Strained

Strained explores the delicate relationship between a mother and daughter, tracing their path toward reconciliation.

The story follows Ebere (portrayed by Tracy George) a new mother, and her estranged mother, Abigail (portrayed by Queen Nwokoye). When Ebere’s husband, Ozo (portrayed by Samuel Nnabuike) leaves for a work trip, she reluctantly turns to her mother for help, sparking a reunion fraught with emotion. However, Ebere’s heart is heavy with resentment, seeing her mother as an obstacle rather than a pillar of support, rooted in past trauma.

One of the merits of the film, is how it weaves a captivating narrative of forgiveness, redemption, and the unwavering strength of familial love to overcome the most profound hurts. It’s a poignant reminder that, no matter how deep the scars of the past may run, there’s always the possibility of reconciliation and new beginnings

Strained directed by Okechukwu Oku presents a bold take on domestic abuse, offering a fresh perspective that diverges from typical Nollywood narratives. It delivers a simple yet relatable storyline, transitioning seamlessly from somber tones to lighthearted moments, culminating in a predictable yet satisfying resolution. While foreseeing the ending may not always be negative, the film captivates viewers with its intriguing and gripping journey towards its conclusion.

While Strained boasts a solid narrative foundation, its execution of crucial key moment and climax of the narrative, especially performance wise, falls short of expectations. The movie follows a straightforward storyline with a linear direction, brought to life in a simplistic manner by the actors and director. Although the use of settings and locations is effective in creating the right atmosphere, the film doesn’t rely on many locations, yet manages to evoke a compelling atmosphere. Additionally, the music and costumes are commendable, contributing positively to the overall experience. The direction and cinematography are flawless, adding a polished touch to the film.

I encountered a couple of issues with the progression and emotional depth of the film midpoint. The pivotal scene addressing the “elephant in the room” could have been more effectively executed, requiring better synchronization between the acting and the actors, Tracy George and Queen Nwokoye. Although, their individual performances were commendable, and is enough to fully engage viewers in the characters’ journeys. Incorporating background information or flashbacks could have enhanced the audience’s investment in the story. Additionally, the anticipated moments lacked surprise or suspense, falling flat and feeling somewhat bland. Even pivotal moments, like the slap, could have been delivered with more impact and intensity.

The opening sequence lays a strong foundation for the film, showcasing smart storytelling and consistent character development, particularly with Samuel Nnabuike and Queen Nwokoye’s performances. Queen Nwokoye gives the standout performance and Padita Agu portrayal as Maria, delivers a solid performance, even sometimes, I wish she switch roles with Tracy George, especially because of her nuanced acting. As the story progresses, the characters remain compelling, with each actor delivering commendable performances. However, there’s a pivotal moment where the lead, Tracy George, struggles to fully connect with her character’s emotions. Despite this, the narrative shines with its multi layers, notably the poignant portrayal of the lead’s longing for maternal presence, which serves as the film’s backbone.

The subplot is exceptionally well-executed, deserving praise for its depth and impact. Just when the storyline risks becoming repetitive, the subplot involving Padita Agu’s struggle with her abusive partner injects fresh tension and is handled with finesse. Overall, “The Beginning” is a testament to thoughtful storytelling and strong performances, with standout moments that elevate the viewing experience.

The film defies the typical Nollywood narrative pitfalls of exaggeration and implausibility with its authentic and relatable storyline. The bond between Tracy and her husband is tenderly portrayed, leading up to a pivotal moment when Tracy confronts her mother’s abandonment from her childhood, a scene delivered with perfect timing. 

However, the pacing of that crucial moment feels rushed, leaving key plot points and emotional revelations underdeveloped. This detracts from the overall impact of the story, leaving viewers craving a deeper exploration of the characters’ inner struggles and development. Additionally, some moments of acting from Tracy George come across as forced or melodramatic, taking away from the authenticity of her performances, but overall she gives a decent performance. She delivers better in connecting so well with her character’s emotion during lighthearted moments, between her and her mother, and also romantic moments with her husband, but her struggles obviously show when she confronts her mother for abandoning her when she’s a child. Something was definitely amiss. 

In essence, Strained holds promise as a powerful exploration of forgiveness, redemption, and the unbreakable ties of family. Yet, it needs to embark on its own transformative journey, refining its portrayal of characters and emotions to truly resonate with its audience and make a lasting impression.

The portrayal of two contrasting individuals bridging their differences to find common ground and eventually forming a bond is heartwarming and satisfying, a guilty pleasure that I thoroughly enjoyed. The dialogue is sharp, the overall performances are outstanding, and the story is beautifully crafted with good character development. While the film follows some predictable tropes common in Nollywood content, its authenticity and originality set it apart. Watching this film is a decision you won’t regret, it’s truly special, offering a wealth of lessons packaged within an engaging storyline.