The Wait

The Wait: A Faith-Based Film with Emotional Precision

Faith-based films have struggled commercially in Nollywood, and ‘The Wait’ stirred mixed feelings among movie-lovers, myself included. The trailer hinted at a film about faith and religion, leaving the question of its execution unanswered. Surprisingly, “The Wait” didn’t disappoint.

Nse Ikpe-Etim leads as Nara, a medical doctor witnessing childbirth struggles. Her role as an obstetrician inspires her to create a support group where women can discuss their issues. Within the group, Nkechi, an optimistic architect, faces difficulty in bearing children despite a supportive husband, while Bayo joined to aid his wife after five miscarriages, impacting her mental state and religious beliefs. Nara, despite being a beacon of hope, grapples with her own issues after a duplicitous divorce, facing discrimination from her mother and society.

Nollywood boasts a diverse film catalog, adept at evoking authentic emotions. However, some films occasionally struggle with striking the right balance, risking an overwhelming and melodramatic outcome. Contrary to this trend, “The Wait” skillfully navigates these challenges, capturing emotions with precision. The audience becomes genuinely enamored with the characters, yearning for their happiness throughout the film. The film adeptly addresses universal topics like infertility and barrenness, showcasing Nse Ikpe-Etim’s exceptional performance, complemented by an almost impeccable supporting cast.

Despite these strengths, the story progression suffers from imbalance and fluctuations. The transitions between timelines and storylines lack clarity, impacting the overall viewing experience. While visually appealing, the film struggles with lighting issues and primarily focuses on internal conflicts which doesn’t give a lot to watch. The actors shine in character portrayal, but the narrative feels disjointed, making transitions between current stories and backstories challenging to follow.

‘The Wait’ offers more than problems; it provides solutions by emphasizing the importance of empathy in Dr. Nara’s waiting room. It delves into complexities surrounding miscarriages and infertility, presenting surrogacy, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), adoption, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as alternatives during the challenging waiting period. The narrative also explores a woman’s decision for a hysterectomy, driven by her husband’s desire for a male child.

While “The Wait” might not be Nollywood’s best faith-based film, it expertly delivers within the genre, leaving audiences satisfied.