Rungano Nyoni is the Zambian-Welsh film-maker who in 2017 had an arthouse smash with her debut, the witty and distinctive misogyny fableI Am Not a Witch. Her new film is an oblique, intensely self-aware and often seriocomically strange family drama about sexual abuse. Its final moments give us something of the magic realism that the title hints at, but its playfully and startlingly surreal images are perhaps at odds with the fundamental seriousness of what this film is about. While it’s such an intriguing idea, an almost absurdist scrutiny of what avoidance looks like and how families choreograph their collective denial, there is something a little bit contrived in it and, though always engaged, I found myself longing for some outright passion or rage or confrontation.On a dark road inZambia, Shula (Susan Chardy) is driving a car, wearing a strange sci-fi outfit. The reason for her clothes will be given later, but they give a sheen of dreamlike unreality to what happens next: she stops the car, and gets out to look at a dead body by the roadside, lying weirdly calmly, staring sightlessly upward. It is Shula’s Uncle Fred who has perhaps been dragged to this spot by the sex-worker employees of the nearby brothel where he had probably suffered a fatal seizure.The sight of her dead uncle appears to inspire a strange unemotional blankness in Shula. She tries to get her unreliable dad on the phone but he is uncooperative; her mother (Fred’s sister) is overwhelmed by intense but weirdly performative grief. Shula’s rackety, anarchic cousin Nsansa (a great performance from Elizabeth Chisela) is initially found intensely irritating by Shula but she soon finds a bond with her, chiefly when Nsansa starts telling anecdotes about what Uncle Fred tried to do to her when she was a little girl.It is up to Shula and Nsansa to help organise the elaborate funeral ceremony, and as the extent of Uncle Fred’s history of sexual violence becomes clear, almost the entire extended family – who are clearly aware of the truth at some level of consciousness – join in a bizarre displacement activity; they blame Fred’s miserable, timid widow for failing to look after him properly and accuse her and her family of being unfit to inherit his estate. Denial dovetails with an ugly grab for money.Meanwhile Shula is assailed by dream-memories of a children’s TV show she loved while growing up: a show about animals; there was a specific episode about the guinea fowl, whose squawking sound can function as an alarm warning about approaching predators. If only there was a guinea fowl to sound the alarm about Uncle Fred when he was alive.On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a complex movie whose meanings and effects are achieved indirectly, and the film shows that some of the ritualistic spectacle may not just be about denial, but also about working through emotions. That’s refreshing, when so much cinema just wants to give you everything on a plate and erase any ambiguity. But I felt that the drama could give us more, and that the excellent actor Susan Chardy herself could also have been allowed to give us more, but the film has an intelligence and a purposeful address to the audience.On Becoming a Guinea Fowl screened at theCannes film festivaland is in UK cinemas from 6 December.
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl review – Rungano Nyoni’s strange, intense tale of sexual abuse
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rungano Nyoni's 'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl' Explores Family Dynamics and Sexual Abuse"
The Guardian
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Rungano Nyoni's new film, "On Becoming a Guinea Fowl," is a striking exploration of sexual abuse and family dynamics, following the story of Shula, portrayed by Susan Chardy. The film opens with a surreal scene where Shula, dressed in an unusual sci-fi outfit, discovers the body of her Uncle Fred on a dark road in Zambia. This moment of discovery is emblematic of the film’s exploration of denial and emotional detachment within families. Shula's attempts to reach out to her father are met with resistance, while her mother exhibits a performative grief. As the narrative unfolds, Shula's cousin Nsansa, played by Elizabeth Chisela, shares troubling memories of Uncle Fred's abusive past, which brings the two cousins closer together. The film intricately weaves the theme of collective denial as the family, instead of confronting the truth about Uncle Fred’s history, shifts blame onto his widow, revealing the dynamics of avoidance and the struggle for inheritance amidst grief.
The film employs elements of magic realism and surreal imagery, prompting viewers to reflect on the complexities of family interactions and the rituals that accompany loss. Nyoni skillfully balances the absurdity of the situation with serious themes of sexual violence and denial. The film's title references a children's TV show featuring guinea fowls, which symbolize warning signs. This motif serves as a poignant reminder of the lack of protection Uncle Fred had during his life. While the film is praised for its intelligence and indirect storytelling, there is a sense that it could have delved deeper into the emotional landscape of its characters, particularly Shula, to evoke a stronger response from the audience. "On Becoming a Guinea Fowl" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is set to hit UK cinemas on December 6, offering a unique perspective on a challenging subject matter.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The review emphasizes the unique storytelling style of Rungano Nyoni, exploring themes of sexual abuse through a surreal lens. The film, while addressing serious issues, employs a dreamlike narrative that may resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
Purpose of the Article
The piece aims to introduce viewers to Nyoni's film and provoke thought about the complex themes of sexual abuse and family denial. By highlighting the film's surreal elements, the article seems to invite discussions on how art can tackle difficult subjects, suggesting that there is an important conversation to be had about the intersection of trauma and creativity.
Public Perception
The article may contribute to a growing awareness of sensitive topics like sexual abuse within families. It could foster empathy and understanding, encouraging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. The portrayal of surrealism alongside such serious content might make the film more accessible to broader audiences, enabling discussions that transcend cultural barriers.
Concealed Information
While the review focuses largely on the film's artistic approach, it does not delve deeply into specific cultural contexts or implications of sexual abuse in different societies. This could suggest a deliberate choice to keep the focus on the narrative style rather than on potentially controversial social issues that could polarize audiences.
Manipulative Aspects
The review maintains an analytical tone, but there is a subtle manipulation in how it frames the film's surrealism. By juxtaposing the intense subject matter with absurdist elements, the article might influence the audience's emotional response, potentially leading them to view the film as a more palatable exploration of trauma.
Truthfulness of the Article
The review appears to be credible, providing insights into the film's themes, characters, and stylistic choices. However, the interpretation of the film's surreal aspects could be subjective, affecting how different audiences might perceive the narrative.
Societal Implications
This film could spark conversations about sexual violence and the ways families cope with trauma, which may influence societal attitudes towards these issues. If the film gains traction, it could lead to increased advocacy for victims and a broader discussion on the importance of confronting familial abuse.
Target Audience
The film and the review seem to appeal to diverse communities, particularly those interested in independent cinema, social issues, and feminist narratives. Audiences that value art as a medium for social critique may find this film particularly compelling.
Impact on Financial Markets
While the article does not directly connect to financial markets, the cultural conversations it may inspire could indirectly influence sectors tied to social awareness, such as non-profits focused on abuse prevention or mental health services.
Global Power Dynamics
The film’s themes resonate in a global context, particularly as conversations around sexual violence gain prominence worldwide. It reflects ongoing struggles in many societies to address and confront issues of abuse, aligning with current global movements advocating for victims’ rights.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
It is unlikely that AI played a role in writing this specific review, as it reflects a nuanced understanding of the film's emotional and thematic complexities. However, AI tools could have been used in broader journalism contexts, such as data analysis on audience reception or trends in film criticism.
Manipulative Language
The review employs language that evokes curiosity and reflection but does not overtly target specific groups or individuals for criticism. Instead, it engages in a broader commentary on cultural denial, which can encourage a more comprehensive dialogue. Ultimately, the article serves to highlight significant issues within an artistic framework. By approaching sensitive subjects with a creative narrative, it encourages a dialogue that could lead to greater societal awareness and understanding.