Something Necessary

Something Necessary is a riveting 2013 drama film directed by Judy Kibinge and starring Sue Wanjiru, Qdamah Kipchumba, and David Kiprotich Mutai. This evocative and powerful film examines the human capacity to endure in the face of devastating events.

The story begins in the aftermath of the violent 2007-2008 post-election conflict in Kenya, which drastically tore apart tribal relations and caused widespread destruction. The film centers around Anne (Sue Wanjiru), a Kenyan woman who lives on a farm in the idyllic Rift Valley with her family. Anne is an everywoman, emblematic of the common people so often affected by political conflicts that they never asked for. She is also a mother and a wife, decidedly strong-willed, and capable.

The film deftly handles a stirring narrative of trauma and survival. After Anne survives a daunting event that decimates her family, she resolves to rebuild her once vibrant life. Sue Wanjiru's profound performance captures the essence of her character. Wanjiru authentically portrays the struggles and determination of a woman grappling with painful nightmares and physical healing, while simultaneously striving for a semblance of normalcy.

Parallel to Anne's story, we meet Joseph (David Kiprotich Mutai), a disenfranchised, regretful gang member whose participation in the post-election violence remains a haunting figure in his ongoing struggle for redemption. Joseph’s character offers a different perspective of the conflict, highlighting the disillusionment and desperation that pushed many young individuals into participating in the grisly chaos.

The film traces the trajectory of both Anne and Joseph's lives as they cross paths in the most unexpected way, triggering a series of events and emotions that contribute to their personal healing. In the backdrop of the personal narratives, broader themes of violence, reconciliation, and country-wide healing are explored with sensitivity and emotional depth.

Something Necessary asks tough questions about forgiveness and justice, compassion and hatred, and most significantly, about the psychological and emotional toll of collective political unrest on individual lives.

Not only does this film shed light on a crucial part of Kenya's political history, but it also demystifies Africa for the rest of the world, narrating it through an intricately woven story of resilience, rebirth, and hope. The film's vivid real locations actively contribute to the story's overall impact, showing the audience a Kenya rarely seen on international screens, filled with everyday people, who are merely trying to get by in the wake of an event that shattered their lives.

Narratively, the screenplay is replete with nuanced emotions and thought-provoking dialogues, which enable the viewers to empathize with Anne and Joseph's situations. Their resilience and determination to overcome obstacles fuel the plot, rendering it a compelling watch.

As much as Something Necessary is about loss, it's also about recovery and our innate ability to adapt and endure tragic life events. It's a poignant reminder that even after the worst wreckage, the human spirit has the capacity to rise from the ashes. On the whole, it focuses on the complexities of the human condition and our capacity to survive in the face of adversity.

The assisting cast, including Qdamah Kipchumba, delivers equally powerful performances providing different pieces to the jigsaw of characters affected by the post-election tragedy. They breathe life into an already vibrant narrative, further enhancing the story's capacity to engage and move audiences.

Judy Kibinge's exceptional storytelling is at the heart of the film, with her unique ability to explore each of these themes in an unfussy, empathetic manner, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer. The riveting performance of its leads, alongside Kibinge's ability to weave together a multitude of emotions and societal issues, makes Something Necessary a necessary watch.

The film resonates strongly with both audience members who have experienced similar political upheavals in their own countries, as well as viewers from more stable societies. Above all, it serves as a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and rebuild despite immense tragedy, making Something Necessary more than just a film, but an exercise in empathy and an exploration of the human spirit and resilience.