usually depicted, wrapped around a story and balances hope and despair. A love story and a supernatural tale that defies easy classification.