A Review of "Broken Hallelujah": Infertility and Faith in Focus
Director: Great Val Edochie
Run time: 2hrs:25 mins
Cast: Bimbo Ademoye, Daniel Etim Effiong, Bimbo Akintola, Eso Dike, Barbara Soky, Great Val Edochie, Munachi Ike, Saratu Bello.
In Nigeria, where socio-cultural norms are deeply rooted, there is a widespread expectation for couples to conceive shortly after marriage. Broken Hallelujah provides a poignant and insightful perspective into the pressure and stigma faced by those who don’t conform to this societal ideal.
This has led to the phenomenon often described as “womb watching” where friends, family, and even strangers closely monitor a newlywed woman for signs of pregnancy. In many parts of the country, it is simply inconceivable that a married couple would delay or struggle with reproduction.
Diya (played by Bimbo Ademoye), a lonely young woman raised by her grandmother, returns home after completing her National Youth Service. She soon rekindles a relationship with her childhood crush, Chukwudi ‘Didi’ (Daniel Etim Effiong). However, shortly after a confrontation with local tax collectors led by Adodo, Didi’s shop is destroyed in a fire.
Determined to start afresh, Didi relocates to Lagos. Despite the distance, he remains emotionally committed to Diya and eventually returns to marry her and take her along with him. What begins as a hopeful love story soon takes a dramatic turn, as their shared future faces unforeseen challenges.
SOURCE
Review
“The same way broken crayons still colour, a broken hallelujah still carries praise.” a powerful line from the film’s closing scenes.
One year into their marriage, Diya and Didi’s happiness is overshadowed by the painful reality of infertility. The emotional highs and lows they endure from hope to despair form the emotional core of the film. As they grapple with repeated disappointment, the strain begins to test both their faith and their bond, leading to bitterness and spiritual turmoil.
As a faith-based film, Broken Hallelujah does a commendable job of shedding light on the complex science behind conception. It introduces viewers to Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, a potential complication of IVF (in vitro fertilisation) a process often mistakenly seen as a guaranteed solution to infertility. The film also touches on hormonal triggers like elevated levels of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), which can mimic pregnancy.
At its heart, Broken Hallelujah is a story about infertility, but it’s also a nuanced exploration of faith, resilience, and inter-religious solidarity. A particularly moving moment occurs when Diya, a devout Christian, finds comfort and understanding in a Muslim woman who has experienced similar struggles. This interaction subtly underscores the theme of unity in diversity.
Verdict
Broken Hallelujah addresses a powerful and often unspoken topic with emotional depth and cultural sensitivity. Despite minor drawbacks in execution, it remains a significant film that resonates deeply with its audience.
Rating: 8/10