“With Difficulty Comes Ease” Paints a Poignant Portrait of Faith and Resilience

Coming at a time when many Nollywood films run the risk of invariably becoming lousy and overtly melodramatic, “With Difficulty Comes Ease” by Korede Azeez seems like a whiff of fresh air. A wonderful example of demonstrating that less is more in storytelling, and enough proof to the fact that sometimes some of the most powerful narratives can be found within life’s subtlest moments.

At its very heart, it is a story about Zainab, a young, widowed Muslim who gets thrown into a world of uncertainty when her husband suddenly dies. Forced to observe the traditional period for mourning at her mother-in-law’s house, Zainab is smothered by cultural expectations, financial struggles, and a secret pregnancy. The foundation is right for melodrama, but Azeez has opted for subtlety instead, and the story unspools easily, almost meditatively.

Aniunoh’s performance as Zainab is nothing short of remarkable. With expressive eyes and subtle gestures, she conveys volumes about her character’s inner turmoil without resorting to histrionics. We feel Zainab’s grief like a physical presence, watching as she navigates the delicate balance between honoring tradition and forging her own path forward. It’s a role that could easily have slipped into caricature, but Aniunoh imbues Zainab with a quiet strength that anchors the entire film.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, each bringing depth to roles that in lesser hands might have felt one-dimensional. Ummi Baba-Ahmed shines as Hajiya, Zainab’s prickly mother-in-law. Rather than playing her as a stereotypical villain, Baba-Ahmed allows glimpses of Hajiya’s own pain to peek through her harsh exterior. It’s a nuanced portrayal that adds layers to the complex family dynamics at play.

Caleb Richard brings a gentle warmth to the role of Rayyan, a convert to Islam who forms an unexpected friendship with Zainab. Their developing bond provides a much-needed lifeline for our grieving protagonist, while also serving as a catalyst for her personal growth. Richard and Aniunoh share a quiet chemistry that feels authentic, never forced or contrived.

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its exploration of faith and cultural identity. Azeez, herself a Muslim, brings an insider’s perspective to the narrative, offering a refreshingly nuanced portrayal of Islamic life in Nigeria. The film tackles weighty themes like interfaith marriages, religious conversion, and the often-suffocating weight of tradition, but does so with a light touch that never feels preachy or didactic.

This is particularly evident in a pivotal scene where Zainab and Rayyan discuss their respective journeys to Islam. While the conversation borders on becoming overly expository, it’s saved by the genuine emotion behind the characters’ words. We’re offered a glimpse into the personal nature of faith, and how it can both unite and divide families.

Visually, “With Difficulty Comes Ease” embraces a naturalistic aesthetic that perfectly complements its subject matter. Azeez and her cinematographer make effective use of Abuja’s urban landscape, creating a sense of place that feels authentic and lived-in. The muted color palette reflects Zainab’s emotional state, gradually warming as she begins to heal and rediscover herself.

The film’s pacing might test the patience of viewers accustomed to more plot-driven narratives. Azeez isn’t afraid to linger in moments of silence, allowing the weight of unspoken emotions to fill the screen. It’s a bold choice that pays off, creating an immersive experience that draws us deeper into Zainab’s world with each passing scene.

That’s not to say the film is without its flaws. A time jump in the final act, while providing a sense of closure, feels somewhat rushed compared to the deliberate pacing of what came before. It’s a minor stumble in an otherwise assured piece of filmmaking, but one that slightly undercuts the emotional impact of Zainab’s journey.

The biggest differentiator for “With Difficulty Comes Ease” is how authentic it remains. In a media world that is still largely dominated by the worst stereotypes and most ridiculous cultural misconceptions, Azeez effectively depicts what it means to be Muslim in Nigeria. With that said, the movie never shies away from discussing difficult topics such as money troubles bureaucratic corruption, and the challenges faced by widows in a patriarchal society. And yet it does so with a loving eye, never making its characters seem like pat victims of fate.

It’s an authenticity that shows up in the film, even when it comes to what grief looks like. The way that Zainab grieves makes sense, it plays quietly and realistically without any melodrama or wild emotions you might expect to see on television. Rather, we are privy to the muted ruin of everyday life — dragging oneself out of bed, the vacant sense in day-to-day minutiae. And yet, it is in these small and mundane aspects of life that the film truly comes to explore its deepest emotional truths.

“With Difficulty Comes Ease” is not a film that will appeal to all viewers. Its deliberate pacing and focus on internal struggles may frustrate those seeking more conventional drama. But for those willing to surrender themselves to its gentle rhythms, the rewards are immense. Azeez has crafted a deeply empathetic exploration of faith, resilience, and the human capacity for growth in the face of adversity.

In a broader context, the film represents an exciting new voice in Nigerian cinema. Azeez joins a growing cadre of filmmakers pushing the boundaries of what Nollywood can be, proving that there’s an audience for thoughtful, character-driven stories that reflect the true complexity of Nigerian life.

As the credits roll on “With Difficulty Comes Ease,” we’re overcome with a hopefulness, not one of those ‘AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER’ kind but an earthy type.  Zainab’s journey reminds us that healing is rarely linear, that faith can be both a comfort and a challenge, and that sometimes the greatest act of courage is simply to keep moving forward. It’s a message that resonates far beyond the film’s specific cultural context, making this quiet drama a truly universal story.

Release Date: August 1, 2024

Runtime: 1 hour, 48 minutes, 38 seconds

Streaming Service: Prime Video

Director: Korede Azeez

Cast: Uzoamaka Aninuoh, Caleb Richards, Ummi Baba-Ahmed, and Michelle Dede