Movie review: With Difficulty Comes Ease is a touching film that explores the pressure faced by widows

With Difficulty Comes Ease, directed and written by Korede Azeez, is a thought-provoking film that delves into the complex journey of Zainab, a young widow navigating the intricacies of grief and tradition. The film explores personal loss, cultural expectations, and the enduring strength of friendship, all woven together to create a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with audiences.

The story centres on Zainab, an Igbo-Ebira woman played by Uzoamaka Aniunoh, whose powerful performance anchors the film. As Zainab, Aniunoh masterfully captures the character’s emotional struggle, conveying a wide range of feelings through subtle expressions and nuanced acting. Her portrayal of a woman caught between mourning her husband and redefining her future is both moving and authentic, making her character’s journey all the more engaging.

Throughout the film, Zainab faces the challenges of living up to cultural expectations while coping with her grief. She must navigate the traditional pressures from her family and community while trying to carve out a new path for herself. The film thoughtfully examines how these expectations can shape one’s experience of loss and the process of moving forward. I like the look on her face when financial difficulties and a secret pregnancy weighed her down.

The supporting cast, consisting of Ummi Baba Ahmed, Caleb Richard, and Michelle Dede, provides a strong backdrop for Zainab’s story, enhancing the film with their credible performances. Each character brings depth to the narrative, contributing to the themes of familial duty and personal resilience. The interactions between Zainab and those around her highlight the nuances of friendship and family, showing how these relationships can hinder and support her journey.

The movie’s screenplay stands out for its intelligent and engaging dialogue, avoiding clichés often found in stories about widowhood. Instead of relying on predictable tropes, the film provides a nuanced exploration of Zainab’s circumstances, portraying her as a multidimensional character facing real-world challenges. The narrative is fresh and compelling, offering a new perspective on themes of grief and recovery.

However, the film does have its shortcomings. The cinematography and visual elements, while serviceable, lack the creativity and impact that could enhance the storytelling. Some scenes miss the opportunity to visually underscore the emotional weight of the narrative, which could have added another layer of depth to the film. Moreover, certain conflicts, such as the interactions with in-laws and landlords, are somewhat conventional and could have been approached with more originality.

Despite these minor drawbacks, With Difficulty Comes Ease excels in its exploration of the human spirit and the resilience required to overcome adversity. It is a testament to the power of storytelling to address complex themes with sensitivity and honesty. The film engages viewers by presenting a realistic depiction of the struggles faced by those who defy societal norms in pursuit of personal growth and healing.

As the film progresses, audiences are invited to reflect on the themes of friendship and resilience and the importance of finding one’s path despite external pressures. The movie’s exploration of how people find hope and solace in the face of hardship is poignant and inspiring.

With Difficulty Comes Ease is a remarkable contribution to Nollywood cinema, offering a heartfelt and insightful story. The film’s intentional and thoughtful approach to storytelling, and the mix of religion and culture, is one aspect that deserves commendation. It leaves audiences with a lasting impression of the power of resilience and the capacity for new beginnings, even in the face of life’s most challenging moments. It gets a 7/10, a score that would have been better if not for the shortcomings in cinematography.