Plot Summary
Still grieving the loss of her cherished grandmother, single mother Tsidi finds herself compelled to leave her home in Gugulethu due to an irreparable conflict with her relatives, who have ambitions for the family property. With no alternative shelter and a 9-year-old daughter, Winnie, to care for, Tsidi is reluctantly driven to reach out to her estranged mother Mavis. Mavis has spent the last three decades as a live-in domestic for a white woman known as Madam.
Tsidi harbors resentment towards Mavis for her absence during Tsidi’s upbringing, believing her mother was excessively devoted to Madam’s family. Despite Madam being bedridden and her sons living overseas, Mavis continues to labor in the large, empty suburban house. With a mixture of reluctance and obligation, Mavis allows Tsidi and Winnie to stay, although it forces Tsidi to confront painful childhood memories of feeling isolated, while Winnie revels in their newfound surroundings.
Mavis insists that Tsidi and Winnie occupy the cramped maid’s quarters, despite the numerous empty rooms. Upon discovering that Madam is not merely bedridden but seemingly catatonic, Tsidi resolves to transform the house into a sanctuary on her own terms. However, she soon encounters unsettling supernatural forces that seem to resist her attempts. As she delves deeper, Tsidi starts to believe that Madam’s condition is a façade, and that a dark, eerie presence lurks within the house.
Her concerns about safety grow, especially as unexpected chaos unfolds with the arrival of Stuart, Mavis’s adopted son who brings his own complicated intentions regarding the ‘family.’ The fragile relationship between Tsidi and Mavis hangs by a thread, augmenting Tsidi’s fear for her daughter and straining her bond with Winnie. In desperation, Tsidi seeks the guidance of her grandmother’s spirit in hopes of unveiling the sinister truths underlying Madam’s terrifying legacy.
Timeline
Tragic Loss
Tsidi is deeply affected by the recent death of her beloved grandmother, a loss that leaves a void in her life. This grief fuels her emotional struggles as she navigates her new circumstances.
Family Conflict
Faced with increasing tensions, Tsidi has a major falling out with her relatives who are eager to claim the family property. This conflict becomes so irreparable that Tsidi feels compelled to leave her home.
Seeking Shelter
With nowhere else to turn, Tsidi reaches out to her estranged mother, Mavis, despite her feelings of resentment towards her for leaving during Tsidi's upbringing. Tsidi's motivation is to find a safe home for her 9-year-old daughter, Winnie.
Mavis's Sacrifice
Mavis has spent decades as a live-in domestic for a white family, sacrificing her own life for their comfort. Even in Madam's absence, Mavis continues to reside in a large, empty suburban house filled with memories she can't escape.
A New Home
Reluctantly, Mavis allows Tsidi and Winnie to stay, but the cramped maid's quarters becomes their new reality. This situation forces Tsidi to confront painful memories of feeling neglected and alone in her childhood.
Madam's Condition
Tsidi discovers that Madam, whom her mother serves, is not merely bedridden but perhaps catatonic. This revelation prompts Tsidi to question the dynamics of power and care within the household.
Transforming the Space
Determined to create a safe haven for herself and Winnie, Tsidi resolves to transform the house. However, she faces unexpected resistance as supernatural forces begin to emerge, complicating her intentions.
Supernatural Encounter
As Tsidi navigates the eerie occurrences in the house, she becomes increasingly convinced that Madam’s condition may be a mere front for a more sinister secret. The house itself seems to be alive with unsettling energies.
Stuart's Arrival
The dynamics of the household shift dramatically with the arrival of Stuart, Mavis's adopted son. His presence complicates familial relationships and raises concerns for Tsidi regarding the safety of her daughter.
Strain on Relationships
With fears mounting, the fragile bond between Tsidi and Mavis begins to crack under pressure. Tsidi feels torn between protecting Winnie and navigating her difficult relationship with her mother.
Seeking Guidance
In her desperation, Tsidi seeks comfort and guidance from her grandmother’s spirit. This act highlights her yearning for connection and understanding amidst the chaos surrounding her.
Unveiling Dark Truths
Tsidi's journey takes her deeper into the troubling legacy of Madam, leading her to unearth truths about the past. As she grapples with her family's history, she begins to understand the full weight of their shared experiences.
Characters
Tsidi
Tsidi is a single mother grappling with grief and abandonment. Her journey reflects strength and vulnerability as she confronts her painful past and seeks to protect her daughter, Winnie, from looming threats.
Mavis
Mavis is a complex character, torn between her duty to Madam and her responsibilities as a mother. Her long absence from Tsidi's life creates a rift filled with resentment, yet she embodies resilience and maternal instincts.
Winnie
Winnie is a 9-year-old child who finds joy and adventure in her new surroundings, unaware of the tensions that surround her. Her innocence contrasts sharply with the adult conflicts, highlighting the protective nature of Tsidi.
Stuart
Stuart, Mavis's adopted son, adds complexity to the family dynamic with his own agendas. His presence brings unpredictability and potential danger, further straining the fragile relationships within the household.
Setting
Time period
The movie appears to take place in contemporary times, reflecting modern family dynamics and societal issues, such as the legacy of domestic work and the impacts of colonial histories. The story unfolds in a setting that resonates with current socio-political themes.
Location
Gugulethu, Suburban House
Gugulethu is a township in Cape Town, South Africa, known for its vibrant culture and community spirit. The suburban house serves as a contrasting backdrop, reflecting the socio-economic disparities faced by the characters, as it remains largely empty yet serves Mavis and her family.
Themes
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Family Conflict
The film delves into the intricate and often painful dynamics of family relationships. Tsidi's resentment towards her mother Mavis highlights the impact of familial obligations and absence on personal identity and trauma.
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Supernatural
Supernatural elements play a significant role in the narrative, symbolizing unresolved issues and haunting legacies. Tsidi's experiences in the house suggest that the past can cast a long shadow, intertwining with the lives of the living.
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Home
The concept of home is central to the story, representing safety, belonging, and the deep-seated conflicts that arise within family systems. Tsidi's struggle to create a sanctuary for her daughter amid chaos reflects the universal search for refuge.
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