In a month that marks both World Mental Health Day and International Day of the Girl Child, A Night In 2005 carries a timely and poignant message. Written and directed by Ted Makaunjuola, this feature-length film sheds light on the impact of the long-term effects of abuse.

The film tells the harrowing story of Ife, a teenage girl raped during her prom night in 2005. Played by Laura Pepple (young Ife) and Ini Dima (adult Ife), the character endures the psychological aftermath of an assault. When she returns to Nigeria to prepare for her wedding, a confrontation with her past triggers turmoil that shakes the foundations of her present life.

Featuring a talented ensemble cast, including Efa Iwara, Teniola Aladese, Bimbo Akintola, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Tayo Faniran, Ireti Doyle, and Demi Banwo, A Night In 2005 offers a nuanced and sensitive exploration of trauma. It stands out for its careful handling of difficult themes—abuse, neglect, and mental health—without resorting to sensationalism or offensive tropes.

At first, Ife’s character may frustrate viewers as she navigates her pain, seemingly unable to escape its grip. Her strained relationship with her fiancé (played by Tayo Faniran) also adds complexity. Well if you can look past his repetitive “My Governor” chant. However, through the delicate use of flashbacks, the film slowly unpacks the trauma that Ife endured, allowing the audience to fully grasp the weight of her experiences.

One of the film’s strengths is how it contextualizes the abuse from multiple perspectives. It also sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect: the role of parents and guardians in responding to a child’s trauma. Ife’s mother, Yetide, portrayed by Bimbo Akintola, is a particularly striking character. Her erratic, hysterical, and seemingly unstable behavior might make viewers question whether she’s struggling with her own demons. Yet, her reaction mirrors the reality of many parents who fail to separate their anger from their child’s suffering, often due to shock and denial.

The film’s casting choices were spot on, contributing to its strong character development and emotional depth. The antagonist, Ope (Efa Iwara), transcends the typical “bad guy” role. Iwara, who has been absent from the cinematic scene for a while, delivers a standout performance. Particularly in a climactic scene where Ope and Kelechi (Uzoamaka Aniunoh) argue about the transactional nature of their marriage. It’s a moment that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

The conclusion of the movie gave some succor to the whole ordeal. Ife, Ari and Kelechi got their justice from Ope’s series of abuse. For most abuse cases, the victim getting the right justice is far from possible in a society like ours. But this gives some ray of hope for rape victims to push for their well being and vindication.

A Night In 2005 successfully handles the difficult subject matter with grace, offering a powerful narrative that resonates deeply in a world where stories of abuse are too often mishandled or ignored. It’s a film that doesn’t just tell a story—it makes a desperate plea for social change.

So the real question is, will the impact of this story die in the cinemas or will it carry on?

Watch the trailer below: