[1] It tells the story of a couple: Julie Summers, a white woman from a financially secure family, and Abdu, an illegal Arab immigrant in South Africa.

After Abdu's visa is refused, the couple returns to his unnamed homeland, where she is the alien.

The Pickup considers the issues of displacement, alienation, and immigration, class and economic power, religious faith, and the ability of people to see and love across these divides.

In a busy South African street, Julie Summers' car breaks down.

In the airport of an unnamed Arab country Julie and Abdu pass through the usual paperwork.