Picture a man who is so infuriating that you want to grab him out of the screen, but you can’t stop watching because he’s simply that believable. That’s Aliu, the character Caleb Richards brings to life in the short film What’s Left of Us. We sat down with Caleb to discuss his role as the ultimate red-flag husband and let’s just say that this film is about to shake some tables.
What’s Left of Us is a short film in the Zikoko Life series, that explores the messy, real and wayy-too-relatable dynamics of a marriage where one partner just. won’t. listen. Here are five things from Caleb’s interview that’ll get you hyped for the film and more importantly, make you think twice about love, power and standing your ground.
1. Aliu is the Villain We Love to Hate (But Need to Talk About)
In describing Aliu’s character, Caleb doesn’t mince words. Aliu is a “douchebag”, a selfish, manipulative husband who uses tradition and religion to control his wife. Does this sound familiar? Caleb grew up in Jos and he says that he’s seen men like Aliu in real life. Men who shut their wives up to stroke their own egos. Caleb divulged that playing this character was a stretch for him because he’s the opposite of Aliu’s toxic vibe but he leaned into it so no one would miss his expression of how NOT to love.
What’s Left of Us holds up a mirror to those uncles and neighbours who think “my word is law” is a personality trait. This matters because the film sparks a conversation about toxic masculinity, common in Nigerian homes, and Caleb’s performance will have you screaming at your screen. So get ready for a story that doesn’t shy away from calling out bad behaviour.
2. Mariam’s Audacity is a Love Letter to Women Choosing Themselves
Mariam, who is Aliu’s wife, is the hero that we’re all rooting for. She takes determination to a whole new level while being respectful. But she’s certainly done with being a baby-making machine. Caleb Richards praises her character for trying to talk things out. He thinks that traditional communities might clutch their pearls at Mariam’s boldness but he knows that many women will stan her, even if only secretly.
This film is a shout-out to every woman who’s ever had to choose herself over societal expectations. What’s Left of Us is coming to celebrate that courage, especially in places like Nigeria where removing yourself from the situation is a bold move. Watch this film to see Mariam redefine what it means to be a wife.
3. Listening is the Superpower we’re All Missing
If there’s one thing that Caleb wants you to take away from What’s Left of Us, it’s to ‘Listen’. Not the kind of listening where you’re waiting for your turn to talk but the kind where you actually hear the person. Aliu’s biggest flaw is his unwillingness to hear Mariam and this is what pushes her to the edge.
Caleb says that this isn’t just a problem people encounter in marriage, it’s also a human one. In Nigeria where everyone is shouting to be heard, this film is a wake-up call. It exists to remind us that real love means listening even when it’s uncomfortable.
4. Behind the Scenes, Caleb’s Real-Life Inspiration for Aliu’s Rage
For Caleb, playing Aliu wasn’t easy. He had to channel his own father’s erratic outbursts to really nail the film’s intense scenes like the bedroom showdown. Even though this scene was shot at 2:30 a.m. with a flight looming, Caleb still delivered a stellar performance so raw that you’ll feel it in your bones.
He admits that it was tough yelling at his co-star who has a “puppy dog face” but the directors pushed him to go all in. Caleb successfully powered this production by turning his personal memories into a chilling portrayal.
5. A Cliffhanger That Leaves You Hungry for Change
Don’t bother expecting a neatly wrapped ending. Caleb says What’s Left of Us is a film that goes for a realistic vibe that leaves you with questions instead of a fairy-tale fix. It’s a short film but it tackles big issues like control, autonomy and the cost of not listening.
Caleb loves that it doesn’t sugarcoat anything and neither should we when we’re talking about these topics. This is a chance to start conversations about what needs to change in our homes and communities.
What’s Left of Us is going to make you laugh, cry and maybe yell a little. Caleb Richards’ performance as Aliu will hook you and Mariam’s strength will inspire you.
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