By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Arie Esiri | Chuko Esiri
Starring: Ayo Edeberi | Danny Sapani | David Oyelowo | Nikki Amuka-Bird | Sophie Okonedo
Year: 2026
Running time: 125
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33335610/
Val says: “Yes to a sumptuous production, vibrant celebration of Nigeria’s diverse landscape, lickable cinematography, gorgeous cast and award-worthy hair, makeup and costume. I very much enjoyed the subtelty and yet undeniable juxtaposition of the privelaged lives of our main cast and those of the vast majority of Nigerians, amidst a volatile and unsettling political situation. We’re shown the main characters’ lives of leisure around tables inside luxury compounds where they are waited on hand and foot while academically debating whether others are against colonization strongly enough, then we get long glimpses at the unnamed masses living and working in modern Nigeria. A brilliant examination of the hypocrisy of the rich, while allowing us into their very real inner struggles for satisfaction, validation, and love. Sophie Okonedo smolders every moment she’s onscreen. Ayo Edebiri is a treat. Toheeb Jimoh pulls you in with every longing gaze. The entire ensemble cast is absolutely stunning – maybe a little TOO stunning. As much as the visual language was a feast for the eyes, I felt that the depiction of the ‘real’ Nigeria was a bit subverted as a result, which weakened the film a bit for me. 4 cats.”