The Clarissa trailer introduces a new Lagos-set drama starring Sophie Okonedo, Ayo Edebiri and David Oyelowo. The film offers a modern Nigerian take on Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway.
NEON has released the first trailer for Clarissa, directed by Nigerian twin filmmakers Arie and Chuko Esiri. The movie relocates Woolf’s classic story to contemporary Lagos. It also features India Amarteifio, Toheeb Jimoh, Nikki Amuka-Bird and Fortune Nwafor. The Esiri brothers made their feature debut with Eyimofe (This Is My Desire) in 2020.
The film centers on society woman Clarissa, played by Sophie Okonedo, as she prepares for an important gathering. India Amarteifio portrays her younger self as the story moves between past and present. The adaptation explores memory, relationships, class, and the choices that continue to shape Clarissa’s life.
Check out the Clarissa trailer:
What happens in the new Clarissa trailer?
The trailer shows Clarissa getting ready for the evening before familiar faces from her past return. Peter, played by David Oyelowo, becomes part of that unexpected reunion. The footage also gives viewers glimpses of Clarissa’s younger years and the relationships she left behind.
Ayo Edebiri plays young Sally, while Toheeb Jimoh portrays young Peter. Fortune Nwafor appears as Septimus, a young soldier who is visibly struggling with severe PTSD and is haunted by the horrors of war. Nikki Amuka-Bird also appears in the ensemble as Sally in the present-day storyline.
The preview highlights the film’s lush 35mm cinematography by Jonathan Bloom. Kelsey Lu composed the original score, which includes a rendition of Nina Simone’s song, “Who Knows Where the Time Goes.” The movie was shot entirely in Nigeria and uses both English and Nigerian Pidgin.
Clarissa is written by Chuko Esiri and adapted from Woolf’s 1925 novel. The film premiered at the 2026 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight before making its North American premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. NEON will release Clarissa in select U.S. theaters on December 11.
