Discovering the real you: 'Die Dekonstruksie van Retta Blom' explores life beyond the surface

In the heart of South Africa's vibrant film landscape emerges a poignant story that delves into layers of identity, self-discovery and resilience.

"Die Dekonstruksie van Retta Blom", adapted from Zelda Bezuidenhout’s beloved novel of the same name, invites viewers to share in Retta Blom's journey.

The film charts the life of Blom, masterfully played by Antoinette Louw, who appears to have the perfect life, an adoring husband, a young son and a charming home nestled in a leafy Johannesburg suburb.

However, as her meticulous nature begins to expose cracks beneath the surface of her relationships, she embarks on a journey through doubt and introspection, leading her to question the realities of her marriage to Tobias, portrayed by Francois Coertze.

“Retta is a middle-aged woman going through menopause,” Louw shares during a conversation with "Independent Media Lifestyle".

“She has always lived her life according to society's rules of what a good woman should be, but now she's on a journey to discover who she really is and confronts her fears of societal judgment.”

Louw highlights that while this is an Afrikaans film, its themes resonate universally, tapping into the deep-seated anxieties of maintaining authenticity in a world that often pressures conformity.

What sets "Die Dekonstruksie van Retta Blom" apart is not only its exploration of relationships but it is also focuses on the experiences of women aged 50 and above, a demographic often overlooked in contemporary cinema.

"The reality is that we live in an ageist society and there aren't a lot of female roles for actresses from the age of 50 and that is so sad because that is when we really come into our own ... I absolutely jumped at the opportunity to be part of a story that tells a story of women in this age group.

"We go through a huge rebirthing process; we are not young women anymore, but we are also not old, we are somewhere in between, and those stories haven't been explored yet."

The film's production was no walk in the park, as Louw described a gruelling yet rewarding filming process.

"The filming process was gruelling, but the beautiful thing is that in those five or six weeks we worked so intensely together and we held space for each other because it's that connection with each other that holds us together.

"We were all so exhausted, but it was so amazing to work with Pieter (Grobbelaar) because this is his passion project and a dream of his that's come true. He's always wanted to make a film, and it's such a privilege to be part of somebody's dream."

Louw's commitment to her role is profound: "My process for every role is the same, I am like an investigator. I take the script and I look especially for the things that aren't said, for the subtext and I go to great lengths to take good care of myself, eating healthy, meditation, and just show up the best that I can and to honour the story, because the story is always bigger than the actor." 

Even as questions about the glamour of Hollywood linger, Louw remains steadfast in her belief that South Africa is ripe with stories that echo truths that are universally understood.

"People always ask me, 'Antoinette, why didn't you go to Hollywood?' As if Hollywood is the epitome of success, it's not.

"We live in such an incredible country with so many stories to tell and it's through storytelling since the beginning of humanity that we connect, impart wisdom, understand each other a bit better, and it's so amazing that we can explore our own stories and we can be so proudly South African."

Grobbelaar expresses enthusiasm about showcasing this layered narrative that traverses the complexities of love.

“This film deals with how our lives deconstruct and how we rebuild from scratch,” he explains, describing the film as dealing with a "re-awakening" rather than a traditional coming-of-age tale.

As the characters confront their realities, Grobbelaar has woven elements of comedy and pain, resulting in a story rich with emotional depth.

Meanwhile, co-producer Cati Weinek highlighted the collaborative spirit that drove the project, ensuring the film resonates with both local and global audiences:

“We had an excellent cast and crew that dedicated their skill to ensuring that the final product resonates with audiences locally and globally.

"This is undoubtedly one of our best films that promises to bring back the culture of cinema going in South Africa and beyond."

The stellar ensemble cast includes Hilda Cronje, Christopher van der Westhuizen and Natalia De Rocha, among others. 

• "Die Dekonstruksie van Retta Blom" is currently showing at selected cinemas nationwide.