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Clarissa

Play trailer Clarissa 2h 7m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 17 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Verified Ratings
Clarissa follows society woman Clarissa (Sophie Okonedo) as she prepares to host a party at her home in Lagos, Nigeria, where she will unexpectedly encounter once-intimate friends from her youth. As the group reflects on their shared past over the course of a single night, memories of their intricate relationships, passionate love, hidden desires, and lost aspirations give rise to bittersweet reckoning.

Cast & Crew

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Arie Esiri

Director

Chuko Esiri

Director

Sophie Okonedo

Actor

Ayo Edebiri

Actor

David Oyelowo

Actor

India Amarteifio

Actor

Critics Reviews

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Chase Hutchinson TheWrap Aug 24
"Clarissa," the stellar second film from the directing duo of Arie and Chuko Esiri after they previously made their mark with "Eyimofe (This Is My Desire)," is a work that’s both old and new. Go to Full Review Tomris Laffly Elle May 28
One of the most radical films that will reach our theaters this year. Quietly revolutionary in its mining of new ideas in an old text. Go to Full Review Jessica Kiang Variety May 21
All of the film’s many assets come back to rest on Okonedo, and on those moments between the big moments, when she stares with unfocused eyes out of a window, or takes a breath during which she arranges a face with which to face the world. Go to Full Review Rory O'Connor The Film Stage Aug 25
Okonedo has come to Directors’ Fortnight with another standout turn in Clarissa, a funny and formally adventurous adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway set in modern-day Nigeria. Go to Full Review James Mottram Radio Times Jul 20
4/5
If the side-story about a young, traumatised soldier doesn't quite work, it's a minor misstep in a film that sees Okonedo give an imperious turn as a woman haunted by choices she made at life's crucial crossroads. Go to Full Review Sean Boelman FandomWire May 26
6/10
Although it doesn’t quite deliver on the full spectrum of its promise, Clarissa provides a creative retelling of a classic story thanks to its filmmakers’ fresh perspective and strong performances from both actresses who play the lead role. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
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Clarissa

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Movie Info

Synopsis Clarissa follows society woman Clarissa (Sophie Okonedo) as she prepares to host a party at her home in Lagos, Nigeria, where she will unexpectedly encounter once-intimate friends from her youth. As the group reflects on their shared past over the course of a single night, memories of their intricate relationships, passionate love, hidden desires, and lost aspirations give rise to bittersweet reckoning.
Director
Arie Esiri, Chuko Esiri
Producer
Arie Esiri, Chuko Esiri, Theresa Park, Nicholas Weinstock
Screenwriter
Chuko Esiri
Distributor
NEON
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 11, 2026, Limited
Runtime
2h 7m
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