2023 was a good year for Nollywood; here is to a better 2024.
A Simple Lie|2021
Rating: 8/10
A Simple Lie is a romantic comedy film that follows Boma, a dejected woman who pines for a man’s love. Luckily for her, she meets her ex, Xavier, and plans to do everything to entrap him, including telling a lie that she has cancer. Xavier, however, with his own hidden intentions breaks the news to Boma’s estranged friend, Donna. In the blink of an eye, there is a cohort of unexpected guests at Boma’s house due to a simple lie she has told, leading to a string of disastrous events that permeate the movie.
My Thoughts: KieKie was the highlight of the movie for me.
Where to watch; Netflix
A Weekend to Forget|2022
Rating: 6.5/10
This movie follows a group of seven friends who reunite for a weekend getaway after years of being apart. However, their reunion is not as smooth as they hoped it would be, as old tensions and unresolved issues resurface. Things take a turn for the worse when one of the friends is found dead. As they try to figure out who was responsible for the murder, trust is betrayed and friends turn into foes.
My Thoughts: A whodunnit mystery in Nollywood is quite uncommon, and their attempt was well-received. Nevertheless, the plot became confusing at certain points, and even the commendable acting couldn’t salvage the movie.
Where to watch; Prime Video
Bad boys and Bridesmaids| 2022
Rating: 6/10
Bad boys and Bridesmaids is a unserious romantic comedy that tells the story of three women who move mountains to protect a pact they all took as teenagers and the men who do the same just to stop them.
My Thoughts: Not all influencers can act!
Where to watch; Prime Video
Battle on Buka Street|2022
Rating: 7/10
After a lifetime of rivalry, two half-sisters find themselves at loggerheads once again when they set up food businesses on the same street.
My Thoughts: I enjoyed the storytelling part.
Where to watch; Prime Video
Big Love|2023
Rating: 6/10
Big Love is a romantic family drama written and directed by Biodun Stephen and marks the first collaboration between Biodun Stephen and Inkblot Productions. It tells the story of Adil, a young man who is so passionate about his dreams and chasing them squarely and Adina, an independent lady who is also really focused on making ends meet at a graduate trainee camp. These two soon began to fall in love and starts building a budding love which later becomes threatened by Adina’s fears and a secret.
My Thoughts: Some scenes were cringe but I would watch whatever Timini is in.
Where to watch; Prime Video
Breathe of Life| 2023
Rating: 8/10
It was released as an Amazon Prime Video original film and it was the closing film at the 2023 Africa International Film Festival. Narrated by Elijah, the story follows Timi, a young man who excelled academically, spoke sixteen languages and became the first African clergyman in the Church of England. After marrying Bridget and having a daughter, he returns to Nigeria, leading a fulfilling life until tragedy strikes. His family falls victim to a local thug, leading to a series of tragic events that turn Timi into a recluse. The film later introduces Elijah, who changes Timi’s life and helps him rediscover his faith and purpose.
My thoughts: Soulful movies like this consistently impart valuable lessons as the story unfolds.
Where to watch; Prime Video
Gangs of Lagos| 2023
Rating: 8/10
Gangs of Lagos is a gangster crime thriller film produced and directed by Jade Osiberu, the film premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2023, as the first Amazon Original Movie from Africa.
It follows a group of friends who each have to navigate their own destiny, growing up on the bustling streets and neighborhood of Isale Eko, Lagos.
Where to watch; Prime Video
Hey You| 2022
Rating: 6/10
The life of a young software engineer crumbled when he discovered that his crush is an adult film model.
My Thoughts: It commenced on a positive note but concluded in a manner typical of a Nollywood storyline: beginning with promise, grabbing your attention, only to veer off course and end abruptly.
Where to watch; Prime Video
House of Secrets|2022
Rating: 7/10
A sheltered woman’s past comes back to haunt her when she’s thrown in jail for being an accomplice to her spy lover, and 20 years later, a group rescue her from jail and sets up a semblance of her old house to make her remember a secret number her spy lover hid with her.
Where to watch;
My Thoughts: Having watched it, there’s a strong demand for Nollywood producers to create additional psychological thriller films. The one in question skillfully experimented with monochrome cinematography and sophisticated production design.
My Thoughts: The execution of the movie was great but the costumes were ridiculous.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Ijakumo|2022
Rating: 5/10
Ijakumo (The Born Again Stripper) is a suspense thriller produced by Toyin Abraham and had its theatrical release on 23 December 2022. The movie tells the story of Asabi, the daughter of a powerful spiritualist who is hell-bent on destroying the life of her ex-lover, a now renowned Lagos big pastor, Jide who cheated her and left her to die. Pastor Jide who also is not a true man of God, but belongs to some sort of cabal that commits all sorts of atrocity. In her quest to destroy Pastor Jide, she sought for the help of Sharon, a stripper and a church choir who Jide now begins to lust after to destroy him.
