“At Ease” Offers a Glimpse into the Hidden Battles of War Trauma

In “At Ease”, Seun Richards’ debut feature, Nigerian cinema takes on an often-sidelined topic: the psychological battles faced by military veterans.

Set in the aftermath of a traumatic bombing, the story follows Ifeanyi Agbo, a Nigerian Army Captain, who survives a deadly insurgent attack but grapples with the severe aftermath of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This emotional journey, penned by Stephanie Dadet, is a refreshing take on mental health, offering a perspective unique to Nollywood.

Agbo, portrayed by Samuel Asa’ah, faces a spiral of nightmares, hallucinations, and disintegrating family ties, leading him to the brink of suicide. The film’s emotional core resonates in his struggle, capturing not just the weight of war on a soldier but the rippling effect on loved ones, especially as his deteriorating mental state strains his marriage.

In a key moment that becomes the film’s emotional pivot, Agbo inadvertently harms his young son during a particularly distressing episode. This incident pushes his wife, Lara (Anee Icha), to leave, a choice that sends Agbo into a deep depression marked by alcohol abuse and despair. However, it’s this near-fatal low point that initiates his journey toward therapy and self-redemption.

“At Ease” shines by bringing a delicate hand to this harrowing subject matter. Richards and Dadet choose to focus more on Agbo’s internal conflicts than on the physical horrors of war, a storytelling choice that helps build empathy and understanding in audiences. This approach calls to mind Hollywood films that explore similar themes of war trauma, though “At Ease” remains firmly rooted in Nigeria’s unique cultural context.

The film is both anchored and lifted by Asa’ah’s performance as Agbo. Through his nuanced portrayal, Asa’ah illustrates the soldier’s tragic descent from a confident officer to a vulnerable man wrestling with trauma and guilt.

His scenes withAnee Icha bring an authentic, grounded energy, as her character navigates the emotional toll of being the partner of a PTSD sufferer. Icha’s portrayal of Lara as a supportive yet understandably exhausted spouse injects depth into the film, highlighting the often-overlooked secondary trauma experienced by families of veterans.

The subtlety in “At Ease”’s character interactions strengthens the narrative, though the film isn’t without its flaws. The plot’s pacing can feel slow, as it spends significant time unpacking Agbo’s psychological journey. While this deliberate buildup aids the film’s emotional weight, there are moments where tighter editing could have made for a more engaging viewing experience.

One standout in the supporting cast is young Emmanuel Odunaro, who plays Agbo’s son, Nnamdi. Odunaro’s natural charm and sensitivity make him a compelling addition, as he captures the fear and confusion of a child caught in the emotional fallout of his father’s trauma. His interactions with Asa’ah add a raw, touching dimension to the story.

Despite the film’s strengths, there are technical issues that detract from its impact. Sound design inconsistencies, particularly in critical scenes, occasionally overshadow dialogue, making it difficult for viewers to follow the story without subtitles. These sound dips disrupt the flow, though well-timed subtitles partly mitigate the issue, allowing audiences to stay connected to the unfolding drama.

“At Ease” is part of Nigeria’s expanding collection of films addressing mental health. In a country where mental health issues are often stigmatized, the film stands as a bold statement.

Following recent Nollywood titles that touch on topics like postpartum depression, Richards’ film breaks new ground by centering on the psychological aftereffects of war—a topic that rarely finds a place in Nigerian media. The narrative’s restraint from sensationalism enables viewers to engage more genuinely with Agbo’s journey, helping to destigmatize therapy and mental health support in African society.

While the technical flaws are noticeable, “At Ease” is a meaningful addition to Nigeria’s film landscape. It succeeds not just as a movie but as a conversation starter, encouraging reflection on mental health, PTSD, and the unsung battles of veterans.

Richards’ confident direction and the cast’s compelling performances make “At Ease” an impactful story that will likely resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

Release Date: October 16, 2024

Runtime: 2 hours, 3 minutes, 7 seconds

Streaming Service: Prime Video

Director: Seun Richards

Cast: Asa’ah Samuel,Anee Icha,Odunayo Emmanuel, Rekiya Ibrahim Atta, Tony Ezimadu, Eyiyemi Olivia Rogbinyin, Keppy Ekpenyong