“The Long Goodbye” (2020) by Aneil Karia

An acclaimed short film set in an imagined alt-right nightmare of Britain

‘The Long Goodbye’ begins with scenes that we, in the subcontinent, are accustomed to. Preparations for a wedding are underway in the home of a South Asian immigrant family. There is anticipation, celebration, confusion and chaos. The family members are bickering with each other, girls teasing the bride-to-be while the boys struggle to get a chair out of the way. Suddenly this ordinary, everyday existence turns into a horrific nightmare that will make your stomach turn.

The film is based on an imagined radical right wing in Britain so what unfolds in the story is not true but it feels rather close to reality. Those who are familiar with Riz Ahmed will notice how this film fits neatly into his oeuvre. His art, as an actor and rapper, comes with a strong political DNA. His creative voice derives power from his own lived experience. For those who are new to Riz Ahmed, this film can serve as an interesting entry point to this powerhouse of talent.