33 years later, Neria plays catch up with current trends

THE new-look “Neria 21”, which premièred last week, is an improved version now fused with the abuse of modern gadgets and trinkets.

Centred on abuse of women, especially widows, “Neria 21”, incarnates with the use of cellphones and adjuncts such as WhatsApp and other forms of social media.

The adjuncts give “Neria 21”, a modern feel, without diluting the original theme and thrust.

Unlike in the original cast, one of the scenes in “Neria 21” give the audience a glimpse of leaked semi-nude videos that go viral and make the situation worse for a woman and her children.

Noticing the viral video, the children become coy and shy away from going to school to avoid becoming a laughing stock from their school mates.

“Neria” and “Neria 21” were shot three decades apart, highlighting how a widow falls prey to her chauvinistic and greedy brother in-law after the death of her husband.

Exploring the never ending feud between mother and daughter in-law.

“Neria” and “Neria 21” bring out the importance of will-writing as the future is not guaranteed to anyone.

The cast of “Neria 21” worked hand in glove with their characters from the class of 1991 which featured veterans such as Jesesi Mungoshi and Dominic Kanaventi. The original “Neria” cast also included the late Emmanuel Mbirimi and the late Oliver Mtukudzi among others.

“Neria 21” with a new cast retells Jesesi and Patrick’s story leaving nothing to detail.

The cast is gifted with born thespians Kudzai Chengedza, Innocent Kufakunesu, Oswald Manhende and Nesu Madakiwe among the crew.

Despite being a career-oriented woman, Neria failed to plan ahead in both films.

Ignorant yet educated, she only got to realise the importance of a will after the death of her husband.

Neria looks at the issue of patriarchy in which chauvinistic character Phineas, her brother in-law, believes women belong in the kitchen.

“Neria 21” also highlights the issues of gender-based violence as well as abuse of women.

The 1991 “Neria” did not fully explore the plight and consequences of abuse unlike in “Neria 21” where it has been explored extensively with focus on all three forms of abuse – physical, verbal and emotional.

“Neria 21” still keeps the old narration vibrant on the traditional aspect with a village set-up a bonfire surrounded by families bonding together, celebrating in song and dance, while folk tales were being narrated. Both films deal with the emotional trauma after the death of a loved one, scrutinising the law, raising awareness on will writing and encouraging abused women to speak out.

The remake failed to settle the dispute between mother and daughter in-law 33 years later.

In the 1991 film the mother in-law was not in good books with her daughter in-law, and just like the millennial Neria, the feud was never settled.

“Neria” in 1991 told the narrative from an African perspective in terms of culture and how the law plays a crucial role.

It came at such a time the law had not been fully implemented and cultural perspectives had not been fully questioned.

The 1991 film was well-received in other African countries as it resonated with many cultures and became a voice for widows.