by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Africa is probably one of the most unfamiliar regions of cinema for American audiences. Mati Diop is a rising star, with films like Atlantics and Dahomey, and South African Neill Blomkamp made a splashes in 2009 with District 9, but there are plenty more African voices out there looking to be discovered. Rungano Nyoni certainly will be getting attention with her comedy, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl.
This film balances of humor and drama in a way that makes for a unique and engrossing cinematic experience. First off, it has a crisp feeling which brings to life its Bemba culture. Its colors are rich, striking, and engrossing.
The film employs a specific style as well. From the beginning, we are introduced to our protagonist, Shula (Susan Chardy), wearing quite an interesting combo of sunglasses and headwear. This sets a specific tone, which is able to bring the laughs. Plenty of funny moments highlight the characters’ interactions and behavior.
But what is more impressive is how Nyoni balances humor with his heavy themes. On Becoming a Guinea Fowl tackles serious issues like sexual assault and abuse, but it does so with raw authenticity and tact. Plus, the film features some strange storytelling elements, with abstract moments, including a powerful final shot, which ties so much of the film together.
This film features a slice-of-life narrative as it navigates the day-to-day lives of Shula and her family, but it is still anchored down by the strange inciting incident. Shula wanders upon the corpse of her dead uncle, and it is found by her quirky and wildly spirited cousin. This sets in motion an emotionally arresting journey of uncovering truths, and the lengths to which people (especially a community or family) will go to keep certain things under wrap. Nyoni is so talented with her writing, as she genuinely and engagingly captures people’s true nature. We witness how sisterly bonds can bring comfort to those who have been through so much, but also how people focus on their own selfish needs in the shadow of others suffering. The film’s final sequence is telling, as the community navigates the loss of their own. There are vultures looking for their own gain, as well as others who distance themselves from the horror. A few creative moments in the storytelling drive home its themes, with the purpose of the titular bird in its ecosystem driving home their impact.
But despite plenty of memorable supporting roles, Chardy’s anchoring performance is the key to the whole film working. Stoic and distant, Shula begins in complete control of herself, but at a distance from others around her. We fully understand her character from the strange opening sequence on a dark road at night. Chardy is an alluring and compelling lead. But the evolution of her character, and the emotion she displays, drive home this performance. As the truth is brought to light, and Shula is in a place to connect with her family, we see Chardy crack open her hardened exterior and pour out some emotion.
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a beautiful and heartbreaking experience that offers up plenty of laughs, while honoring its sensitive subject matter. Bolstered by Chardy’s star-making performance, the film could really make an impact on those who seek it out.
Rating: Loved It
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is currently playing in theaters
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