On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (3 stars out of 4)
Made in Zambia by director Rungano Nyoni, “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” is a compelling if deceptive exploration of culture and family dynamics.
The film opens late at night as the protagonist, a young woman named Shula (Susan Chardy), is driving home from a costume party. Her absurd dress—similar to the bulbous “Sumo” suits popular with sports mascots—makes the situation that much more jarring when she comes across a dead body lying in the middle of the road.
Shula’s stoic reaction to the encounter becomes even stranger when we learn that the deceased is her Uncle Fred (Roy Chisha). Then things take another comic turn when Shula calls her father for help, and he instead sends Shula’s drunkard cousin Nsansa (Elizabeth Chisela) to assist with the situation.
But this tone is not to last. Shula’s late-night encounter becomes the catalyst for much more substantial content and themes once authorities and family descend on the area. We watch as Shula’s expansive extended family gather to mourn, and encounters with Nsansa and a younger cousin named Bupe (Esther Singini) reveal a dark and shared history with the deceased. Ultimately “Guinea Fowl” becomes a much different movie than you might expect from its opening act.
It’s difficult to unpack much of Nyoni’s effort without revealing too much of a story that is better experienced than summarized. Suffice to say, the story gets progressively darker, and Shula’s stoicism becomes less a personality trait and more of an understandable reaction to an event that provides both pain and closure. “Guinea Fowl” also acts as a thoughtful exploration of family dynamics, and a window into Zamibian culture that will be engaging to international audiences.
Certain aspects of the film stand out more than others. The slow and contemplative mood can feel a bit too slow at times, even if questions about the story do eventually find resolution. There are great moments of cinematography and shot design, such as a critical moment where we see Shula on the phone with her father late in the film and only see her feet.
I won’t lie; at a certain point I felt like “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” was a bit of a bait-and-switch. The comic tone of the opening got my hopes up for a “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” experience, and even though the film to come carried plenty of weight and meaning, I’ll probably file “Guinea Fowl” along “A Beautiful Mind” on my mental shelf for movies good movies that left me feeling a bit too manipulated. But its merits are too substantial to justify a grudge.
“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” is a meaningful and impactful movie. You should just know beforehand what you’re getting into.
“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” is rated PG-13 for adult themes and descriptions of adult subject matter.