‘The Smell of Apples’ Review: A Sun-Soaked but Chilling Child’s-Eye View of Apartheid-Era Privilege and Denial

The film The Smell of Apples presents a narrative set during the apartheid era in South Africa, depicted through the perspective of a child. The story explores themes of privilege and denial within a domestic environment during this historical period.

The production is noted for its meticulous attention to period-accurate aesthetics, including specific fashion choices, interior decor, and household items. These visual elements are utilized to establish an atmosphere described as both sun-soaked and chilling, highlighting the contrast between the mundane details of daily life and the broader societal tensions of the time.