There’s something special about watching a talented actor take on a new role. When I heard Queen Nwokoye was starring in “Strained,” a new movie on Netflix, I knew I had to check it out. Let me tell you, it was worth the wait!
A Family Reunited, But Old Wounds Remain
Written, produced, and directed by Okechukwu Oku, “Strained” boasts a talented cast, including Queen Nwokoye, Samuel Nnaibuike, Padita Agu, Tracey George, and Adaeze Onuigbo. “Strained” is a captivating drama set in beautiful Enugu, Nigeria. It tells the story of Ebere (played by Tracey George), a young woman who must reluctantly reconnect with her estranged mother, Abigail (played by the phenomenal Queen Nwokoye).
The Challenges of Motherhood and the Pain of the Past
The reason for this reunion? A newborn baby! Ebere and her husband are clearly overwhelmed by the responsibility of parenthood. Exhausted and sleep-deprived, they struggle to care for their new little one. When Ebere’s husband gets called away for work, they have no choice but to invite Abigail to help with the traditional postpartum care known as “Omugwo” in Igbo culture.
But Ebere’s relationship with her mother is strained, to say the least. The film cleverly keeps us guessing about the reason for their estrangement, making us even more eager to unravel the family’s past.
Domestic Violence: A Shadow That Looms Large
“Strained” tackles the difficult topic of domestic violence with sensitivity and depth. We see the profound impact it has on Ebere and her mother, Abigail. A particularly moving scene shows Abigail advising Ebere’s friend to leave her abusive marriage. Her words, “Don’t let anybody dictate how to live your life, because if it snatched, everyone will move on” which is sad truth. We saw how the victims resonate deeply and highlight the sad reality of domestic abuse.
Laughter Through the Tears: The Humor of Family Dynamics
Despite the serious themes, “Strained” also has a lighter side. The film cleverly explores the age-old clash between mothers and daughters, especially during the “Omugwo” tradition. We see Ebere’s resistance to her mother’s traditional methods of childcare, creating some hilarious moments. For instance, when Abigail scolds Ebere for hiding her breast while breastfeeding, saying, “You’re hiding your breast in your own house? When you want to feed her outside build a canopy!”
A Celebration of Igbo Culture
“Strained” beautifully showcases the rich Igbo culture. From the vibrant traditional attire worn by the characters to the seamless switch between English and Igbo in their dialogues, the film immerses us in this unique cultural experience. Igbo music bursts onto the scene at various moments, adding an extra layer of authenticity and depth to the story.
Stellar Performances and a Touch of Cinematographic Magic
The cast delivers outstanding performances. It’s refreshing to see new faces bringing these characters to life. Queen Nwokoye is a standout, completely transforming herself into a believable and endearing Igbo grandmother. Her comedic timing and expressions are spot-on, especially when she hilariously mispronounces “Agnes” as “Aganezz.”
Final Verdict: 7/10 with a Big Smile
While the cinematography might not be groundbreaking, the story and performances are what truly resonate. The reconciliation between Ebere and Abigail is heartwarming, and Queen Nwokoye’s performance deserves all the applause. I highly recommend giving it a watch. And who knows, you might just fall in love with the Igbo language like I did (Ah Igbo kwenu!)
Well written article. I couldn’t add anything even if I wanted to