Title: SINKING SANDS (Full Story)

Starring: Ama K. Abebrese, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Yemi Blaq, Doris Sackitey

Synopsis: 

The marriage of a young couple spirals out of control when an accident leaves one of them disfigured. 

Review:

The story opened up to Pabi (Ama K. Abebrese) at her foster mother’s burial.  She had no family left and looked to her boyfriend, Jimah (Jimmy Jean-Louis) for solace. He turned the day of sorrow into a day of joy when he proposed.

Two weeks into their blissful marriage a terrible accident happened. Pabi accidentally spilled a pot of hot oil on Jimah and it resulted in second-degree burns that altered his face. The scars were both physical and emotional and Jimah couldn’t find forgiveness and began abusing Pabi.

As though the marriage couldn’t get any worse, Jimah accused Pabi of cheating and then attempted to do the same. The marriage quickly succumbed to a point of failure despite Pabi’s attempts to save it.

Let’s Talk. “Sinking Sands” on a whole is excellent. It is riveting and there are moments that leave you gaping. It’s raw, emotional, and even uplifting thanks to its brilliant dialogue.

The movie provides insight on domestic and emotional abuse, which is a valid topic for exploration. Pabi’s guilt coupled with the fact that she didn’t want to be alone allowed Jimah to not only mistreat her but to toy with her emotions. He didn’t think she had the guts to leave and when she tried to, it once again provoked violence. 

Women in abusive relationships (or not) will be able to relate to Pabi. The excuses she made for staying in the marriage goes on and on – “he’s my husband, he’s going to change, what would people think if I leave?” These thoughts along with the fear of starting over kept Pabi hanging on.

The “ah-ha” moment came when Pabi finally told Jimah that he’s insecure and needed help. That was the root of the problem and until he owned it and sought professional counseling nothing would ever change.

“Sinking Sands” is above and beyond the typical African movie. It’s movies like this that we wait for. It’s movies like this that keep us watching. RECOMMEND

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