Checking In On "The Visitor"

Writer and director Tom McCarthy made a significant splash in independent film circles with his first movie, "The Station Agent." Critics described it as "quaint," "big hearted" and "charming."

His next film, "The Visitor," is just now starting to hit select theaters. It’s about a college professor named Walter who comes home from a business trip to find two people living in his apartment. It turns out, both Walter and the squatters are victims of the same scam - someone rented Walter's apartment to these people while he was away. Unlikely though it sounds, Walter ends up inviting them to stick around. It’s not until later that he realizes his new roommates are illegal immigrants.

It's not surprising that a U.S. filmmaker would choose to tackle the immigration issue in today’s political climate. But critic Aaron Beatty says Tom McCarthy – unlike some directors - expresses his views on the issue without making it too heavy-handed. Aaron writes reviews for the Connecticut Valley Spectator, and he joined Word of Mouth host Virginia Prescott to talk about the film.

"The Visitor" is coming to theaters in Concord and Wilton on May 9th, and to Conway Village on the 16th.