Lingering in a convincing documentary-like state, Mbakam’s latest feature is an extraordinary, mesmerizing portrait of an independent, single Cameroonian woman raising two young children, running a sewing business and caring for her elderly mother. Despite her sought-after skills as a creative seamstress, she struggles to make ends meet. At times resembling a contemporary Jeanne Dielman, the film carefully details her tasks at work and home, the constant monetary and social negotiations, incremental disasters and setbacks, acts of political resistance, moments of connection and release—all woven seamlessly into the complex fabric of her daily existence. Reminiscent of the manifold roles Chez jolie coiffure’s Sabine plays in her community, Pierrette is mother, businesswoman, friend and also humble recipient of others’ support. There are no sweeping acts of valor or weighty moments of self-actualization, yet by the end, the undaunted Pierrette has earned heroic status—made even more so upon learning that she, along with most of the cast, is played by a nonprofessional actor. One of Pierrette’s friends notes, “You look like you have all of Cameroon’s cares on your shoulders.” Indeed, the same could be said for the filmmaker, who seems to have meticulously folded every one of those cares into this smoldering, inconspicuous tour de force.