Movie Review: Mending (2025)

 

Image :Facebook 

 

Director: Robert O. Peters
Starring: Nancy Isime, Shaffy Bello, Omowunmi Dada, Enyinna Nwigwe, Ademola Adedoyin, Tumi “DC” Oluyole
Genre: Drama / Psychological
Runtime: Approx. 1hr 44min 

OVERVIEW 

Mending is an emotionally stirring Nollywood drama that explores the long shadows cast by trauma, abandonment, and betrayal. What begins as a quiet family story quickly deepens into a raw, introspective journey, anchored by a powerful lead performance from Nancy Isime. Director Robert O. Peters offers a well-paced, beautifully shot exploration of healing—both personal and relational. 

STORY & WRITING 

The plot follows Sumi, a woman trying to hold her life together after emotional abandonment by her father and the death of her mother. Her marriage and motherhood provide stability—until Fela, a ghost from her past, resurfaces. Alongside the emotional shock of Fela’s return, Sumi discovers a betrayal from her best friend Funbi, forcing her to confront the inner wounds she's long buried.

The screenplay leans heavily on realism and emotional restraint. It avoids melodrama, choosing instead to let silences, facial expressions, and subtle interactions carry weight. While this slow-burning approach won’t appeal to every viewer, it rewards those who appreciate character-driven storytelling. 

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Nancy Isime as Sumi is easily the heart of the film. Her performance captures grief and emotional repression with remarkable nuance. From silent breakdowns to volatile confrontations, she commands the screen with grace and truth.

• Shaffy Bello and Enyinna Nwigwe provide depth in their supporting roles. Bello, in particular, brings gravitas and warmth as a maternal figure, while Nwigwe plays Dami with quiet strength.

• Direction & Tone: Robert O. Peters shows maturity in his directing, creating space for reflection while maintaining emotional tension. The cinematography favors soft light and intimate framing, reinforcing the themes of memory, regret, and restoration. 

• WHAT FALLS SHORT 

• Pacing Issues: Some sequences feel stretched out longer than necessary. While this suits the meditative tone, the film risks losing viewers who prefer a more dynamic narrative arc.

• Side Characters Lacking Depth: Characters like Funbi and Dami show promise but are underdeveloped. Their emotional arcs could have added more dimension to Sumi’s healing process. 

• 
  

• VERDICT 

Mending is not a loud film—it doesn’t rely on plot twists or spectacle. Instead, it’s a quiet reckoning with the past, delivered through rich performances and tender filmmaking. It’s a standout in 2025’s Nollywood lineup, particularly for viewers seeking depth, emotion, and psychological realism.

It reminds us that healing isn’t a straight line, but a process filled with pain, rediscovery, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

 Should You Watch It?

• Yes, if you’re drawn to heartfelt, psychological dramas with layered female leads.
• No, if you prefer action, quick pacing, or plot-heavy storytelling.

•  RATING : 8/10

A moving, well-acted film that places emotional truth above formula. Some pacing flaws aside, Mending succeeds in telling a brave story about breaking down and starting over.

#NollywoodTimes

#moviereview

#cinemamovie

#TrendingNow