A Chaotic Symphony: A Look at Stolevski’s “Housekeeping for Beginners”

Goran Stolevski’s “Housekeeping for Beginners” isn’t your average slice-of-life family drama. Stepping into Dita’s (Anamaria Marinca) world is like diving headfirst into a vibrant, chaotic pool. Here, she’s not just a girlfriend grieving a sudden loss; she’s the reluctant guardian to her late partner Suada’s two daughters, the sullen teenager Vanesa (Ivana Konečnۍ) and the firecracker Mia (Nina Jovanovska).

The film throws you right into the heart of this unconventional family. Shot on handheld cameras, the early scenes are a whirlwind of emotions—grief, confusion, and a fierce undercurrent of love—that binds these three together. There’s no hand-holding; Stolevski lets the visuals and the raw performances tell the story. Dita, a whirlwind of nervous energy herself, barely holds it together as she navigates a house brimming with eccentric personalities. There’s Toni (Vladimir Tintor), Dita’s flamboyant gay friend, and Ali (Artun Salihmani), his younger lover. These, along with a revolving door of colourful characters, make Dita’s already chaotic life even more so.

Marinca delivers a powerhouse performance, capturing Dita’s vulnerability and simmering strength with beautiful honesty. She’s the glue holding this makeshift family together, even when she feels like she’s falling apart. The two young actresses are equally impressive. Konečnۍ brings a quiet intensity to Vanesa, a teenager struggling with her identity and yearning for a normalcy that feels out of reach in their unconventional home. Jovanovska steals the show as Mia, a ball of boundless energy who injects humour and a much-needed dose of chaos into the household.

“Housekeeping for Beginners” isn’t afraid to delve into the complexities of family, particularly one built on the foundation of loss and societal prejudice. The film explores themes of grief, the struggle for acceptance in a world that doesn’t always understand, and the ever-shifting dynamics of love. Dita and the girls clash, secrets are revealed, and the weight of their situation threatens to tear them apart.

Yet, amidst the chaos, there are moments of genuine tenderness and connection. We see Dita learning to navigate the world of scraped knees, teenage crushes, and bedtime stories. The film beautifully captures the messy, imperfect nature of love, the kind that blooms even in the most unexpected places. There’s a scene where Dita, exhausted and overwhelmed, shares a quiet moment with Vanesa. The unspoken understanding that passes between them speaks volumes about the bond they’re slowly building.

While some viewers might find the handheld camerawork and frenetic pacing a little disorienting, it perfectly reflects the emotional turmoil the characters are experiencing. The film is a sensory experience, drawing you into the world of this unconventional family. The constant movement of the camera mirrors the whirlwind of emotions Dita and the girls are grappling with. The use of close-ups allows us to see the raw vulnerability etched on their faces, making their struggles all the more relatable.

“Housekeeping for Beginners” isn’t a film that gives easy answers. It’s a film that invites conversation, and stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a story about loss, about finding your place in the world, and ultimately, about the enduring power of love and family, no matter how unconventional they may be.

The film also subtly explores the social and cultural landscape of North Macedonia. Dita and Suada’s relationship faced societal pressures, something hinted at but never explicitly stated. The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the Roma community Dita’s family belongs to, offering a glimpse into their lives and traditions. These details add layers to the story, grounding it in a specific time and place while making the themes of love, acceptance, and family universally relatable.

“Housekeeping for Beginners” is a powerful and thought-provoking film. It’s a film that celebrates the beauty of unconventional families, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring power of love. Stolevski delivers a film that is as real as it is raw, with strong performances that linger long after the credits roll. This isn’t your typical family drama, but it’s a beautiful and messy one that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever loved and lost, who has ever grappled with the question of what it means to belong.