First Features Project film ‘At Ease,’ directed by Seun Richards, portrays Samuel Asa’ah and Anee Icha as a Nigerian couple battling the devastating effects of post-war PTSD after battling insurgency in Northern Nigeria, based on a script penned by Stephanie Dadet.
The psychological drama, which is currently showing on Prime Video, explores the longstanding belief that “a soldier may leave the war, but the war never leaves the soldier.”
As the sixth film from the twelve-film slate First Features Project, the film brings together an extraordinary creative team, including producers Ikechukwu Omenaihe, Steve Gukas, and Dotun Olakunri, who previously helmed the First Features Project’s ‘Kill Boro.’
‘At Ease’ delves into the often-overlooked mental toll of war, particularly PTSD, experienced by soldiers in the Nigerian Army.
The story centres on Major Agbo Dooga, portrayed by Samuel Asa’ah, a 35-year-old officer who survives a bomb blast during a raid in Northern Nigeria. While his physical wounds begin to heal, the emotional scars run deep as Agbo struggles with recurring nightmares, flashbacks, and the strain PTSD places on his family and career.
The film takes audiences on a raw, immersive journey through Agbo’s battle with his inner demons, exploring the devastating ripple effects that trauma has on his wife, son, and relationships.
Richards, who grew up in a military environment, brings a personal touch to the film. He crafts Agbo’s journey not just as a soldier but as a father and husband, living with the invisible wounds of war. According to Richards, “This film is not a war story—it’s a human story.”
The film boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Anee Icha as Lara Agbo, Keppy Ekpenyong as Colonel Segun, Rekiya Ibrahim Atta as Mrs. Akande, and Eyiyemi Rogbinyin Olivia as Dr. Linda, each character playing a vital role in Agbo’s struggle for redemption. Stephanie Dadet’s powerful script brings these characters to life, offering a nuanced portrayal of a family coping with the fallout of war.
Visually, ‘At Ease’ creates an intimate and disorienting atmosphere that mirrors the suffocating nature of PTSD. Cinematographers Rangwetsane Maphike and Mike Downie masterfully employ close-up shots and muted tones, drawing audiences into Agbo’s fractured mental state.
Production designer Leo Omoseebi enhances this immersion with a carefully constructed set that reflects Agbo’s inner turmoil, while costume designer Talatu Yelji underscores each character’s evolution through thoughtfully curated wardrobe choices.
Beyond being a captivating drama, ‘At Ease’ serves as a commentary on mental health in Nigeria, where PTSD and other psychological conditions often go unspoken or misunderstood, particularly within the military. As Agbo’s story unfolds, the film not only portrays his descent into darkness but also his difficult road to recovery, seeking professional help and striving to rebuild his family.
With ‘At Ease,’ Seun Richards offers a gripping, heart-wrenching portrayal of trauma, mental health, and resilience, promising a story that will resonate deeply with viewers. The film is a powerful reminder that some battles are fought long after the war has ended.
As ‘At Ease’ begins showing on Prime Video, together with ‘Cake,’ ‘It Blooms in June,’ ‘Love and Life,’ ‘Kill Boro,’ and ‘A Father’s Love,’ the film completes the halfway journey through Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri’s ambitious First Features Project, which aims to give twelve Nigerian filmmakers guidance and support through the process of making their first feature films.
