Family Vacation is a visually appealing film that offers a nuanced commentary on the impact of social media on our lives and relationships.
By Joseph Jonathan
Having cut her teeth as a screenwriter for successful projects such as How to Find a Husband (2015), Varshita (2017), 40 Sticks (2020), and Crime and Justice (2021), Voline Ogutu made her mark as a director when her short film, Anyango and the Ogre, was featured as part of the African Folktales Reimagined anthology in 2023. Building on this momentum, she has now made her feature film debut with Family Vacation, a co-direction effort with Edwin Kamau Miring’u, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career as a filmmaker.
Written by Ogutu, Family Vacation tells the story of Yara Maleki (Sarah Hassan), an internet-famous writer whose seemingly perfect life is on the verge of collapse. As her marriage to Jonathan (Lenana Kariba) hangs by a thread, Yara’s career and relationship with her daughter are poised to become collateral damage in the impending divorce.
Desperate to salvage her crumbling marriage and protect her family, Yara orchestrates one final, make-or-break family vacation. Despite her best intentions, however, the trip takes an unexpected turn, and things ultimately spiral out of control, threatening to destroy the very fabric of their relationship.
As a successful author of relationship self-help books, Yara built a brand around her idealised family life, ignoring the cracks in her relationship and prioritising her public image over her family’s well-being. Her reluctance to confront the issues in her relationship ultimately leads to its downfall, threatening the very image she sought to protect. This narrative arc serves as a commentary on the dangers of pretending to be someone you’re not, and the importance of authenticity in relationships and personal growth.
Family Vacation portrays the real-life situations of many social media influencers and celebrities who face immense pressure to maintain a perfect public image. Yara’s life as a social media celebrity is a constant balancing act, where she strives to present a perfect image to her online followers. Despite her own shortcomings and struggles, she attempts to curate a flawless persona, hiding her true self behind a mask of perfection.
This dichotomy between her online and offline life serves as a commentary on the pressures of social media and the unrealistic expectations placed on individuals to conform to societal standards. The portrayal of Yara’s character also highlights the blurring of reality and online personas, where the lines between truth and fiction become increasingly blurred.
This theme is particularly relevant in today’s digital age, where social media often presents a curated version of people’s lives, hiding the imperfections and struggles that make us human. By exploring these themes, Family Vacation offers a nuanced commentary on the impact of social media on our lives and relationships.
As far as acting performances go, Family Vacation doesn’t offer so much to be excited about, and this is no fault of the cast as the plot and dialogue limits them. Apart from a few scenes, most of the dialogue feels static and almost unnatural with the actors lacking improvisation. Despite this shortcoming, Hassan fairs pretty okay as Yara, creating a beautiful on-screen chemistry with Kariba as her husband Jonathan.
I was particularly impressed with Jewel Furaha who played the young Yara: despite having few lines, she was able to sell her scenes through facial expressions and overall body language.
One of the standout aspects of the film is its bold adoption of a non-linear storytelling approach, where the events are skillfully presented out of chronological order. Rather than following a traditional linear narrative, the story is masterfully woven together through a series of flashbacks that seamlessly intertwine the past and present.
This innovative technique allows the audience to experience the story in a unique way, as the events unfold in a shuffled sequence that keeps viewers engaged and curious. And despite the complexity of this narrative structure, the film’s execution is flawless, with each scene carefully crafted to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth viewing experience. The simultaneous presentation of past and present creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, adding layers to the story and characters.
For people who love the sights, Family Vacation is a must-watch as it features a stunning array of picturesque locations and beautiful scenery. From serene natural settings to meticulously crafted interior spaces, every frame is a feast for the eyes, with intentional set design and cinematography working in harmony to create a visually stunning experience.
Overall, Family Vacation is a visually appealing film that offers a nuanced commentary on the impact of social media on our lives and relationships. While it may have some shortcomings in terms of acting performances, its bold storytelling approach, beautiful cinematography, and timely themes are its saving grace.
Rating: 2/5
Joseph Jonathan is a historian who seeks to understand how film shapes our cultural identity as a people. He believes that history is more about the future than the past. When he’s not writing about film, you can catch him listening to music or discussing politics. He tweets @JosieJp3.