Movie of the Day: On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (2024) by Rungano Nyoni
- dailyentertainment95
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/on-becoming-a-guinea-fowl (US), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/on-becoming-a-guinea-fowl (UK)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32083311/
About movie: https://a24films.com/films/on-becoming-a-guinea-fowl
Detailed Summary :On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a 2024 black comedy-drama directed by Rungano Nyoni. The film follows Shula, a young woman who discovers her uncle's body on a remote road in Zambia. As funeral proceedings commence, Shula and her cousins confront long-buried family secrets, particularly surrounding their uncle's history of abuse. The narrative delves into themes of generational trauma, societal silence, and the complexities of familial relationships within a patriarchal society.
Plot Summary: After attending a costume party, Shula stumbles upon her uncle Fred's lifeless body. Her indifferent reaction sets the tone for the film's exploration of suppressed emotions and hidden truths. As the family gathers for the funeral, underlying tensions surface, revealing a history of abuse perpetrated by the deceased. Shula and her cousin Nsansa confront these revelations, challenging the family's inclination to maintain appearances and silence.
Director's Vision: Rungano Nyoni aims to depict the unspoken traumas that permeate families and societies. Through a blend of surreal imagery and dark humor, she highlights the mechanisms of denial and the courage required to confront painful truths. Nyoni's direction emphasizes the contrast between public rituals and private anguish, shedding light on the resilience of women who challenge oppressive norms.
Themes:
Generational Trauma: The film examines how abuse and silence can perpetuate cycles of trauma within families, affecting multiple generations.
Patriarchy and Silence: It critiques the societal structures that prioritize male reputations over the well-being of women, often leading to the suppression of abuse allegations.
Confrontation and Catharsis: The narrative emphasizes the importance of confronting painful histories to achieve personal and collective healing.
Surrealism and Reality: Nyoni employs surreal elements to underscore the dissonance between societal expectations and individual experiences.
Key Success Factors:
Compelling Performances: Susan Chardy's portrayal of Shula brings depth and nuance to the character's internal struggles.
Innovative Storytelling: The film's blend of dark comedy and surrealism offers a unique approach to discussing serious themes.
Cultural Authenticity: By setting the story in Zambia and incorporating local customs, the film provides an authentic representation of its context.
Critical Acclaim: Recognition at international film festivals has bolstered the film's reputation and visibility.
Summary Short: On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a poignant exploration of familial secrets and societal silence, presented through a blend of dark humor and surreal imagery. It follows Shula as she navigates the complexities of grief, trauma, and the courage to confront the past.
Awards and Nominations: The film has garnered critical acclaim, including:
Cannes Film Festival 2024:
Winner: Un Certain Regard – Best Director (Rungano Nyoni)
Nominee: Un Certain Regard – Best Film
British Independent Film Awards 2024:
Winner: Best Director (Rungano Nyoni)
Winner: Breakthrough Performance (Susan Chardy)
Nominations: Best British Independent Film, Best Screenplay, Best Casting, Best Supporting Performance (Elizabeth Chisela)
Critics Reception:
The Guardian: Described the film as "an oblique, intensely self-aware and often seriocomically strange family drama about sexual abuse," noting its blend of surreal imagery with serious subject matter.
The New Yorker: Highlighted the film's exploration of "buried trauma and generational alienation," praising its portrayal of the tension between private anguish and public ceremony.
AP News: Called it "a darkly comedic, stylish and hauntingly bizarre portrait of a Zambian family funeral," emphasizing its powerful depiction of generational trauma.
Overall Summary: Critics have lauded the film for its bold storytelling, compelling performances, and its unflinching examination of difficult themes within a culturally rich context.
Reviews:
Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a strong rating, with critics praising its narrative depth and visual storytelling.
Letterboxd: Users commend the film's unique approach to storytelling and its emotional resonance.
Overall Summary: Audiences appreciate the film's innovative blend of genres and its heartfelt exploration of complex issues.
Box Office: As of the latest reports, the film has grossed approximately $188,709 worldwide, reflecting its limited release and niche appeal.
Production: Filmed in Zambia, the UK, and Ireland, the production faced challenges in authentically portraying the cultural setting while addressing universal themes. The collaboration between international production companies facilitated a rich and nuanced portrayal of the story.
Production Companies:
A24: United States
Fremantle Media: United Kingdom
BBC Films: United Kingdom
Element Pictures: Ireland
Sales Companies:
A24: United StatesResponsible for international sales and distribution, leveraging their platform to promote the film globally.
Distribution Companies:
Picturehouse Entertainment: United Kingdom and IrelandManaged the film's theatrical release in the UK and Ireland, ensuring it reached a broad audience.
Release Dates:
Streaming: Available for digital rental or purchase on major platforms like Amazon and Apple TV as of April 8, 2025.
Theatrical Release: Premiered in limited US theaters on December 13, 2024, with an expansion on March 7, 2025.
Why to Recommend This Movie:
Timely Themes:Addresses issues of abuse and silence that resonate with contemporary societal conversations.
Cultural Insight:Offers a window into Zambian customs and familial structures, enriching viewers' understanding.
Artistic Merit:Combines compelling storytelling with striking visuals and innovative direction.
Why to Watch This Movie:
Emotional Depth: Provides a heartfelt exploration of personal and collective trauma.
Unique Narrative Style: Blends surrealism with realism to create a distinctive cinematic experience.
Strong Performances: Features powerful portrayals that bring authenticity to complex characters.
What Movie Trend Film is Following:
Social Realism: The film aligns with a trend of socially conscious cinema that tackles pressing societal issues through personal narratives.
What Big Social Trend is Following:
#MeToo Movement:Reflects the global reckoning with sexual abuse and the importance of speaking out against systemic silence.
Final Verdict:On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a compelling and thought-provoking film that masterfully intertwines personal trauma with broader societal critiques. Rungano Nyoni's direction offers a unique voice in contemporary cinema, making this film a significant contribution to discussions on abuse, silence, and resilience.
Recommendations for Filmmakers:
Embrace Authenticity in Storytelling: Ensuring cultural and social authenticity allows narratives to resonate more deeply with diverse audiences.
Use Surrealism to Enhance Themes: Blending surreal imagery with grounded drama can provide a fresh perspective on complex issues.
Develop Multi-Layered Characters: Characters with depth and nuance create emotional connections that linger with viewers.
Maintain Cultural Specificity with Universal Appeal: While rooted in a specific cultural context, the film’s themes of silence, trauma, and resilience have universal relevance, making them accessible to a global audience.
Recommendations for the Movie Industry:
Support Diverse Voices and Perspectives: Encourage projects from filmmakers of underrepresented backgrounds to bring fresh narratives to the forefront.
Promote Films Addressing Critical Issues: Films like On Becoming a Guinea Fowl that tackle systemic abuse and societal silence should be championed for their educational and cultural value.
Invest in International Co-Productions: Collaborating across borders allows for richer storytelling and broader distribution.
Amplify Festival Favorites: Building momentum from critical acclaim at festivals ensures films reach wider audiences and gain the recognition they deserve.
Final Note: On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is more than just a film; it’s a conversation starter. By addressing difficult truths with sensitivity and artistic finesse, Rungano Nyoni’s work exemplifies how cinema can challenge societal norms, inspire dialogue, and encourage cultural introspection.
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