A poignant, visually stunning, powerfully acted, and introspective coming-of-age film that serves as thought-provoking social critique.
The story, titled Carissa, centers around a young woman who’s figuring out life in a tiny Cedarberg town. She confronts the challenges and societal problems of rural living, striving to leave her grandmother’s home behind by venturing towards the tranquil rooibos plantation on her grandfather’s mountain retreat.
In simpler terms, the first-time directorial effort of Devon Delmar and Jason Jacobs titled as a feature film showcases a documentary-like realism, focusing on a South African community using a family, a golf estate, and job prospects as its core. The movie is aesthetically pleasing, filmed in an unusual aspect ratio with static framing that results in a sequence of captivating images, resembling a series of moving photographs. These captures beautifully portray artistic and poetic instances. Furthermore, the performances are realistic, especially from Gretchen Ramsden who delivers an outstanding lead role.
Delmar and Jacobs help Carissa live an authentic experience that reflects her real-life journey as she navigates the world, feeling disillusioned by her circumstances and seeking solace in her smartphone. She tends to avoid life’s responsibilities, exhibiting a rebellious attitude as she challenges the status quo and attempts to break free from her current situation.
The documentary-style approach maintains a realistic and engaging atmosphere, while its artistic touch and cinematic beauty give it an introspective and rhythmic tone. As a drama portraying everyday life with kitchen-sink social realism, these two contrasting elements create an intriguing sense of tension. The photographic journalism in the film enhances the character development, making it both a captivating exploration of characters and a depiction of a South African community. It showcases the subtleties of the culture through Carissa’s perspective, offering poignant moments ranging from rustic architecture to breathtaking landscapes.
“Head in the clouds, nowhere to go.”
In a nutshell, “Carissa” is a visually stunning film that delves into social issues, yet its highly artistic photography may at times make viewers feel somewhat detached. The actors and the community deliver heartfelt, authentic performances, grounding this humble drama. The filmmakers also craft some impressive cinematic scenes of excellence.
This drama is cleverly crafted, sensitive, and filled with thoughtful nuances. Although it’s visually captivating and nostalgic, there’s an underlying emotional depth that speaks to homegrown values and social concerns. However, the storytelling can occasionally feel disjointed, as the dialogue appears spontaneous at times, and not all plot points seamlessly connect. Furthermore, there are frequent shifts in cinematography, which can be somewhat disruptive, and many characters maintain a detached demeanor, making it challenging to peek into their private lives.
In simpler terms, although this work has a strong focus on visual appeal, deep social analysis, and authenticity, its storyline can sometimes feel disjointed. The characters seem detached, and while their conversations are natural and believable, they don’t always come together to form a seamless cinematic experience. Despite the film’s realistic depiction being engaging, it lacks enough relatable moments that allow viewers to fully connect with the main character emotionally.
The film “Carissa” is a commendable effort, brimming with aspects worthy of praise. It boasts some compelling scenes and provides a profound exploration of the complexities within this unique community. However, it falls short in establishing a deep emotional bond with its main character. The movie’s portrayal of communal warmth alongside a detached perspective creates a contrast that makes “Carissa” an authentic, observational documentary depicting the growing pains and isolation felt by a young South African girl as she navigates her way through understanding her role in society.
The bottom line: Poetic
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2025-09-12 12:43