Rajita Raj

This is an intelligent and nuanced film highlighting the complex overlapping layers between self and society. It Sheds light on the complexities surrounding disconnection, alienation, madness within modernity . Focusing on themes of gender, race, history, trauma, migration, identity. I thought Laurent and Rama offered subtle, rich and believable performances. Watching a film where 2 Senegal women are multidimensional protagonists was refreshing to see. Also the camera flitting between protagonists and the predominately white audience, jurors spouting racist unconscious bias, ( Wittgenstein, logic vs sorcery) and Laurent’s “clarity” to accept forces she doesn’t know with unapologetic demeanour was clever. Who is being othered here ? This excellent direction also juxtaposes questions of individual vs society responsibility. East and West. Is rearing a child solely the women’s responsibility?. Here there is demonisation of the third world woman, or perhaps it’s more complex!!!! Perhaps White, patriarchal, feminist modernity that has abused neglected ,colonised the Black woman may be implicated . Taboo subjects of maternal detachment, loss of identity of new mothers , child rearing and the impact of trauma, isolation of mothering are unearthed. The film also raises intergenerational trauma bonds between individuals , communities and society’s ( countries bonded by Imperialism and colonisation). The film expands from the binary to complexity. It raises these issues beautifully. However, and sadly I felt disconnected watching this film. The story played with ideas through narrative, camera direction rather than showcasing the depth of the characters experiences. The “personal” got lost amongst the weighty themes. Maybe, the director was grappling with too many themes or maybe the point was to a feel disconnected, off balance, as a viewer. Can we truly know anyone, their story, motivations fully - Raising the issue, that truth lies within our own subjective ( biased) perception, therefore is always partial …incomplete. Overall, this was definitely a refreshing, intelligent, well crafted film —-but could be more engaging, more gripping by expanding on personal stories.