‘Strained’ is a simple story with bittersweet emotions

Movie Title: Stressed

Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes

Director: Okechukwu Oku

Cast: Queen Nwokoye, Samuel Nnaibuike, Padita Agu, Tracey George and Adaeze Onuigbo.

The bond shared between mother and daughter is truly unique. But what happens when the opposite happens? Can a fractured bond between mother and daughter be repaired? These are the central questions of the movie “Strained.”

It is commonly accepted that most people appreciate their mothers, with only a few exceptions. “Strained” explores these exceptions and reveals what can deteriorate a mother-daughter relationship.

Through authentic characters and compelling performances, viewers are immersed in the harsh realities faced by survivors of domestic violence, creating an intriguing and eye-opening experience.

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The film revolves around Ebere, a young nursing mother, who is reluctantly reunited with her estranged mother at the pleas of her husband. The catalyst for this reunion is the arrival of a newborn, which marks the traditional “Omugwo” ceremony in Igbo culture, where the mother of the couple offers postpartum care to the new mother.

Tense plot

“Strained” follows the journey of Ebere, a new mother, and her estranged mother, Abigail; the narrative goes back to Ebere’s days as a boarding student at the Methodist College Enugu. During visiting days, Ebere anxiously awaited the arrival of her mother, only to face repeated disappointment when Abigail did not show up like other mothers did to visit her children. This early disappointment lays the foundation for their strained relationship, which is further explored as the story develops.

Ebere, now married and facing the demands of caring for her newborn, finds herself in a dilemma when her husband travels to Calabar on business. Reluctantly, she asks her estranged mother, Abigail, for help, setting the stage for a highly charged meeting.

Reina Nwokoye in tension

However, Ebere’s heart is filled with resentment towards his mother, seeing her more as an adversary than a source of support. This bitterness stems from a traumatic past: her father’s abusive behavior toward her mother caused Abigail to leave the marriage. However, Abigail faced a bitter struggle with Ebere’s father, who refused to relinquish control over her daughter, subjecting Ebere to a toxic upbringing.

Unknown to Ebere, her mother’s decision to reconnect was driven by a deep desire to protect and care for her. But past wounds have clouded Ebere’s perception, making her feel abandoned and betrayed. Can the gap between them be bridged? Will Ebere come to understand her mother’s sacrifices and will she find in her heart the ability to forgive and reconcile? Will her bond be reborn?

Character analysis

The film features a talented cast, including Queen Nwokoye, Samuel Nnaibuike, Padita Agu, Tracey George and Adaeze Onuigbo.

Queen Nwokoye gives a standout performance as Ebere’s mother, Abigail, bringing depth and authenticity to her character. She deftly navigates the complexities of a character suffering from pain from the past and struggling to heal the wounds in her relationship with her daughter.

His performance captures the essence and central theme of the film, drawing viewers into his character’s emotional journey. The film benefits greatly from her convincing performance.

Furthermore, the casting of Queen Nwokoye and Tracey George, who played the role of Ebere, her daughter, bears a striking resemblance and enhances the authenticity of their mother-daughter relationship, contributing to the overall impact of the film.

Tense movie review

The beauty of a good movie is its story, and how well the story is told also matters a lot; These things make ‘Strained’ stand out.

From the beginning, the film hooks the audience with a suspenseful tone that keeps them interested.

As the narrative unfolds, scene after scene, viewers are drawn deeper into the mysteries surrounding the characters. The central question of why Ebere harbors hatred towards her mother becomes a driving force that forces the audience to eagerly await each revelation.

Amid the unfolding drama, “Strained” deftly balances moments of emotion and comic relief, creating a dynamic pace that keeps viewers interested and entertained.

Each scene is precisely crafted and offers the right amount of comedy and intrigue.

The film strikes a delicate balance between moments of tension and fun, allowing the audience to interact with the characters on multiple levels.

The clash of wisdom during the ‘Omugwo tradition’ is a rich source of comic relief, highlighting the tension between traditional child-rearing practices and modern approaches.

These funny moments are brought to life through witty dialogue and impeccable comedic timing.

The chemistry between the characters, especially the two mothers, adds charm and relatability to the story, which resonates strongly with both Nigerian women and viewers.

Strained” enchants viewers with its captivating cinematography, deftly capturing the beauty of Enugu’s surroundings while also delving into the emotional depths experienced by its characters.

Through stunning visuals, the film juxtaposes the serene landscapes of Enugu with the internal problems and conflicts faced by its protagonists.

Furthermore, the city becomes not only a backdrop but a character in its own right, reflecting the identity and cultural heritage of its inhabitants.

From wide panning shots to intimate close-ups, each frame is meticulously crafted to evoke emotion.

Furthermore, the film’s soundtrack enhances the emotions even more. The songs reflect both the culture and the value of motherhood.

“Strained” portrays the rich Igbo culture, weaving its vibrant elements throughout the narrative to create a truly immersive experience.

From Mom’s traditional attire to the characters fluidly switching between English and Igbo in their dialogue, the film celebrates cultural pride from start to finish.

The film’s meticulous attention to sound design, music, and lighting contributes significantly to its overall impact; Each element is carefully crafted to evoke a feeling of authenticity, elevating storytelling to new heights.

However, the film is not without its flaws; The domestic violence subplot was not explored well and the lack of clarity makes the premise of the entire film very weak and insubstantial.

We didn’t learn much about Ebere’s father, but what Abigail told us saved the day. In cases like this, viewers cannot judge whether Ebere’s hatred of his mother was justified.

Otherwise, “Strained” offers a compelling blend of drama, emotion, and cultural exploration, making it a worthy addition to any viewing list.

Whether enjoyed on the big screen or from the comfort of home, it leaves a lasting impression as an engaging and thought-provoking film.

Verdict:

8/10

TENSION – an Okey Oku movie [Official Trailer] (youtube.com)

Strained is currently streaming on Netflix.