‘Strain’ is a Striking Piece on Sickle Cell Disorder

Each year on June 19, the World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is marked to raise awareness of Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD). While most programs geared towards educating the masses hinge on explaining only the science behind the genetic disease, this year, film production company Verte View goes beyond the status quo with ‘Strain’.

The over one-hour Uduak-Obong Patrick directed feature film provides audiences with richer context that highlights the effects of SCD on a personal and familial level. The plot centres on the Ezeji family, a seemingly happy family of four, who, amid their financial limitations, strives to attain balance through the love they share.

This balance is swiftly upset when their youngest child, Ekene (played by Kosi Egboruche and Nifemi Lawal), manifests signs peculiar to SCD patients as they depart a nature park in Lagos. A hasty visit to the hospital confirms their greatest fears – Ekene is an SCD patient. This unprecedented revelation, at first, appeared manageable but soon unveils the previously overlooked cracks within the immediate and extended family. It also presents new challenges with close friends.

With each member struggling to deal with the episodic crises Ekene experiences, they sacrifice their time, resources, affection, and attention to ensure that he enjoys a quality life. But soon, their patience collectively wears thin from the perpetual drain his illness posed.

Beyond exposing the effect Ekene’s medical condition has on his family, the film goes ahead to highlight the harrowing experiences of a typical SCD patient with good detailing: from the occasional slumps to enduring immeasurable pain, to candidly venting frustration during a therapy session, ‘Strain’ humanises the experiences of SCD patients, and drives home the message of SCD into hearts of its audience.

The Oluwatoyin Adewumi and Benjamin Adeniran produced film brilliantly unravel this educational piece effortlessly through the storyline, talents recruited, research, and outstanding cinematography that draws the viewer deeper into its essence. It not only expounds on the subject matter but does so in a striking manner.

Awarded Best Screenplay at the 2021 edition of The African Film Festival (TAFF), ‘Strain’ also parades some of Nollywood’s bests: Gloria Anozie, Alex Usifo, and Bimbo Akintola, who in their limited roles impacted nuance that gave the film a rounded feel. It had its debut at the Miami-based Urban Film Festival last year and is currently available on Netflix.