Release Dates: December 11, 2026, in the United States
Directors: Arie Esiri, Chuko Esiri
Writer: Chuko Esiri
Based on novel “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf
Starring: Sophie Okonedo, David Oyelowo, Toheeb Jimoh, India Amarteifio, Jude Akuwudike, Danny Sapani, Modesinuola Ogundiwin, Chuks Joseph, Fortune Nwafor, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Joke Silva, Ayo Edebiri
Run time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Genre: Romance, Drama
Country: United States, Nigeria, Egypt
Language: English
When class and money can not shield you from mental health challenges
Directors’ Arie Esiri, Chuko Esiri ‘CLARRISA’ tells the story of Clarissa (Sophie Okonedo), as a teenager, young Clarissa (India Amarteifio), and into adulthood as prepares for her dinner party during Nigeria’ independence and her relationship with her life long friends: Peter (David Oyelowo), Clarissa's former lover, young Peter (Toheeb Jimoh), Sally (Nikki Amuka-Bird) , Clarissa's estranged friend, young Sally (Ayo Edebiri). It explores the tragedy of was through the eyes of an army soldier Septimus (Fortune Nwafor), suffering from PTSD.
Richard (Jude Akuwudike) Clarissa's husband, Young (Richard Ogranya), Ugo (Danny Sapani), Clarissa's friend, young Ugo (Kehinde Cardoso), Aisha (Modesinuola Ogundiwin), Septimus' wife, Lady Maryam (Joke Silva), Ugo's boss, Chuks Joseph as Evans, and Joy Sunday as Comfort
CLARISSA puts a spotlight on mental health that can impact on anyone, rich, poor, civilian, or soldier and how people deal and cope with their mental health.
An adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway,” CLARISSAS provides a unique perspective of the African cultures and the norms in their societies while staying true to essence of her novel. A great film.
Directors Arie Esiri, Chuko Esiri film portrays a deeply moving look at the complexities of people and their struggles and does an excellent job of showing the challenges that the characters face.
Cinematographer Jonthan Bloom captures the life, hopes and struggles of each of the characters. And brings you into the film.
Writer Chuko Esiri script just a fantastic job of giving movie goers a true sense of Africa and the things a place unique to Nigeria. The dialogue and plot provide credible interactions.
Blair McClendons editing flows from scene to scene, its is going back and forth to their teenage years to the present day.
Costume Designer Eniola Dawod helps bring the film and Africa to life with the colorful and vibrant cloth and designs. Reminding you, you are not in London, but on a journey to Africa.
Adapting the Virginia Woolf novel and setting Nigeria Abraka, Delta State, and Lagos, Nigeria is a wonderful way represent the people and culture of Africa. It made it easy to immerse oneself in a reimaged country and its people.
The music by Kelsey Lu works well within the scenes. Whether it is at Clarissa’s party, and throughout the film includes the sadness of war and its effect on the human spirit.
CLARISSA is a vivid reminder of the mental health challenges faced by human beings, regardless of their station in life. Money and social class are never a guarantee one will be spared from mental health struggles. CLARISSA is a great film you must see.
Distributor: NEON
Production Co: Per Capita Productions, Invention Studios
Producers: Theresa Park, Nicky Weinstock, Arie Esiri, Chuko Esiri
Run time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Starring: Sophie Okonedo, David Oyelowo, Toheeb Jimoh, India Amarteifio, Jude Akuwudike, Danny Sapani, Modesinuola Ogundiwin, Chuks Joseph, Fortune Nwafor, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Joke Silva, Ayo Edebiri
Directors: Arie Esiri, Chuko Esiri
Writer: Chuko Esiri
Casting: Nina Gold
Cinematographer: Jonthan Bloom
Editor: Blair McClendons
Music: Kelsey Lu
Casting: Nina Gold
Costume Designer: Eniola Dawod