Spoilers will not go swimming again.

You can learn all about how tides work, how the waves are formed, how the sea currents have patterns and everything there is now about the sea. And yet, standing in front of it and daring to go into its waters you can’t help but feel some level of respect for its power. Teeming with life and yet having the power to take it away in an instant, the ocean has inspired countless tales of its relationship with humankind. It’s not a stretch to grant it divinity.

Mami Wata (2023) is directed and written by C.J. Obasi. Mama Efe (Rita Edochie) is the Intermediary for the small village of Lyi. She intercedes with the goddess of the sea, Mami Wata, on behalf of the sick and unlucky. Honored by the villagers as their matriarch, she gets a portion of their wealth and lives comfortably. She represents tradition, religion and ways of old, but she is challenged by her daughter Zimwe (Uzoamaka Aniunoh) who is next in line to take her position. Zimwe believes she could do better than her mother, and serve the people’s needs more than the goddess’ will, and because of that she wants the power for herself. Standing in the middle is Mama Efe’s second daughter Prisca (Evelyne Ily), who does not share her sister’s ambitions but would prefer to cede tradition on behalf of adopting modern medicine.

The first time we see Mama Efe and Zimwe talk, there is a simple scene in which Zimwe is casted with sunlight while her mother has darkness to her back. Movie language would have us believe we’re siding with Zimwe, representing more illuminated times but there’s something about the darkness that also seems to grant Mama Efe the hidden power that only those that come before know over the ones that just start their journey. There is poetry in this film, and the black and white filmography seems to grant the African setting its due reverence. By the time that outsider Jasper (Emeka Amakeze) emerges from the sea, the stage is set already for a power struggle between tradition and progress. There are no grey shades in this world, you must pick a side.

It’s rather subtly powerful film, exploring tradition, religion and the struggle between adopting progress and staying true to your identity. The filmography is excellent, highly contrasting pale whites with rich black tints to further back up the conflict. The traditional ways come with superstition but humanity and familiarity. The new ways are all brought by outsiders with science and medicine but also favour control and suppression. There are some problematic aspects in the film that are quite rigid about outright denying progress and embracing intolerance, but at least they will spark conversation.

Recommended with minor reservations. It’s not a casual watch so make sure you leave the popcorn for another film. The film is quite clear about where it stands, and although it’s not perfect it commits to its narrative. Worth a watch.

That will do for now.