Carissa: A Puzzle Piece of Her Life

Like tea leaves that take time to steep, this story takes a while to unfold. The film is made in the tradition of “slow cinema”, a movement that prioritises the gradual passage of time in storytelling over an action-driven plot filled with events. This gives the viewer space to reflect – on the visuals (with goats, sheep and donkeys slowly wandering in and out of frame) and on the soundtrack whose authenticity and rhythm stir emotions within you. Kudos to the sound design, editing and post-production team for achieving this.

Cinematographer Gray Kotzé’s character compositions against the breathtaking landscape recall Pierneef – and like the Dutch masters of old, Kotzé and his team know precisely when to “dip their brush into paint” to capture the perfect shot of a sunset or magical night sky. Meanwhile, lead actress Gretchen Ramsden’s performance as Carissa is stripped-down and unembellished, as if she becomes one with her environment.

Ramsden’s co-actors, Elton Landrew and Gladwin van Niekerk, deliver strong performances, while Hendrik Kriel and Wilhelmiena Hesselman, who play Carissa’s grandparents, almost outshine the more experienced cast members. Without any acting background, 73-year-old Wilhelmiena even secured a Best Supporting Actress nomination at this year’s Silwerskerm Festival.

If you expect too much from Carissa, you might be disappointed. It is not an earth-shattering story but rather a quiet tale which, like a goat nibbling at a leaf, subtly forces you to pause, reflect, and take it in. For me, it was a meditation on rural life, a culture unfamiliar to me, and a piece of truth about the simplicity of being human – something too easily forgotten.