Ben & Ara

Ben & Ara is a 2015 drama film directed by Nnegest Likké, and stars Joseph Baird, Constance Ejuma, and Akuyoe Graham in pivotal roles. This thought-provoking film beautifully wades through the interlacement of religion, culture, race, and love, exuding a captivating aura of tension, passion, and complexity at every turn.

The film is pivoted around the lives of its two eponymous characters—Ben, an agnostic PhD candidate in philosophy, and Ara, a devout Muslim woman. Their worlds collide in subtle precision when they find themselves in the same African studies class, two mature students caught in the web of knowledge and enlightenment. Baird’s character, Ben, is an intriguing antithesis to Ara. He is driven by logic, causality, and a philosophical view of the world, and is in stark contrast to Ejuma’s Ara, who is deeply committed to her faith in Islam and holds staunch views on morals and integrity.

Despite this multitude of differences and the inherent societal issues posed by their different cultural and religious backgrounds, a connection starts to form between them. This evolving relationship then begins to introduce fascinating dialogues on subjects such as cultural identity, personal beliefs, and social norms—the very fabric of which the story weaves. But it's not just the disparity of their belief systems that stand tall as the mountain of hurdles they must overcome; they also have to confront a bigger foe—the preconceived societal perceptions and stereotypical challenges.

Joseph Baird, who also co-wrote the screenplay, shines as Ben. His character is intellectual, intense, and understandably flawed—an earnest representation of the practical world’s view against the religious world. Constance Ejuma, as Ara, delivers a performance filled with delicate intensity. Her portrayal of Ara’s struggle, inclusively laden with her faith, cultural background, and her growing feelings for Ben, is vibrant and heartfelt. Akuyoe Graham, who plays an influential supporting role, contributes an additional layer of depth to the storyline.

The film is not just another love story, but instead, it serves as a platform to open a dialogue on a pantheon of relevant topics. Couched within its narrative are thought-provoking discourses on religion, culture, and philosophy. By choosing interracial dating and interfaith relationships as the primary plot line, the film confronts the viewer with poignant questions on personal freedoms, societal expectations, and the often-blurred line that separates the two.

The movie’s dialogue is carefully crafted and intense, fueling its emotionally-charged atmosphere. Each character's intellectual and spiritual journey is reflected brilliantly through their evolving interactions. The screenplay allows for development for both characters, their individual journeys as well as their collective narrative.

One other vital strength of the film is its direction—Nnegest Likké's superb handling of such a complex and intricate storyline is exceptional. The themes are dealt with sensitivity without shying away from the stark realities related to societal prejudices and pressures. Each scene and sequence is executed meticulously, maintaining a finely-tuned balance between the personal and the religious, the emotional and the logical, the moral and the societal.

The cinematography of the movie deserves a special mention, with the visually appealing sceneries lending a picturesque backdrop to the narrative. There's a pronounced artistic touch in the way each frame is captured, lending a distinct aesthetics to the film. The film also exhibits high-quality production values, with solid sound design, effective lighting, realistic set designs, and apt costume choices that bring to life each scene’s ambiance brilliantly.

In conclusion, Ben & Ara is a narrative exploration into the realms of love, philosophy, religion, and societal norms, wrapped in a powerful and emotionally resonant film. This film skilfully blends captivating performances with an intriguing story, diverse themes, and strong dialogues to present an enriched cinematic experience that transcends traditional boundaries. Perfectly paced and consistently engaging, it's a film that leaves the viewers with food for thought while heartily entertained. Arriving loaded with an emotional depth and a poignant narrative, Ben & Ara not just invites but insistently urges its viewers to reflect and question.