Nigerian twin filmmakers Arie and Chuko Esiri are bringing a distinctly Nigerian interpretation of Virginia Woolf’s celebrated classic Mrs. Dalloway to the screen with “Clarissa,” an ambitious Lagos-set drama featuring an impressive international cast led by Sophie Okonedo, Ayo Edebiri and David Oyelowo.
The newly released trailer offers a glimpse into the visually rich film, which relocates Woolf’s 1925 story from post-war London to contemporary Lagos, placing its characters against the energy, sophistication and complexities of modern Nigerian society.
Okonedo stars as Clarissa, a high-society woman preparing to host an important gathering at her Lagos home. As she moves through the day, encounters with people from her past begin to awaken memories of youthful relationships, choices and possibilities that were left behind.
The film’s narrative also follows a parallel story involving a troubled former soldier, expanding the intimate story of one woman’s memories into a broader exploration of trauma, class, privilege and the emotional consequences of choices made in the past.
The star-studded cast includes Ayo Edebiri, David Oyelowo, India Amarteifio, Toheeb Jimoh, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Joke Silva, Jude Akuwudike, Danny Sapani and Fortune Nwafor, alongside Okonedo.
For Edebiri and Amarteifio, the film also offers an intriguing generational dimension, with Amarteifio portraying the younger Clarissa while the story moves between different periods of her life.
“Clarissa” marks another significant achievement for the Esiri brothers, whose previous feature, Eyimofe (This Is My Desire), established them as filmmakers to watch on the international festival circuit. Their latest project further demonstrates their interest in telling Nigerian stories through ambitious, globally accessible filmmaking.
The film first premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, before continuing its festival journey, including appearances at the Toronto International Film Festival.
With its combination of acclaimed international performers, Nigerian creative leadership and a literary story reimagined through a Lagos setting, “Clarissa” is shaping up as one of the notable Nigerian-connected films attracting global attention this year.
“Clarissa” is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on December 11, 2026.
