For Maria Ebun Pataki Review… a much-needed topic

Year: 2020
Genre: Depression, Marriage, Drama
Cast: Gabriel Afolayan, Meg Otanwa, Alexis Emeleogu, Demi Banwo, Judith Audu, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, Tina Mba
Director: Damilola Orimogunje
Writer: Tunray Femi, Damilola Orimogunje
Cinematographer: David Wyte
Summary: After giving birth, Derin, a new mom, is affected by severe postpartum depression endangering the way she relates to her husband and child

Overall Rating: BBQ
A much-needed topic to address and many thanks to the writers for crafting For Maria Ebun Pataki (FMEP)
~Worth Watching~

Delicious
—FMEP was a refreshing experience having a smaller cast and minor locations. It was unlike the typical movies we’re accustomed to
—The darkness of the family house played well into the movie’s atmosphere. You were almost begging for light, but based on the circumstances, it was absolutely understandable
—FMEP is such a needed narrative to raise awareness on postpartum depression which is extremely overlooked in our societies. New mothers long for guidance, support, tenderness, and help, and that’s what the screenwriters were spotlighting
—Derin’s husband (Gabriel Afolayan) and Mama (Tina Mba), nothing to say, they delivered! First time seeing Meg Otanwa (playing Derin), she did so well that we became frustrated with her (a sign of good acting 😀 )
—A great score that manipulated the mood of the story so we could live each moment with the actors

Bland
—The screenplay could have been richer had it given us more insights into Derin’s family background, upbringing (whether it affected her psychology), the whereabouts of her aunties, or even her circle of friends
—The cinematographer omitted to capture some crucial moments, such as Afolabi’s facial reaction when Derin, his wife, opened up about her physical state, annnnd we didn’t really see the baby’s face throughout the movie…
—As the film was very intense, a little break could have been inserted by including a few relaxed scenes or providing a parallel narrative

Viewers’ Guide
Language none Violence none Intimacy

Trailer

Available on
(Audio: English; English Subtitles: Yes)