On Becoming a Guinea Fowl: A Story of Family, Culture, and Self-Discovery

A Reserved Heroine in a World of Quiet Turmoil

Shula, the enigmatic protagonist of On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, is a woman of few words but immense depth. Played by the captivating newcomer Susan Chardy, Shula is introduced as a reserved and introspective figure, seemingly uneasy with bold gestures or emotional displays. Her composure is both elegant and guarded, a shield she has honed to navigate the complexities of her world. recently returned to her suburban family home in Zambia, Shula appears content to keep to herself, preferring the solitude of her thoughts to the noise of others. Yet, life has other plans for her. When she stumbles upon the corpse of her Uncle Fred, her quiet existence is shattered, thrusting her into a tangled web of family secrets, cultural expectations, and unresolved traumas.

A Discovery That Upends Everything

The film’s turning point occurs on a fateful night when Shula, draped in a glittering silver headpiece and a flowing black jumpsuit, encounters Uncle Fred’s lifeless body on the road. The scene is both surreal and jarring, with Shula’s striking appearance contrasting starkly with the grim reality of the moment. As she steps out of her car to examine the body, her detachment begins to crack, revealing flickers of vulnerability. The mysterious girl who briefly appears near the corpse only adds to the enigma, leaving Shula—and the audience—unsettled. This discovery sets off a chain of events that forces Shula to confront the complexities of her family, her past, and her place within a culture steeped in tradition.

Family, Culture, and the Weight of the Past

As Shula delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding Uncle Fred’s death, she finds herself drawn into a world of family dynamics, cultural rituals, and long-buried secrets. Director Rungano Nyoni, who also helmed the critically acclaimed I Am Not a Witch, explores these themes with a keen eye for detail and a sensitivity that borders on the anthropological. The funeral that follows Fred’s death becomes a microcosm of Shula’s world, blending moments of humor, pathos, and revelation. Mourners flood the family home, bringing with them their own stories, grievances, and expectations. Among them are Shula’s cousins, Nsansa and Bupe, whose raw, emotional truths add layers to the narrative.

The Funeral as a Reflection of Life

The funeral itself is a masterfully choreographed sequence, oscillating between the intimate and the theatrical. The women of the family transform the house into a stage, their mourning rituals becoming a performance of grief, solidarity, and even subtle power struggles. Shula, caught in the crossfire of these dynamics, alternates between observant detachment and forced participation. Her reluctance to engage is palpable, yet she cannot entirely escape the pull of tradition and family obligation. Nyoni’s camera captures these moments with a steady, unobtrusive gaze, allowing the viewer to absorb the richness of the scene without feeling overwhelmed.

Shula’s Journey Toward Self-Realization

At the heart of On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is Shula’s quiet yet compelling journey of self-discovery. Her reserved nature makes her an intriguing, if sometimes frustrating, protagonist. She maintains her composure even as the world around her grows increasingly chaotic, but this facade begins to crumble as the truth about her family’s past emerges. Nyoni’s storytelling is deliberate and measured, allowing Shula’s transformation to unfold gradually. By the film’s end, Shula is forced to confront her own vulnerabilities and the weight of her inheritance, leading to a cathartic release of emotions that leaves both her and the audience transformed.

A Film of Nuance and Resonance

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a quietly powerful exploration of family, culture, and identity. Nyoni’s direction is both observant and empathetic, capturing the intricate details of Shula’s world with a sensitivity that feels deeply personal. The film’s pacing is deliberate, mirroring Shula’s own cautious approach to life, and the performances are nuanced, with Chardy delivering a standout portrayal of a woman navigating the complexities of her world. While the themes are heavy, the film never feels oppressive, thanks to its balanced tone and the subtle humor that underscores even the most painful moments. Ultimately, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a story about the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of truth, even in the face of silence and tradition.