My Thoughts: Throughout the movie, I failed to see the whole point.
Where to watch; Netflix
Rating: 5/10
Ijogbon|2023
Rating: 6.5/10
Ijogbon is a coming-of-age adventure film produced by Kunle Afolayan and it is part of the three movies agreement signed by Kunle Afolayan with Netflix. The film was shot in Oyo State, in the KAP Film Village and Resort.
It tells the story of four teenagers from a remote village in Oyo town. These four teenagers saw a pouch of diamonds in the strangest of ways and they chose to keep these diamonds, their decision to keep and conceal these diamonds despite the owners coming out to look for their diamonds led to some perilous events ahead of them, putting one of them in serious trouble.
My Thoughts: They effectively highlighted the charm of Oyo town and the richness of the Yoruba language.
Where to watch; Netflix
Ile Owo|2022
Rating: 5/10
Luckless in love, a young nurse finally meets the perfect man – a handsome billionaire – only to learn that his family harbors some deep, dark secrets.
My Thoughts: Ile Owo shares a comparable storyline with the American black comedy horror film Ready or Not, as both narratives center around a woman unknowingly marrying into a family with intentions of involving her in age-old ritual practices. Despite the criticism the film received from many viewers, I personally found it appealing due to its genre. However, I found the story lacking, with numerous loose ends that impacted my overall enjoyment.
Where to watch; Netflix
Jagun Jagun|2023
Rating: 6/10
Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) is a Netflix original epic Yoruba film produced by Femi Adebayo Salami and Euphoria360 Media. It tells the story of a warlord, Ogundiji a dictator who has succeeded in snatching a lot of kingdoms for wrong leaders, he soon begins to feel threatened by the potential of a young warrior, Gbotija whose main aim is to avenge the death of his father.
My Thoughts: The execution of the movie was great but the costumes were ridiculous.
Where to watch; Prime Video
Kasala!|2018
Rating: 7.5/10
A fast-talking teenager borrows his no-nonsense uncle’s car and goes on a joyride with his friends. Things turn sour when they crash the car and only have five hours to raise the required funds to fix the vehicle before his uncle gets back from work.
Where to watch; Netflix, Prime Video
Lol: Last One Laughing Naija| 2023
Ten of Nigeria’s top tier comedic talent compete against each other for a charitable prize.
My Thoughts: The producers assembled a lineup of 10 comedic talents, yet the show lacked humor – it was so dull that one contestant was caught sleeping twice. Honestly, it functions better as a standard TV show.
Where to watch; Prime Video
Love in a Pandemic|2023
Rating: 7.5/10
Love in a Pandemic follows the story of Bolanle, who meets Alex, the man of her dreams, but how does their new flame survive the uncertain world of a pandemic?
My Thoughts: It was one of the good Covid-10/Lockdown themed movies produced in Nigeria, it is highly recommend for a feel good romance movie.
Where to watch; Prime Video
Love in a Showroom|2023
Rating: 6.5/10
Love blossoms between an eccentric deliveryman and a store manager when they find themselves trapped in a furniture showroom.
Where to watch; Prime Video
Lugard|2021
Rating: 6/10
Lugard is an action movie written by Laduba Quadri Qidad and Segun Akejeje. It follows Lugard, an intelligent student at the university who was forcefully dragged into cultism because of his talent. It became complicated when his first assignment led to the death of the rival gang’s leader and he had to battle with his life and study through the film.
Where to watch; Prime Video
My Village People|2021
Rating: 7/10
This is a comedy supernatural thriller film written by Bovi Ugboma and directed by Niyi Akinmolayan. It is about a young man called Prince whose weakness for women lands him in trouble when he is caught in a bizarre love triangle with witches.
My Thoughts: It was a good production that taught me the difference between ogbanje and mamiwater.
Where to watch; Netflix
Ololade| 2023
Rating: 5/10
Two friends, Shina, an unhappy high school teacher, and Lateef, a loud, dishonest, auto-mechanic. They mysteriously come to wealth after going through a series of down challenges. They set up a new business, which takes tremendous flight in a short while. But they come face-to-face, with the negative consequences that befall them.
My Thoughts: Unusually, this Nollywood series began on a morbid note, raising my expectations for an exciting storyline. However, I was left disappointed as the actual movie failed to deliver a clear plot, and the misleading trailer left me feeling let down despite my initial excitement.
Where to watch; Netflix
Passport| 2022
Rating: 5/10
The movie is about the story of Oscar and Kopiko, two people who are both in search of excitement in their life but are at opposite ends of the loneliness life. Oscar on his way to the Airport planning on returning back to the UK to meet his sick mother, in the car with his uncle, Oscar lost his bag containing his traveling passport to some street guys and needs the assistance of a tomboy, Kopiko who lives in the ghetto to get his passport back.
