Embracing the Flow: A Masterpiece of Cross-Cultural Storytelling
The Essence of "Dao": A Philosophy in Motion
The film commences with a philosophical definition of its title, "Dao," illustrating it as a continuous, cyclical force that pervades and unites all aspects of existence. This concept serves as the foundational metaphor for French-Senegalese director Alain Gomis's vibrant and unconstrained cinematic work. Rather than explicitly stating its deeper meanings, the film immerses the audience in a sensory experience, highlighting the nuanced expressions of human faces, the distinctiveness of various locations, and the unceasing journey of individuals as they navigate their bicultural realities.
Two Ceremonies, Two Worlds: A Tapestry of Cultural Gatherings
At the heart of the narrative are two pivotal family events that beautifully illustrate the dual heritage of the protagonists. One event sees Gloria, a second-generation immigrant portrayed by Katy Correa, returning to her father's ancestral village in Guinea-Bissau. Here, a traditional memorial ritual marks his passing and introduces her daughter, Nour (D'Johé Kouadio), to her roots. The other event is Nour's extravagant wedding, a lively celebration attended by a diverse mix of African and European guests at an opulent French estate, which brings forth various cultural nuances and occasional interpersonal tensions.
Gomis's Vision: Blurring the Lines Between Reality and Fiction
With an ambitious three-hour runtime, "Dao" oscillates between these two expansive and richly layered gatherings, embodying a culmination of Gomis's artistic, political, and stylistic trademarks. His previous internationally acclaimed work, "Félicité," which garnered the Grand Jury Prize at the 2017 Berlinale, laid the groundwork for this intricate narrative. "Dao," despite its extensive scope and non-linear structure, is remarkably accessible, fostering a deep sense of connection with its culturally diverse characters.
An Innovative Approach to Character Introduction: The Rehearsal Room
Gomis employs a theoretically bold yet remarkably immediate formal device by introducing his characters through their casting sessions. This technique instantly establishes an intimate, documentary-like tone that subtly influences the entirety of the otherwise scripted film. As the director declares that the ensemble will become a "real fake family," the actors voice their individual aspirations for the story, revealing the complex interplay between authenticity and performance from the very beginning of the cinematic journey.
Soundscapes and Visual Journeys: The Film's Sensory Richness
Following the innovative introduction, the film transports viewers into its two distinct settings. The ethereal and fluid melodies of South African jazz pianist Abdullah Ibrahim's "Blues for a Hip King" infuse the soundtrack, guiding the audience through a challenging journey into Guinea-Bissau's remote interior and, conversely, a jubilant wedding procession through the picturesque French wine country. These contrasting soundscapes and visual narratives emphasize the emotional and geographical distances that define the characters' lives.
Gloria's Crossroads: Navigating Identity and Nostalgia
The chronological relationship between the two events remains deliberately ambiguous, yet their profound connection for 50-year-old Gloria is evident. Now at a personal turning point, she reflects on her father's decision to return to his African homeland after raising her in Paris. Gloria harbors a poignant, secondhand nostalgia for the traditional village life, coupled with a touristic curiosity that mirrors her daughter Nour's first encounter with her ancestral "home."
Katy Correa's Portrayal: An Outsider's Poise and Prudence
Katy Correa delivers an extraordinary performance, embodying a character who often feels like an outsider across different facets of her life. Her silent, observant gaze often dictates the emotional temperature of scenes, shifting with her interactions and observations. Gloria carries herself with a dignified self-reliance but also an inherent, cautious reserve, hesitant to venture beyond her established boundaries. Her relationship with her white boyfriend, François, remains discreet, reflecting her complex emotional landscape.
Interracial Dynamics and Unfolding Tensions: A Nuanced Exploration
Gloria's caution starkly contrasts with another interracial couple whose arrival at the wedding causes a stir: a prodigal son returning unexpectedly with his heavily pregnant white girlfriend, Calypso. Gomis skillfully constructs scenes that allow these tensions to simmer and occasionally erupt, yet no single conflict overpowers the film's rich and multifaceted narrative. The film embraces the complexity of these relationships, reflecting the intricate realities of a multicultural society.
A Collaborative Artistic Endeavor: Crafting a Seamless Narrative
A dedicated team of six editors, including Gomis himself, ensures that the film maintains a dynamic yet thoughtful pace, capturing the exhilarating and sometimes overwhelming energy of significant life events. Similarly, a trio of cinematographers, including Céline Bozon, known for her work on "Félicité," masterfully captures the movement and shifting moods of each occasion. The camera fluidly moves between the celebratory chaos of dance scenes and the quiet observation from the sidelines, mirroring Gloria's own perspective.
Nour's Multifaceted Identity: Bridging Moroccan and Guinean Heritage
Nour's identity is even more complex than her mother's, shaped by the influence of her French-Moroccan father, Slimane (Samir Guesmi). Though long separated from Gloria, their past relationship's lingering effects are subtly yet powerfully revealed in meticulously crafted dialogue scenes at the wedding. These conversations, marked by unspoken implications and sharp exchanges, highlight the intricate dynamics of their fragmented family history.
Contrasting Celebrations: Tradition Meets Modernity
The film vividly contrasts the minimalist elegance of Nour's Chanel wedding gown and the sophisticated table settings with the ancient, tribal memorial rituals. The latter involves traditional dances, the ceremonial anointing of wooden idols representing ancestors, and a profound acknowledgment of the spiritual presence of the deceased. This juxtaposition underscores the profound differences in their cultural expressions, yet both events serve as powerful focal points for family and community.
The Ever-Evolving Concept of Home: A Whirlwind of Emotions
As these two extended celebrations unfold in parallel, a vivid and intricate portrait of community emerges. This community is fragmented by geographical distance, social alienation, and the erosion of personal memories, yet it binds a large extended family through a shared sense of belonging, or perhaps a mutual feeling of not belonging, depending on the moment. Gomis's swirling, luminous emotional epic deliberately avoids simplistic, sentimental conclusions about family, identity, or homesickness. In "Dao," home is not merely a place; it's a complex tapestry woven from past experiences, heartbreaks, and an international scattering of cherished fragments.