

Movie spotlight
Buoyancy
An innocent Cambodian boy is sold to a Thai broker and enslaved on a fishing trawler. As fellow slaves are tortured and murdered around him, he starts to wonder if his only hope of freedom is to become as violent as his captors.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young Cambodian refugee, Chakra, is forced into a life of servitude on a Thai fishing trawler after his father disappears. He endures brutal conditions and exploitation while dreaming of returning home. Chakra must find the strength and resilience to survive the harsh realities of modern slavery at sea.
Critical Reception
Buoyancy received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful and unflinching portrayal of modern-day slavery. Critics lauded its raw honesty, compelling performances, and the directorial vision of Rodney Brooks in bringing attention to a significant human rights issue.
What Reviewers Say
A harrowing and important film that sheds light on the grim reality of human trafficking in Southeast Asia.
Features a standout performance from Sami Ibrahim, who carries the emotional weight of the film.
Praised for its authentic depiction of the grueling conditions faced by victims.
Google audience: Audiences found 'Buoyancy' to be a deeply moving and eye-opening film, commending its realistic portrayal of a difficult subject matter. Many viewers were struck by the emotional impact and the importance of the story being told.
Awards & Accolades
Won the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at the Berlin International Film Festival (2019), and received numerous other nominations and awards at international film festivals.
Fun Fact
Director Rodney Brooks spent years researching and speaking with survivors of human trafficking to ensure the film's authenticity and respectful portrayal of their experiences.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources