I think Sarah Hassan is one of the top most talented and beautiful actors in Kenya…thus apparent that every film she’s in turns out good, if not grand. How about Sarah and Leonard Karaba…I suppose grander.
Family Vacation, which, if you ask me, could have had a Better Title, explores the dysfunctional relationship between a young couple; social media influencer and author Yara Maleki (Sarah Hassan) and Jonathan, her lawyer husband (Lenana Kariba).
When Yara’s efforts to save her marriage fail, she runs off to Coast with their pre-teen daughter for an impromptu vacation which somehow is also supposed to help boost her book sales (didn’t get the connection though).
The highs of 2024’s 83 minute long Family Vacation are the exceptional picture and sound quality, location, Yara’s costumes, amazing acting from child actors Jewel Furaha (young Yara) and Angel Atieno (Lilah), pretty decent attempt at marketing the Coastal region, and obviously the story line.
The Lows…
The scene where Yara comes clean to Lilah as to why they are on holiday, and she communicates in Swahili, that was awesome. In reality, however conversant you are in English, Swahili and/or your Mother Tongue always kick in when you get too emotional, like during arguments – we should have seen more of that.
When Lilah runs away, the parents go back to the hotel room as they await an update from the police. C’mon, if this wasn’t the time to panic, when is? The duo seemed so relaxed that they even start to make out!
Footage of young Yara was unnecessary…it wasn’t explored deeply enough to make it relatable to the present. Also, it didn’t bear any form of old-ish vibe, you know, like the dressing, home décor, cars…
Lilah is a pre-teen girl. It’d have been cool to see her dressed up nicely…and would have made more sense to have her mom pick her up at school while she still had her uniform on, or games attire.
We all know, there’s no serious writer, author or novelist, especially a renown and bestselling one, who's obsessed with social media. That’s not how creative and talented people roll.
The makeup was bad. The high temperatures at the coast sure can ruin even the best work so…would have been better to go makeup free. And as for Shani’s wig, it was just Bad.
Assuming Lilah is 9-12, which parent allows kids that age to go out in restaurants by themselves? These kids are also supposedly dining and dashing.
Did you notice the morning Yara wakes up in an all-white beddings bed, all dolled up in makeup, and not a single stain on the sheets or pillows?
The epic proposal happened during the day (you can see the clear skies and ocean) yet, there were fireworks-that run into the night.
Though trying to remain anonymous, Yara’s dressing at the Coast, despite being very stylish, wasn't befitting of the weather.
Jonathan maintains the same hairstyle and earrings throughout the 13 years.
Who ever talks to Coastal locals including tuktuk drivers in English?
In a nutshell, much blame is with the script, it could have been much better.
Family Vacation is a great movie though, something you can enjoy with family and friends, and be proud of as Kenyan cos’ it’s interesting.
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