‘Masterpiece’ movie with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes | Films | Entertainment
You might not have heard of it yet, but On Becoming a Guinea Fowl has topped the list of the Best New Movies of 2025 according to Rotten Tomatoes‘ Tomatometer. Directed and written by Zambian-Welsh filmmaker Rungano Nyoni, this film has captured audiences with its unique blend of dark comedy and drama. The film, a co-production between Ireland, the UK, the US, and Zambia, made its world debut in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
It was then released in the UK and Ireland in December 2024, before arriving in the United States in March 2025. Set against the backdrop of a middle-class Zambian family, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl follows the character Shula, who stumbles upon the body of her uncle late one night.
As the family gathers for the funeral, hidden and painful secrets begin to come out, exposing complex family dynamics and social tensions in a vibrant and surreal narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.
At the heart of writer-director Rungano Nyoni’s second feature is an exploration of deep family trauma and the intricate tensions between generations and cultures. Using a mix of surrealism and dark humour, Nyoni delivers a powerful critique of societal norms and patriarchy that often serve to conceal abuses of power, including those related to sexual abuse.
The film stars Susan Chardy as Shula, with Elizabeth Chisela and Henry B.J. Phiri in key roles. Behind the scenes, David Gallego’s cinematography and Lucrecia Dalt’s haunting score add layers of depth to Nyoni’s visionary storytelling. The production was supported by renowned companies such as Element Pictures, BBC Film, A24, and Fremantle.
The film received nominations for Best British Independent Film and Best Director at the British Independent Film Awards in November 2024, while Susan Chardy earned the award for Breakthrough Performance that same year.
One Google review written by Joan Hughes reads: “It could rate as a masterpiece if it gets the recognition it clearly deserves. Anyone who wants to understand how deeply ingrained misogyny is within society and how desperately damaging sexual abuse is to young girls needs to watch this film.”
Someone else called it a “masterpiece” and added that “from the photography to acting everything was perfect.”
Adam Kempenaar, from Filmspotting wrote in a review to Rotten Tomatoes: “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a reckoning, and Nyoni proves to be a force as a filmmaker.
Someone else wrote: “Absolutely breathtaking; flawless from the first to the last frame. This is talent on such an understated scale, I was and am in awe of Nyoni.”
Another viewer added: “I don’t know how many people will ever see this film, but it’s phenomenal. I hope it gains traction so many can experience and appreciate this gem and consider the movie’s important themes.
“You cannot ask for better acting; Susan Chardy as Shula doesn’t miss a beat and carries the lead role in a breathtaking fashion. Deeply heartfelt and moving. This is my first exposure to a film by Nyoni, but I hope to see many more.”
