Canadian theatres lit up on March 28, 2025, with the arrival of The Life Coach—a moving and masterfully told drama from acclaimed filmmaker Patricia Bebia. Now just over a week into its theatrical run, the film has already begun resonating with audiences across the country, thanks to its emotional depth, compelling performances, and timely exploration of mental health and identity.
Starring Kosa Akaraiwe as the seemingly unstoppable Gary Johnson—a motivational speaker battling hidden trauma—The Life Coach peels back the curtain on the struggle to live authentically in a world full of expectations. After a successful festival run and a string of awards, the film’s theatrical debut is marking a new chapter in its journey: one that invites audiences into a story as raw as it is redemptive.
The Story Behind The Life Coach
At the heart of The Life Coach lies the story of Gary Johnson—a man who makes a living helping others find clarity and confidence while privately sinking under the weight of his own unresolved pain. As a celebrated motivational speaker, Gary’s public persona is polished, powerful, and deeply admired. But behind the curtain, he struggles with lingering trauma, mental health challenges, and the fear that his carefully constructed image could come crashing down at any moment.
The film takes a riveting turn when Gary begins confiding in an anonymous online presence—someone who seems to understand him in ways no one else does. As this confidante inches closer to uncovering Gary’s truth, he’s forced into an emotional standoff with his past. Torn between two women who embody contrasting visions of his future, Gary must confront not only who he is but who he wants to become.
Patricia Bebia’s screenplay refuses to shy away from the messiness of healing. Instead, it leans into the discomfort, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the inner battles that often go unseen. Through Gary’s journey, The Life Coach explores themes of self-worth, the masks we wear, and the courage it takes to face ourselves when the world only sees our highlight reel.
Patricia Bebia: The Visionary Behind the Film
Behind The Life Coach is the creative force of Patricia Bebia, a multi-award-winning writer, director, and producer whose storytelling is as fearless as it is heartfelt. Known for crafting narratives that resonate on both emotional and social levels, Bebia brings a deeply personal lens to this film—one that reflects her passion for mental health awareness and authentic human connection.
In discussing the theatrical release, Bebia shared:
“Bringing The Life Coach to theatres is incredibly meaningful to me because this story is deeply personal. It sheds light on mental health, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to live authentically—especially in a world where so many of us wear masks. This film will spark conversations, remind people they are not alone, and reinforce the redemptive power of love and genuine human connection.”
As President of Diamond Plus Media and Executive Vice-President of Afroglobal Television, Bebia continues to be a champion for diverse voices and transformative storytelling.
Festival Triumphs and Awards
Before making its way to theatres, The Life Coach carved out an impressive path on the international festival circuit, where it quickly garnered praise for its emotional resonance, bold storytelling, and standout performances. Its powerful message and compelling execution struck a chord with audiences and juries, earning the film multiple accolades.
Among its most notable achievements:
- Audience Choice Award at the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival, where viewers connected deeply with the film’s raw emotional core.
- Best Actor awards for Kosa Akaraiwe at both the Paris Women Cinefest and the Milan Independent Film Festival, recognizing his nuanced and vulnerable portrayal of Gary Johnson.
- Best Director for Inspirational Film at the Director Talents Awards in London, solidifying Patricia Bebia’s place as a filmmaker capable of capturing complex emotional landscapes with grace and impact.
The Cast: A Stellar Ensemble Performance
A powerful story like The Life Coach demands a cast capable of carrying its emotional weight—and this ensemble more than delivers. Led by Kosa Akaraiwe, the film’s performances are grounded, heartfelt, and deeply human, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in Gary Johnson’s world.
- Kosa Akaraiwe shines in the lead role as Gary Johnson, offering a performance that balances quiet vulnerability with a commanding presence. His portrayal captures the internal battle of a man struggling to maintain a façade while unraveling behind the scenes.
- Linda Osifo brings warmth and gravity to Lorraine, Gary’s anchor and the person who sees beyond his public persona. She serves as a beacon of hope and an emotional compass in his turbulent journey.
- Sylvain Plasse plays Leon, Gary’s loyal assistant, delivering a grounded performance that adds stability and subtle strength to Gary’s chaotic world.
- Maria Frankis as Jennifer, Gary’s trusted friend, offers a steady, heartfelt performance that highlights the importance of chosen family in times of crisis.
- Nosa Obaseki and Ifeanyi Ogwo portray Gary’s parents, adding complexity to the narrative through layered depictions of love, generational trauma, and unspoken pain.
- Souha Usman and Lori Canlas de Pala round out the cast as Lorraine’s friend and a member of Gary’s staff, respectively. Their contributions, though understated, bring warmth and authenticity to the supporting world around the central characters.
Wrapping Up
The Life Coach is more than just a film—it’s a mirror held up to the quiet battles so many people face beneath the surface. With Patricia Bebia’s direction, a standout cast led by Kosa Akaraiwe, and a story that dares to delve into the emotional complexities of identity, shame, and healing, the film stands as one of this year’s most compelling cinematic releases.
As it continues its theatrical run in Canada and prepares to reach audiences around the world, The Life Coach invites viewers to drop their masks, confront their truths, and embrace the courage it takes to live authentically. It’s a story that resonates deeply, and its success on the screen is a testament to the power of vulnerable, purpose-driven storytelling.
