By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 2 cats
Director: Embeth Davidtz
Starring: Andreas Damm | Embeth Davidtz | Ilana Cilliers | Judy Ditchfield | Zikhona Bali
Year: 2024
Running time: 98
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32944883/reference/
Diane says: “I was eager to see this film, having read Alexandra Fuller’s 2001 memoir when it came out. It’s a story of the end of British colonialism in Africa through the eyes of a young girl, Bobo.
“Director/screenwriter Embeth Davidtz also plays Bobo’s mother, a manic depressive alcoholic fiercely protective of her farm in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe.
“My major problem is Davidtz’ approach to Bobo as the filter of the story. She employs a lot of narration in the voice of the 7-year-old lead, Lexie Venter, especially at the beginning of the film. This threw me right at the start–in her isolation, who would she be addressing?–and I wish Davidtz had handled it differently. How about show, don’t tell?
“From the days before the election of President Mugabe to the Fuller family driving away from their farm forever, the supreme irony of Bobo’s situation and lack of insight seemed stronger in the book. Venter is excellent in the role though. 2 cats, but if you don’t have preconceptions you might like it better.
“Screened at Telluride-by-the-Sea.”
Tom M. says: “What a title too? Davidtz has been in everything–even SCHINDLER’S LIST–and yet you hardly remember any standouts (OK, ARMT OF DARKNESS and perhaps, speaking of small, low-budget films, JUNEBUG). It’s her debut. The story narrative reminds me some of the the under appreciated, 2009 Claire Denis film, WHITE MATERIAL.”
Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight