ROSELINE MUTARE
HARARE – The eagerly awaited Zimbabwean drama, Widower has just released its first trailer, and the lead actors have shared the deep emotional challenges they encountered during production.
Lamia Charlotte Muza, who plays the character Rebecca, expressed that she assumed the role because it contrasted sharply with her own personality.
“Honestly, I chose to take on Rebecca because she is the complete opposite of who I am. Reading the script gave me a sense of calm, I was both terrified and excited. It was an incredible opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and portray someone so unapologetically bold,” Muza explained.
“I had to learn to walk into a room with confidence and gaze at Malcolm with pure intent. On the surface, I needed to appear sweet and innocent for Malcolm, but inside, I was panicking as I tried to conceal my streetwise background,” she added.
Muza found the “ghost scene” to be the most challenging aspect of the shoot.
“I became so immersed in Rebecca’s panic and fear that the intensity lingered long after filming. It took quite a while to snap out of that mindset, even when the cameras stopped rolling,” she shared.
She said this role has reshaped her acting technique.
“Embodying Rebecca revealed a fierce and bold energy within me,” Muza said.
In the next five years, she hopes to land roles that leave audiences saying, “Wow, I can’t believe that’s the same actress.
Praise Murenje, who plays Malcolm, relied on his imagination and candid reactions to bring depth to his character.
“Malcolm’s pain is something everyone can relate to. I did not have much time to prepare and no personal experience to draw from, so I had to lean on my imagination and stay authentic in each scene,” Murenje explained.
With a tight shooting schedule, the cast quickly bonded, which helped create genuine dynamics on screen.
“Time was short, so we forged strong connections fast. Those authentic relationships off-camera made our performances feel real,” he said.
He found the confrontation with his mother to be particularly draining.
“That scene demanded everything from me: anger, hurt, vulnerability. It really took a toll, but it’s a moment I’m proud of,” Murenje added.
He was impressed by the ensemble’s even performances and mentioned that the film has altered how he chooses roles in the future.
“Now, I seek out roles that challenge me emotionally while also allowing time to recharge,” he noted.
“If a character sparks reflection or evokes empathy, then I feel the performance has achieved its purpose,” Murenje asserted.
Director and writer Oscar Lwalwe conveyed the vision behind the project, citing that it was inspired by a sense of obligation.
“Malcolm represents the depth of a man’s love for a woman. He embodies respect and loyalty, often remaining silent because society expects men not to vocalise their pain. Malcolm reveals a side of men that often goes unseen,” Lwalwe stated.
He characterised Widower’s narrative as odd in Zimbabwe, where men are commonly expected to “move on quickly.” His goal is clear.
“This film presents a new narrative for men, showcasing that they can love deeply and struggle to let go,” he emphasised.
Viewer Grace Mudzvova, who watched the trailer, remarked.
“You can feel the tension from the very first second. This does not feel like a typical film; it’s an actual story that Zimbabwe needs to engage with,” said Mudzvova.
