Director: Dare Olaitan
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Stars: Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (Kie Kie) , Bisola Aiyeola, Sophie Alakija, Mofe Duncan, Temisan Emmanuel, Ikponmwosa Gold, Efa Iwara, Akin Lewis, Tina Mba
Duration: 95mins

‘A brave attempt at a horror movie’

This is one review that cannot be done without a few spoilers. So if you haven’t seen the movie, pls pause this read and do so first.

The movie is a  thriller rooted in folklore and traditional origin. 

It is the story about how (Akanni Owo), a wealthy man and his desire to live forever connects with a young spinster (Busola) who finally meets prince charming after being unlucky with love. 

The movie starts in a captivating way and the first few shots actually make you hunger for more. But somewhere between asserting itself as a horror movie and telling the story, the plot becomes confusing. 

A lot of holes can also easily be punched in this movie, especially with regards to character development. Efa Iwara delivers on his character as ‘Sagbadewe’s priest(for lack of a better word, the movie doesn’t exactly tell us what he is). But as with a lot of neo-Nollywood movies, there were many characters whose role was still not clear at the end of the movie. With the predominant one being, what did Busola’s father stand to lose or gain? How does he come in? Was he also an owo?What did his leg ulcer have to do with his relationship to sagbadewe?

We get that Nollywood is fast moving from the ‘to be continued era’. But what happened between Akanni’s encounter and the emergence of the Owo brothers could have been explained in all of the 95minutes of the movie. 

We see Busola vomit the idol but it gets confusing between her running through a hunted house, Efa Iwara in flames and her appearing at her friend’s door! And Bam! E don finish like that?? Ah screenwriter sir!

Also, the fact that Bisola Ayeola appears for two scenes only, seems to me like a water of a brilliant actor. Skit maker, ‘Kiekie’ provides a bit of comic relief in a non overwhelming manner.

At some points during the movie, it seemed to be headed in the direction of the triumph of good over evil. But what exactly happened with the church scene? Why did Busola’s mum have to die if she had the same anointing busola used?

With regards to sound, the movie manages to evoke the desired fear factor associated with horror movies.

 I also kind of like the relative absence of gore, blood and horrible make up/costume associated with nollywood horror. 

I am not sure I have a favorite scene in this movie, but I must commend the quality of the videography, editing and directing. 

This movie showcases the power of a mother’s prayers, the reality of ritual sacrifice for immortality, and magic which are still present in our society. Above all, it portrays deception, immortality and family tradition. 

Final thoughts/rating

On a scale of zero to five, this movie gets a two from me. While I cannot fault the effort made in putting a spin on nollywood horror, I cannot get past the confusing plot and plenty unanswered questions by the end of the movie. My conclusion? I think you should watch this for curiosity sake