On Becoming a Guinea Fowl

The film concludes on a somber and unresolved note, emphasizing the ongoing cycle of silence and denial surrounding sexual violence within the family and society. After the revelation of Uncle Fred’s heinous acts, the family members seem more focused on protecting their own interests, such as inheritance, rather than seeking justice or confronting the trauma. The involuntary widow, now free from her marriage, faces the difficult reality of figuring out how to support her children while society turns a blind eye to her suffering. The film does not offer a neat resolution; instead, it leaves viewers with a reflective space to consider how such issues persist in many communities. The silence, much like the loud, constant calls of the guinea fowl, underscores how many people are aware of abuse but choose to remain silent to avoid conflict or shame. The ending challenges viewers to think about their own role in breaking the cycle of denial and advocating for change, highlighting that justice remains elusive for many victims of sexual violence. Ultimately, the story closes with a haunting reminder that the problems of secrecy, complicity, and suppressed trauma are deeply ingrained, and that real progress requires ongoing awareness and action.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44