Movies

A24’s On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a harrowing look at voiceless abuse survivors

BBG News


 

In the stillness of night on a remote road in Zambia, the protagonist, Shula (Susan Chardy), is returning home from a friend’s party. En route, she encounters an unconscious man in the street – her uncle, Fred, who tragically has passed away. Instead of a dramatic response from Shula upon this grim discovery, there’s an unexpected calmness as she calls her father to break the sad news. In Rungano Nyoni’s film On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, it seems that many of Shula’s female cousins share her composed demeanor, leading viewers to ponder if Fred was a villain or if there were dark secrets hidden from them for years.

Over the course of the narrative, more and more information about Fred’s troubling character emerges, revealing the extent of his terrible personality traits. The shocking truth is that his inappropriate actions have been accepted as normal for a long time. Unfortunately, many family members were aware of these unforgivable acts but chose to look the other way. As a result, the women who suffered sexual abuse at the hands of their late uncle began to view such behavior as commonplace. Even the older relatives failed to take any action against it.

Watching “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” is both distressing and insightful. Instead of shielding the women in the family from their uncle’s predatory actions, his behavior was ignored. This sexist atmosphere, where multiple women were subjected to such cultural practices, led many survivors to remain silent for years. Some even make jovial remarks about their harrowing experiences, unaware of any alternative. The film is a hard hit, as it reveals that this abusive man never faced accountability for the trauma he inflicted on these women and is idolized by some family members. In the film, Shula arranges Fred’s eulogy, praising him to a funeral staff member as an exceptional man. However, her expressions betray the internal anger she feels at painting a rosy picture of her deceased uncle that bears little resemblance to reality.

At the heart of this narrative lies Shula, a woman with a rich travel background, having encountered various cultural and geographical landscapes. She speaks English with a distinctive British accent. As Shula reveals the harrowing tales of her cousins’ ordeals, it becomes evident that she is both enraged and pained by their experiences. Shula finds herself in a challenging position, torn between advocating for justice and adapting to her family’s steadfast perspective on life, which lies beyond her control.

Chardy brilliantly embodies Shula throughout the movie, holding the narrative together seamlessly from beginning to end. It’s impressive considering the film tackles heavy themes and requires a nuanced portrayal of a troubled character. She manages to convey subtle hints of anger and frustration without overpowering the role, delivering a quiet yet impactful performance. The other actors are equally commendable. Each character in the story represents different ways survivors of abuse cope with and process their trauma. Some remain silent due to fear or shame, while others weigh the potential repercussions of speaking up.

Following the end of “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl”, I found myself eager to explore their habits since they are known as social and vocal birds that are quick to protect themselves. This characteristic was evident in the film’s closing scene, which resonated with a quote from Rose in Titanic: “It’s like I’m yelling in a crowded room, but no one seems to notice.” The irony lies in the fact that these birds are loud, yet in “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl”, many of the female characters seem to remain silent. When they do speak out, it seems as though their words fall on deaf ears.

Despite some flaws in the movie “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl“, such as uneven storytelling that occasionally causes uneven pacing and abrupt shifts, it remains a powerfully engaging film. The narrative centers around survivors of sexual abuse who find it difficult to come forward due to the casual acceptance of such acts by those close to them, prioritizing the protection of the perpetrator’s reputation instead. It is heart-wrenching to observe and alarmingly common in today’s society.

 4/5

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2025-03-13 19:14

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