Earlier this year, on 16th January 2022, Netflix released an Epic Nollywood movie, a movie I would call the game changer of Nollywood, the film titled; For Maria, Ebun Pataki. English translation means “For Maria, An Important Gift” The first question it brings to the mind is, What is the meaning of Maria? Maria means “Sea of Sadness” Or “Sea of sorrow.”
For Maria, a Debut of Damilola Orimogunje, A movie that covers postpartum depression, post Partum Anxiety, and how to deal with it. Damilola Orimogunje seems to explore a condition that doesn’t gain much attention in Africa as a whole, a state that many Africans do not believe exists. He symbolically represents this through the mother in law’s reaction to the young mother going through the condition.
It is a movie that seeks to correct the African perception of Childbirth. Sometimes, the birth of a child may not always bring good news. It may bring depression too.
The Story
The story tells us of a woman, Derin, who experiences a painful birth. She loses a lot of blood, leading to the removal of her womb. She had several scars from the experience that she hated her body.
Her experience during Childbirth leads her to depression. She dislikes the baby, whom she names “Maria”, meaning “Sea of sadness”, and doesn’t call her by name. Her behaviour towards her child results in criticism by everyone who sees them together. No one understands how she feels. They call her “Odaju Abiamo”, meaning cruel mother. In Derin, the writer created an image every woman can relate to. Male or female, we feel her pain.
Every Character in the movie had a symbol, ranging from the role of Tina Mba as the mother to the Husband, Kunle Afolayan. He was supportive. He understood his wife’s pain, but not enough to change her plight. It didn’t save Derin from the depression eating her up.
The Actors
Meg Otanwa’s performance as Derin was epic. The role was perfect for her. Other supporting actors also made her situation seem real and painful. As always, Tina Mba did not disappoint.
The Cast
Meg Otanwa as Derin
Kunle Afolayan as Afolabi
Tina Mba as Afolabi mum
Tubi Aiyedehin as the doctor
Judith Audu as Tola
Demi Banwo as AY
Technical Review.
For Maria Ebun Pataki was written by Tunray Femi and Damilola Orimogunje, while it was directed by Damilola Orimogunje. The setting is of an average Nigerian home. This is an apt setting for the storyline as it is a common issue.
For the first movie of Damilola, I must say he explored a theme untapped by other writers.
It was an easy watch, and the message was easily conveyed, clear and straightforward. Although the ending was quite disturbing, one would have expected a twist that changed the story.
Rating
I would rate the movie 9/10. It is a ‘must-watch.’
