Metacritic reviews

Has its share of clichés and contrivances. Fortunately, compensation is provided by strong performances by veteran actor Vincent Lindon as the coach and newcomer Firat Ayverdi as the refugee.

Shooting in Calais give Welcome a realistic atmosphere with vivid details.

Compelling, finely balanced immigration drama.

Though the issue of illegal immigration is nothing new in French cinema, Welcome makes auds care deeply for its absorbing characters.

The movie offers no simple solutions, nor even a feel-good ending, but throws a cold light on the human tragedy that underlies many of today's headlines.

Francophiles understand that Vincent Lindon's presence in any film is a bonus, as few actors know how to translate sad-eyed, macho gruffness into so many different flavors.

Heavy ironies like that drop regularly, undermining both the film's intentions and the drama.