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In a cinematic landscape often dominated by romance and revenge dramas, HEALING stands out as a film with true heart and purpose. Directed by Adeshina Abiola Paul, produced by Oyebade Bimpe Adedimeji (who also stars as Abeni), and executively produced by Lateef Adedimeji, this 2-hour 8-minute family drama delivers a powerful narrative about health, love, and resilience. It’s currently streaming on Mo Bimpe TV on YouTube — and it’s well worth your time.
Synopsis
When brand influencer Abeni (Oyebade Bimpe Adedimeji) is diagnosed with a high count of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) — ironically while leading a campaign on the same issue — her seemingly perfect marriage to Adedamola (Gabriel Afolayan) begins to crumble. The revelation tests their vows and challenges everything they thought they knew about love, trust, and loyalty. Will their marriage survive the weight of illness and suspicion, or will their love story become another casualty of fear and stigma?
Story and Themes
HEALING does something many Nollywood films rarely attempt — it merges emotional storytelling with public health education. The film shines a bright light on HPV, one of the leading causes of cervical cancer, and exposes the ignorance and stigma surrounding it. It also delves into how illness can strain marriages, friendships, and careers, while exploring themes of vulnerability, societal pressure, and gender expectations.
The subplot involving family pressure over childbirth adds another emotional layer, highlighting the emotional toll of in-law interference. The group therapy sessions are some of the film’s most moving scenes — real, raw, and deeply human. Hearing other women share their struggles makes the film’s message hit home. It’s impossible not to feel something.
Performances and Casting
Casting is one of HEALING’s biggest strengths. Oyebade Bimpe and Gabriel Afolayan deliver convincing, heartfelt performances as a couple pushed to the edge. Their chemistry feels natural, their pain believable. But the surprise gem here is the actor who plays Abeni’s father — warm, supportive, and quietly strong. His portrayal redefines the Nigerian father figure: empathetic and emotionally present.
Direction and Execution
Director Adeshina Abiola Paul deserves praise for keeping the story grounded. The pacing is steady, the transitions smooth, and the message never feels forced. The film’s dialogue feels natural and its emotional beats land effectively. Despite being primarily in Yoruba, the subtitling makes it accessible to all audiences.
However, the film isn’t without flaws. The cinematography suffers, especially in outdoor scenes where lighting feels uneven. Some wigs and costumes also fall short of standard. But the background music deserves applause — it perfectly complements the mood of each scene, enhancing emotional tension without becoming intrusive.
Technical Weaknesses and Missed Details
Editing is one area that clearly needed tighter control. The closing credits drag on far too long and fail to include a proper cast list — a frustrating oversight for curious viewers. The pregnancy bump looks distractingly fake, especially in an era when silicone prosthetics are easily accessible.
Inconsistencies in subtitling — including grammatical errors — occasionally disrupt the flow. And a few questions linger: What exactly does Adedamola do for a living? Why was his character not given more depth? Also, one can’t help but wonder if Madam Mercy, who portrays a cancer patient, might be drawing from real-life experience — her performance is hauntingly authentic.
Lessons and Takeaways
Health is priceless; check your HPV status early.
Infidelity carries consequences beyond emotional pain.
Support systems matter — family, therapy, and community heal.
Being educated doesn’t mean being informed.
Even love needs honesty, patience, and forgiveness to survive adversity.
Final Verdict
HEALING is not a perfect film — its technical flaws are evident — but its heart is undeniable. It’s deeply emotional, socially relevant, and bravely informative. This is Nollywood at its most purposeful: storytelling with impact. The film reminds us that health awareness deserves the same spotlight as love stories and political dramas.
A moving, meaningful watch that sparks conversation and compassion.
Rating: (7/10)
Streaming on: Mo Bimpe TV (YouTube)
Watch movie below…
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