Outsourced: A Cultural Rollercoaster

So, folks, let’s chat about “Outsourced,” a film that feels like a comfy, well-worn sweater with a few surprising holes. Directed by John Jeffcoat, it stars the charming Josh Hamilton as Todd, our fish out of water in bustling Mumbai. What a wild ride he’s on—kind of like trying surströmming for the first time but halfway around the world.

Watching Todd stumble and adapt to his new life in India is both hilarious and heartwarming. I mean, we’ve all been there, haven’t we? First day at a new job, feeling like you’ve accidentally wandered onto the wrong planet. The familiar faces in the film, from the talented Ayesha Dharker, who plays Asha, to the underappreciated Asif Basra, bring such warmth to the otherwise unfamiliar setting.

Now, Jeffcoat doesn’t shy away from the culture shock Todd experiences. He really lets the sights and sounds of India take center stage, like a symphony of chaos. I remember my own little “outsourcing” experience years ago. I was at a film festival in Umeå, surrounded by unfamiliar filmmakers. Same thing, different context: overwhelming but ultimately rewarding. I spent the first half of that weekend feeling like an alien and the next half making friends for life, fueled by brown bag lunches and crunchy knäckebröd.

The film does stumble a bit, though, trying to balance humor and cultural commentary. Some jokes didn’t quite land for me, like when you miss the salt wen seasoning köttbullar. But honestly, that’s life, isn’t it? You win some, you lose some.

For anyone who’s ever felt like a fish out of water, “Outsourced” offers both laughter and insight. Pour yourself a coffee, sit back, and give it a whirl. Skål!

Check the trailer below