Written and directed by Embeth Davidtz in her feature directorial debut, this South African drama is based on Alexandra Fuller’s 2001 memoir about the experiences of her White Zimbabwean family following the Rhodesian Bush War and during the country’s first ‘free’ election in 1980.
I was a bit wary before watching this as I thought it might be biased towards a white person’s viewpoint and because the story is seen through the eyes of the main character, eight year old Bobo. She is a bit of annoying brat until towards the end, but that is no surprise as her mother, Nicola, is an uncaring alcoholic. But, with terrific performances by Davidtz as Nicola and especially Lexi Venter as Bobo, I was able to get past the unlikability of the characters.
I would have liked a little more fleshing out of the political backdrop but Davidtz gives an honest view. The white characters are mostly hard to like, making it clear how oppressive their rule was, without being completely demonised. She also avoids sanctifying the black characters whilst making it clear the economic and social deprivation they were subjected to.
This is an interesting look at a complicated and turbulent period, and a touching family drama.
Rating: 7 out of 10