Housekeeping for Beginners follows Dita, who must raise her girlfriend’s two daughters, despite never wanting to be a mother.
Set in a villa outside Skopje, North Macedonia, the film explores love, family, and identity within a queer context. It premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival and won the Queer Lion.
Setting and Context
The story unfolds in a villa near Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital. This villa becomes a refuge for a diverse group of characters. These include queer individuals and Roma, who face marginalization in a traditional society. The film’s visual style, with handheld camera work and subtitles, immerses viewers in the chaotic yet intimate dynamics of a multigenerational household. The setting is both a sanctuary and a battleground, reflecting the characters’ struggles against societal norms and personal demons.
The villa’s atmosphere is vibrant and full of life. It serves as a microcosm of a larger world where acceptance and rejection coexist. The characters find solace and conflict within its walls, making it a pivotal element of the narrative. The villa’s physical and emotional space allows the characters to explore their identities and relationships in a safe yet challenging environment.
Plot Overview
Dita, the protagonist, unexpectedly becomes responsible for her girlfriend’s two daughters. This new role challenges her, as she never wanted to be a mother. The film explores her journey of navigating this responsibility while grappling with her own identity and desires. The story is a touching exploration of family dynamics, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of an unconventional family striving to stay together.
The film introduces a cast of characters, each with their own stories and struggles. Dita, played by Anamaria Marinca, is the central figure. Suada, portrayed by Alina Serban, and Ali, played by Samson Selim, are key characters whose journeys intertwine with Dita’s. Their relationships create a rich tapestry that reflects the not effortless at allities of love and belonging.
As the plot unfolds, viewers witness the characters’ growth and transformation. Dita’s initial reluctance to embrace her role as a mother figure evolves into a deeper understanding of love and responsibility. The film captures her emotional journey, making it a compelling narrative about self-discovery and acceptance.
Themes and Character Development
One of the central themes is “found family”. The film portrays how individuals from diverse backgrounds can form meaningful connections, often in the absence of traditional family structures. This theme resonates within the queer community, where chosen families provide support and love in a world that may not accept them.
Dita’s character embodies the struggle between personal aspirations and the responsibilities of caring for others. Initially reluctant, her journey reflects her gradual acceptance of love in its many forms. The film captures her transformation as she learns to navigate the not effortless at allities of parenting, love, and self-acceptance.
The film also addresses the intersectionality of identity. Characters grapple with their ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations in a society that often marginalizes them. This nuanced portrayal adds depth to the narrative, allowing viewers to engage with the characters’ struggles on multiple levels. The villa symbolizes both a sanctuary and a battleground for these characters as they confront societal norms and personal demons.
Cinematic Techniques
Director Goran Stolevski’s choices enhance the film’s emotional impact. Handheld cameras create an intimate atmosphere, drawing viewers into the characters’ lives. This technique allows the audience to experience the raw emotions that permeate the story. Subtitles emphasize the film’s international scope and the diverse backgrounds of its characters, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The film’s pacing and structure reflect the chaotic nature of the household it depicts. Viewers are thrust into the action without a clear roadmap, mirroring the characters’ experiences. This approach deepens the audience’s connection to the characters and their struggles. The film’s visual style and narrative structure work together to create an immersive and emotionally resonant experience.
Summary
Housekeeping for Beginners is a heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and family life. Through rich character development and thematic depth, the film invites viewers to reflect on belonging and how individuals create families beyond traditional definitions. Stolevski weaves together the personal and political, resulting in a narrative that is both intimate and universally resonant.
The film’s exploration of queer identity and found family resonates deeply in today’s societal landscape. It stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in illuminating the diverse experiences of marginalized communities. Housekeeping for Beginners is a significant contribution to contemporary cinema, offering a poignant and timely reflection on love and acceptance.