Farming is a gripping drama directed by and starring the talented Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. The film is a semi-autobiographical exploration of Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s own experiences growing up in England as part of the Nigerian immigrant community. The narrative revolves around Enitan, a young Nigerian boy who is adopted by a white family in the 1970s and must navigate the challenges of identity, race, and belonging.
The story follows Enitan (played by Damson Idris), a Nigerian boy whose parents send him to live with a white foster family in an attempt to give him a better future. As he grows up in a predominantly white, working-class town, Enitan is subjected to a series of abuses, both physical and emotional. The film sheds light on how racism and prejudice can shape a young person’s sense of self, as well as the complexity of navigating multiple cultures.As he matures, Enitan begins to embrace the darker aspects of his environment, finding solace and strength in a gang led by a powerful figure, while also struggling with his African heritage and the rejection he faces from both his white peers and the Nigerian community.
One of the most powerful elements of Farming is its exploration of identity, race, and belonging. The film doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of growing up in a world where racial lines are drawn in painful and unyielding ways. Through Enitan’s experiences, the film examines how racism can impact the psyche of young people and the ways in which they seek refuge in various identities—sometimes even turning to violence.
The movie also deals with the notion of the “farming” of individuals by society: how people, especially young people of color, are shaped and molded by the world around them—whether by the loving embrace of a family or the cold indifference of systemic oppression.
The performances in Farming are impressive across the board. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, both as a director and actor, brings an authenticity and rawness to the material that is undeniable. Damson Idris gives a remarkable performance as Enitan, capturing the vulnerability and inner turmoil of a young man trying to reconcile the different parts of his identity.
The supporting cast, which includes Kate Beckinsale as the foster mother and other notable actors, also delivers strong performances, though it is the central portrayal of Enitan that drives the emotional core of the film.Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s direction is both personal and poignant. His ability to balance the dark, gritty aspects of Enitan’s life with moments of introspection and beauty adds layers to the story. The cinematography, while not overly flashy, complements the film’s somber tone, using muted colors and stark lighting to convey the emotional weight of the narrative.The pacing, while occasionally slow, allows the audience to sit with the complexities of the story, letting the tension and discomfort of Enitan’s experiences unfold gradually.
Farming is a hard-hitting, emotional film that delves deep into themes of race, identity, and survival. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s an important one. The movie sheds light on the struggles faced by many young people in marginalized communities, and offers an honest, unflinching portrayal of the lasting effects of racism.
The film is deeply personal to Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and it is evident in every frame. While it may not offer a typical “feel-good” conclusion, it is a story that resonates, making it a compelling piece of cinema that will leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll.