My Thoughts: At least it was funny a bit.
Where to watch; Netflix
Raised Apart| 2023
Rating: 7/10
This is a captivating tale that revolves around a pair of identical twins who, by twist of fate were accidentally switched at birth and subsequently raised in vastly different environment. As destiny weaves it’s intricate threads,their paths eventually cross leading to a reunion filled with both humour and profound life-ultering consequences.
Where to watch; Prime Video
Sista| 2023
Rating: 8/10
A struggling single mother faces her worst nightmare when the father of her children returns accidentally into their lives and completely steals their attention all for himself whilst trying to make amends for past sins.
My Thoughts: Sista is a straightforward yet impactful narrative that captures attention and stirs profound emotions. Its resonance lies not only in its relatability and familiarity but also in its exceptional delivery.
Where to watch; Prime Video
She must be obeyed|2023
Rating: 5/10
She Must Be Obeyed is a five-part series that features Funke Akindele, Nancy Isime, Lateef Adedimeji, Patience Ozokwor, Mike Ezuronye, Ex BBNaija star, Veeiye, among others . It follows the lives of three successful music stars; SHE, Tito and X-cite, particularly SHE who is determined to remain at the top, not minding who she tramples on to get there.
My Thoughts: Being a huge fan of Mrs. Funke Akindele, I usually enjoy everything she produces, but this particular one didn’t meet my expectations. The plot lacked direction, some characters seemed unnecessary, and the series felt disorganized. Despite the effort, it fell short for me. Numerous unanswered questions and a cliffhanger ending left me feeling dissatisfied.
Where to watch: Prime Video
The Origin: Madam Koi-Koi| 2023
Rating: 6/10
The two part horror series is based on the story of the popular Madam Koi-Koi myth, which centers a ghost who haunts dormitories, hallways and toilets in boarding schools at night.
Set between 1971 and 1991, the series tells the story of Amanda, a young schoolgirl, who has recently moved to a new school. She finds it difficult to fit into the new school, as she keeps having strange and terrific dreams which lead her to conclude that there is something wrong with the school. Amanda’s friend, Edna warns her to stay away from the ‘popular kids’, as anyone who gets close to them ends up hurt. A few days later, Ibukun, one of the girls that recently started moving with the ‘popular kids’, gets gang-raped by the boys. Immediately after this, Idowu, one of the students who led Ibukun into the trap, is killed by an unknown being as he tries to chase after her following the incident.
My Thoughts: While the series had a positive and uplifting vibe, the horror elements lacked intensity. It seemed like a missed opportunity to explore more intriguing plot directions. Nevertheless, the series marks a positive step forward, opening doors for future movies and series centered around folklore/mythology.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Real Housewives of Lagos| 2022-2023
In the opulent neighborhoods of Lagos, housewives leading luxurious lifestyles attempt to balance the ups and downs in their social and personal lives.
My Thoughts:I don’t typically give ratings to reality TV shows. While I skipped season one, I did watch season two and have plenty of opinions about it. The show is excellent, providing a delightfully chaotic viewing experience. I’ll be sharing more detailed thoughts in a separate post soon.
Where to watch; Showmax
The Trade| 2023
Rating: 8/10
A notoriously cunning kidnapper has ravaged the southern part of Nigeria for over a decade. Eric undertakes a job that brings the law closer than ever before.
My Thoughts: In this film, Mr. Blossom portrayed the role of a relentless Igbo kidnapper so convincingly that it evoked a sense of sadness when his character was eventually apprehended. Jade Osiberu emerges as one of Nigeria’s exceptionally gifted talents, and I eagerly anticipate her future creations.
Where to watch; Prime Video
The Wait| 2021
Rating: 8/10
The Wait is a based on God’s Waiting Room, a faith-based book written by prominent Nigerian lawyer Yewande Zaccheaus.
My Thoughts: It was such an inspiring watch.
Where to watch; Netflix
Wura| 2023
Rating: 7.5/10
This is a Showmax original soap opera, executively produced by Rogers Ofime. The series is best known to be Nigerian first longest Showmax original series, starring Scarlet Gomez, Yomi Fash Lanso, among others.
It tells the story of Wura, the CEO of the fictional Frontline Gold Mine, and the perfect wife, a mother of two, who will do anything to maintain her ground in the gold mining industry. In her family, Wura is faultless and a saint, but when it comes to running her business, she becomes that ruthless lady, who doesn’t care whose ox is gored in her path to get what she wants.
My Thoughts: Adapted from The River with a matching plot, the series is compelling, revolving around a ruthlessly determined woman who views murder as a means to achieve her desires. Notably, the series clinched three awards at the Scream All Youths Awards.
Where to watch; Showmax
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