93 Days

93 Days is a powerful 2016 drama film directed by Steve Gukas and co-produced by Bolanle Austen-Peters. It stars an array of stellar performers, both from Nigeria and from across the globe, including Bimbo Akintola, Seun Ajayi, and Paul Adams. The film, which is based on a true story, highlights Nigeria's quick and effective response to the Ebola outbreak in its country in 2014 and boldly underscores the power of unity, swift action, and seamless collaboration in the face of adversary.

The movie's title, 93 Days, symbolically stands for the period of immediate response in Nigeria, starting from the day when the first Ebola victim – a foreigner from Liberia – stepped on the Nigerian soil. Over these tense days and nights, Nigerian health professionals, with the help of global health organizations, worked tirelessly to control what could have potentially been a disastrous outbreak. The film showcases the moral courage of a group of individuals who risked their own lives to protect the futures of millions of people.

The captivating narrative of the movie takes us on an emotional roller-coaster ride, oscillating between episodes of distress, fear, sadness, and finally, triumph. It opens with the arrival of the Liberian-American Patrick Sawyer, coated in sweat and visibly ill, at Lagos airport, played by Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey. It then tracks how the virus was unknowingly transported by this individual and how it spreads before anyone grasps the gravity of the situation.

Bimbo Akintola portrays the role of Dr. Stella Adadevoh, the brave Nigerian physician who played a key role in keeping the explosive situation under control. Her character is the heart and soul of the movie, amplifying the essence of selfless service, courage, and determination. Dr. Adadevoh played a critical role in identifying and diagnosing the Ebola virus, correctly quarantining the patient despite the heavy pressure and threats to release him.

Seun Ajayi plays Dr. Morris Ibeawuchi, one of the first doctors to attend to Sawyer. His role provides a harsh but necessary insight into the realities faced by healthcare workers during the outbreak, as well as the gravity of the sacrifices they make. Paul Adams, on the other hand, gives an exceptional performance as the glum-faced Dr. Benjamin Ohiaeri, the founding Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of First Consultants Medical Centre. His character steers through the mayhem of the outbreak, showing the audience how it feels to be in charge in times of high-stakes crisis.

The cinematic landscape of the film is dramatic and intense. Each scene is crafted to build tension, meticulously piecing together the complex puzzle behind the Ebola virus, its symptoms, the hysteria, and socio-political undercurrents, and the critical steps taken to combat it. The movie is shot in Nigeria, and the realistic portrayal of the setting helps maintain the authenticity of the story.

Though the movie is about a harsh reality and a near devastating outbreak, it is captivating and visually appealing. The drama, the dialogue delivery, and the performances all contribute to the overall immersive experience. The filmmakers make a concerted effort to maintain the balance between the ghastly grimness associated with the deadly virus and the resilience and strength exhibited by the people involved.

This story of bravery and survival doesn't just highlight a medical crisis; it also sheds light on the power of human determination, collaboration, and timely responses. It's a tribute to those who risked their lives to ensure the containment of the virus during a time when even the most developed countries were struggling to keep their citizens safe.

In conclusion, 93 Days allows you to live through the nerve-wracking 93 days when Nigeria was on edge, trying to combat an impending healthcare disaster. It's an inspiring watch that will leave you marveling at the resilience of humanity and the brave hearts who rise to the occasion when their community needs them the most.