In Zambia and everywhere else in the world, the distress of the weak is often disregarded for the sake of the community. On a dark highway, Shula stumbles across a corpse that turns out to be her mother’s brother. In preparations for the funeral, Shula and her cousins must cook for the elderly male relatives, pursue another cousin who is clearly unwell because of the dead uncle, and turn a blind eye to family members accusing the poor widow. On Becoming a Guinea Fowl may seem like a familiar coming home story, but it is Rungano Nyoni’s unapologetic and rigorous direction that makes it stand out. As repeated lies become the truth, ugly family secrets resurface and Shula’s nightmares bubble with anger. Like guinea fowls crying to warn against predators, the young women unify to protect one another. (Karen PARK)