Dita never wanted to be a mother, but circumstances force her to raise her girlfriend’s two daughters, tiny troublemaker Mia and rebellious teen Vanesa. A battle of wills ensues as the three continue to butt heads and become an unlikely family that must fight to stay together.
Housekeeping for Beginners by director Goran Stolevski is an intimate portrayal of a unique, multigenerational household that pushes against societal norms in North Macedonia. The film centers on Dita, an Albanian social worker, and her unconventional family, which includes her Roma lover, two young daughters, and an eclectic group of individuals living under one roof. This community, defined by its queerness and marginalized backgrounds, is a refuge for outsiders, especially in a society where ethnic and sexual minorities face substantial discrimination.
At the heart of the plot is the tragic illness of Suada, Dita’s partner, which forces the household to confront the fragility of their living situation. Suada, a single mother of two daughters, pleads with Dita to adopt them legally, as their Roma ethnicity poses a threat to their future stability in a world of prejudice. The second half of the film delves into the family’s struggles to maintain a facade of normalcy in the face of legal, social, and emotional pressures, creating a complex narrative about belonging, love, and survival.
Stolevski’s storytelling weaves a mix of light-hearted moments with the tragic, encapsulating the emotional journey of a chosen family navigating the complexities of identity, love, and societal rejection. The film uses a cinema verité style with handheld cameras to reflect the chaotic, intimate nature of the household, highlighting the actors’ raw performances as they navigate their challenges.
Themes
- Queer and Roma Identities: One of the primary themes is the intersection of sexual and ethnic identity, as the characters are forced to navigate the challenges of being both queer and Roma in a traditional society. This creates an ongoing tension as the characters fight for their right to exist authentically in a world that seeks to marginalize them.
- Family and Belonging: The film deeply explores the concept of chosen families, showcasing the ways in which these individuals come together to support and care for each other despite not adhering to traditional family structures. This theme is underscored by Suada’s plea to Dita to adopt her daughters, highlighting the importance of legal and emotional guardianship in the face of a hostile world.
- Social and Legal Pressures: The film reflects on the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities, particularly in the context of legal systems and societal norms that are not designed to accommodate diverse family structures. The characters’ attempts to secure legal recognition for their family bring forth a critique of social systems that fail to embrace alternative ways of living.
- Grief and Resilience: The looming presence of Suada’s illness and the family’s emotional upheaval are central to the plot. The movie explores how individuals cope with loss and the ways in which resilience emerges from unexpected places within a community.
10 Reasons to Watch Housekeeping for Beginners
- Authentic Representation: The film provides a raw and unfiltered look at the lives of queer and Roma individuals, offering underrepresented voices a platform.
- Dynamic Cinematography: With handheld cameras and natural lighting, the film captures the authenticity of everyday life in a vibrant, intimate way, enhancing emotional resonance.
- Strong Performances: The cast, particularly Anamaria Marinca as Dita, delivers compelling performances that bring depth and humanity to the story.
- Heartfelt Family Drama: At its core, the film is about family, not in the traditional sense, but in a more universal and inclusive way. It’s a moving portrayal of love, responsibility, and sacrifice.
- Political Relevance: The film addresses societal issues of race, sexuality, and gender, reflecting on the struggles faced by marginalized communities today.
- Rich Emotional Journey: The balance between moments of light humor and deep sadness makes for a gripping emotional experience that stays with you long after the film ends.
- Cultural Insight: Set in North Macedonia, the film offers a glimpse into the cultural and societal challenges faced by LGBTQ+ and Roma communities in a post-socialist, conservative environment.
- Impactful Themes: The film tackles difficult issues such as discrimination, grief, and the complexities of identity, providing a thought-provoking experience for viewers.
- Vivid Visuals: The cinematography’s use of light and close-ups draws the viewer into the intimate world of the characters, allowing for a deeper emotional connection.
- Fresh Perspective on Queer Cinema: Housekeeping for Beginners provides a unique take on queer cinema by integrating Roma culture, offering a refreshing narrative that doesn’t conform to typical storytelling tropes.
How You Will Feel After Watching
Watching Housekeeping for Beginners will leave you with a sense of poignancy and reflection. You’ll be struck by the profound emotional depth of the characters as they navigate a turbulent world, and the complexities of identity, belonging, and resilience will resonate with you. The film’s portrayal of a chosen family, coming together to face overwhelming odds, will evoke both a sense of hope and sadness, making it a deeply moving experience. The raw authenticity of the performances and the intimate cinematography will allow you to feel emotionally connected to the characters’ journey, and by the end, you may find yourself contemplating the meaning of family and love in your own life.
In conclusion, Housekeeping for Beginners is a cinematic journey that’s as raw and beautiful as the family it portrays, offering a rich exploration of identity, love, and survival. The film’s authenticity, political relevance, and emotional depth make it a must-watch for those seeking a meaningful and impactful cinematic experience.
