NewsBytes Recommends: Nigerian film 'Strained' on Netflix—emotionally poignant and courageous
Nigerian film Strained—streaming on Netflix—despite its small scale, is a well-made, well-acted, and gravitas-laden film due to its thematic underpinnings and the issues it courageously explores. There are only selected films that talk about postpartum depression, generational trauma, and the differences that can drive a wedge between a mother and her daughter, and Strained touches upon all these with compassion, empathy, and intelligence.
This is what happens in 'Strained'
The film underlines the life of Ebere, a new mother struggling with raising her baby. When her husband, Ozo, has to leave for days due to work, she reluctantly seeks her estranged mother's help raising the baby. In the process, their intense, subdued anger for each other finally rises toward the surface, but their conflicts are eventually resolved over the course of numerous conversations.
Touches upon taboo issues without going over the top
Toxic parenting is a taboo, one that seldom gets representation in cinema and literature, but Strained speaks about it courageously. Not all parents are capable of raising their kids, and not all kids feel a sense of belongingness and comfort when they think of "home." This usually emanates from generational trauma that scars multiple relationships, and this theme is at the heart of Strained.
The script looks at its characters with compassion
Another noteworthy aspect is how Strained doesn't ever judge any of its characters. Instead, it opts for a more practical, humane approach. The film seems to say, "Yes, all human beings are flawed, but perhaps that is the very beauty of being human." The script has a compassion for its characters, with everyone getting their own emotional character arc that ties all loose ends.
Its progressive themes won me over
The film is extremely progressive; for instance, Ebere talks about how she is aching to go back to work after the birth of her child, and how her professional life is something she wouldn't let go of just because she's a mother. Her husband's contribution toward caring for their baby is another way in which Strained speaks volumes about urgent societal change.
Looking for something different? Watch 'Strained'
The Okechukwu Oku directorial, in its brief runtime, explores numerous issues without being preachy, pedantic, drab, or melodramatic. Interestingly, it only features four characters and entirely takes place in the same location, and yet, successfully tells its story convincingly and with enough ambition. Its beauty comes from its meaty script, consistently believable performances, and an everyday story most of us can relate to.
