Clarissa film reimagines Mrs. Dalloway in modern Lagos

The film ‘Clarissa’, directed by brothers Arie and Chuko Esiri, is a modern adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s ‘Mrs. Dalloway’ set in 2020s Lagos, Nigeria. The production reimagines the original upper-class London drama through the lens of a middle-aged Lagos socialite.

Cast members, including Sophie Okonedo, David Oyelowo, Ayo Edebiri, and Toheeb Jimoh, have highlighted the significance of filming in Nigeria. For many in the cast, the shoot provided an opportunity to explore existential themes within an African context rather than being limited to narratives centered on trauma. Toheeb Jimoh, known for his role in ‘Ted Lasso’, noted the personal impact of returning to his childhood home in Lagos for the production. The film recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.