Watch B for Boy

B for Boy is a Nigerian drama film directed by Chika Anadu, which premiered in 2013. The film explores the themes of patriarchy and infertility in Nigerian society. It was screened at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival and won the Best Feature Film award at the Africa International Film Festival. The film tells the story of Amaka (played by Uche Nwadili), who is desperate to have a son after giving birth to three daughters. She is married to Nonso (played by Nonso Odogwu), a successful businessman who is under a lot of pressure from his family to have a male heir. When Amaka becomes pregnant again, she is elated and believes that this time, she will finally have a son. However, tragedy strikes when she miscarries, which leaves her shattered and depressed.

As Amaka struggles to come to terms with her loss, she is forced to confront the societal pressures that dictate that a woman's worth is determined by her ability to bear a son. She is also faced with the reality that her husband may be considering taking a second wife in order to have a son. Things become even more complicated when Amaka's mother-in-law (played by Ngozi Nwaneto) arrives and begins to pressure her to have another child.

The film takes an unflinching look at the issue of patriarchy in Nigerian society and how it affects women. It also shines a light on the struggles faced by women who are unable to conceive and the cultural stigma they face. The film also touches on the issue of infidelity and how it can tear apart families.

One of the strengths of the film is its well-drawn characters. Amaka is a sympathetic and relatable protagonist who is fighting against overwhelming odds. Nonso is a complex character who is torn between his love for his wife and his desire for a son. Amaka's mother-in-law, who is a traditionalist, represents the older generation who are steeped in patriarchal attitudes. The film is also notable for its excellent performances, particularly by Uche Nwadili, who brings an emotional depth and nuance to her role as Amaka.

Another strength of the film is its cinematography. The film is shot in a naturalistic style, which not only adds to its realism but also gives it a sense of intimacy. The use of close-ups and medium shots helps to convey the emotions of the characters.

One of the main themes of the film is the tension between tradition and modernity. This is evident in the clash between Amaka's desire for a son and the expectations placed on her by her family and society. The film also touches on the issue of class, as Nonso and his family belong to the upper class, while Amaka's family is more working-class. This creates a tension between the two families, as they have different attitudes towards gender roles and family dynamics.

Overall, B for Boy is a powerful and thought-provoking film that tackles important issues facing women in Nigerian society. It is a film that is both emotionally engaging and intellectually stimulating. Its well-drawn characters, excellent performances, and naturalistic cinematography make it a must-watch for anyone interested in Nigerian cinema or in exploring issues of gender, tradition, and modernity.

B for Boy is a 2013 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.