Amira & Sam 2015

The movie unfolds in New York City during 2008, just before the onset of the Great Recession. Sam Seneca, a former Green Beret who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq, encounters Amira Jafari while visiting her uncle, Bassam Jafari, who was once Sam’s translator in Iraq. Their shared experiences in the war have forged a strong bond between Sam and Bassam.

Initially, Amira harbors distrust towards Sam, stemming from her traumatic past—her brother was killed by a bomb dropped by American forces during the conflict. After losing his job as a security guard for reprimanding some unruly patrons, Sam’s cousin, Charlie Seneca, urges him to assist with some dubious hedge fund ventures; Sam is unaware of the potential illegitimacy of Charlie’s dealings at that point. Following the death of her father, Amira is residing with Bassam, who is protective of her well-being.

Amira survives by selling bootlegged films on street corners but soon finds herself on the run after a police bust. Bassam reaches out to Sam, informing him of Amira’s predicament, and persuades him to take her in. Sam agrees and visits the apartment where Amira is staying, where she confides that returning to Iraq is too hazardous after her family aided American soldiers.

Bassam attempts to claim Amira as a dependent, but they encounter legal issues. With the threat of deportation looming over her as an undocumented immigrant, Amira, though initially hesitant, ultimately consents to stay with Sam. The two gradually bond, discovering joy in each other’s company and starting to develop romantic feelings.

At a gathering hosted by Charlie, Sam discovers unsettling information about the legality of the hedge funds he’s been involved with. Feeling uneasy, he confronts Charlie, who dismisses his concerns. That night, as they share a bed, Amira admits to reading Sam’s notebook filled with jokes, a remnant of his aspirations to be a stand-up comedian. Their conversation culminates in a kiss, though they stop short of further intimacy.

The following day, they attend a party thrown by Charlie. Sam’s suspicions deepen regarding Charlie’s hedge fund operations, while Amira experiences prejudice from Sam’s Uncle Nick Seneca, who shares his painful memories of the September 11 attacks. Disillusioned with the party atmosphere and Charlie’s actions, Sam decides to leave, resulting in a brief altercation with Charlie. In the chaos, Amira accidentally strikes Charlie’s pregnant wife, Claire Seneca.

After retreating to Sam’s apartment, they share a passionate moment and consummate their relationship. However, their joy is short-lived as police arrive the next morning to arrest Amira for allegedly assaulting Claire. At the station, Bassam learns Amira is marked for deportation due to her illegal status. Despite Charlie’s initial willingness to intervene, Sam realizes the consequences are dire.

That night, Amira calls Sam from jail, professing her love and requesting one final day together. The next day, Sam visits their apartment, where Bassam reveals plans to return to Iraq with Amira for her protection, but Amira insists on spending her last day with Sam.

They embrace the day with fervor, culminating in a moment where Amira encourages Sam to perform stand-up comedy. He succeeds on stage and, in a heartfelt gesture, professes his love to Amira in Arabic, proposing they escape together. Amira eagerly accepts, though they have no specific destination in mind.

Ultimately, as Charlie’s hedge fund plans fail without Sam’s involvement, the couple leaves a note for Bassam, conveying their decision to flee New York City to evade Amira’s deportation. With Bassam’s understanding and support, Sam and Amira embark on their journey together, looking forward to a hopeful future.