Written and directed by Rungano Nyoni, A24’s On Becoming A Guinea Fowl is a quietly stunning Zambian black comedy that transports viewers halfway around the world to an unfamiliar culture of the Western world. However, the family dynamics from the fallout to the death of an uncle will resonate with most people. How it is revealed, though, can be comically jarring. On an empty road in the middle of the night, the main character, Shula, stumbles across her uncle’s body on the side of the road. She calls multiple family members and is greeted by a confused father over the phone and a snarky cousin. The absurdity only masks the complicated family relationships.
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As the plot of On Becoming A Guinea Fowl progresses, the story has unpredictable moments in unexpected places. Death comes cruelly to the family, and we witness what feels like an onslaught of mourning rituals as grief takes over. You can feel the sadness lingering with the extended family, but awkwardness abounds. Subtle moments between characters reveal the societal and family tension in the ritual. As funeral proceedings begin around them, multiple cousins reveal an upsetting secret that will not stay buried with the uncle, and the dark comedy becomes more of a drama. The guinea fowls projected on the television screens serve as a metaphor for the situation with the family.
Winner of the Un Certain Regard: Best Director at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the strength of On Becoming A Guinea Fowl relies on the delicate direction of Rungano Nyoni. She understands the setting and low-key commands on the screen with the actresses and very nuanced tonal shifts. Though deliberately a slower-paced filmmaking technique, Rungano Nyoni focuses on balancing a somber and comedic tone. It is an impressive feat that should please cinephiles looking to branch out during a slower time of year. My first viewing of last year’s Denver Film Festival was slightly detached but felt more vibrant on a repeat viewing. On Becoming A Guinea Fowl is something special that a few critics will mention on their year-end best lists.
