With A Danfo Christmas,. First Features, Natives Filmworks, and Michelangelo Productions return with another release, continuing their streak of showcasing new talent. Directed by Sebastian Ukwa, ‘A Danfo Christmas’ is streaming on Prime Video. Let’s get into this festive family drama.

Plot

The official synopsis reads: It’s been years since they last made it home for Christmas—and with good reason. Bullying cousins, daily reminders of past failures, and a mother-in-law with nothing good to say. But this year is different. Grandpa may be dying! The challenges of life in Lagos mean maybe it’s time for a change. Family drama, romance, and surprises are all in store—but only if the Danfo manages to get them there.

Based on this description and the title, you might expect most of the action to center around the journey in the titular Danfo. However, that is not the case.

The story explores the family’s financial hardships and Tracy’s efforts to continue her education amidst challenges. It also highlights Amaka’s tense relationship with her mother-in-law, Kemi, and the consequences of Tolu’s decisions regarding the family farm. Alongside these central themes are subplots like Justin’s boxing competition, which becomes a unifying thread for the family, and Tracy’s blossoming romance with Juwon.

The narrative captures the essence of family gatherings—where joy, tension, and surprises often collide—making it a relatable and heartfelt tale.

Story

The film successfully taps into the universal tradition of traveling home for Christmas, showing how reunions with extended family can be both heartwarming and challenging. The writing is solid, weaving together various storylines that culminate in emotional payoffs. However, pacing becomes a noticeable issue toward the final act, where the story starts to feel stretched.

Performances

One of the film’s strengths lies in its cast. The First Features project continues to shine in introducing new talent while blending in familiar faces.

Seun Kentebe delivers a nuanced performance as Akin, while Valerie Odunukwe impresses as Amaka, bringing depth to their relationship. The tension-filled confrontation between Amaka and Kemi is a standout scene, showcasing the emotional stakes and the chemistry between the actors. That said, Akin’s delayed intervention in this moment feels off, he was there when the events leading up to that blowout happened and one would have expected him to stand up for his wife faster.

Loveth Ogbene and Korede Lawal, playing Tracy and Justin, respectively, also hold their own with commendable performances, while Carol King’s portrayal of Kemi adds an extra layer of gravitas to the film. Across the board, the cast delivers performances that make the family dynamics believable, even if some roles stand out more than others.

Technical Aspects

Visually, the movie is a treat. The vibrant colour grading enhances the festive atmosphere, and the choice of locations adds authenticity. Noteworthy scenes include the one where the bus drives off with Tracy and the Christmas party, both beautifully shot and thoughtfully composed.

The original score evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of classic Nollywood melodies, further immersing viewers in the story. However, the movie stumbles with pacing. The runtime feels unnecessarily stretched, a recurring issue with First Features’ projects, as though hitting the two-hour mark was a priority over tighter storytelling.

Final Thoughts

The film succeeds in portraying the strength of family bonds. Justin’s boxing subplot stands out as an interesting and refreshing element, showcasing a less-explored side of Nigerian culture.

Some comedic moments land well, but others—such as Justin freeing a goat and running from a native doctor—feel more like filler than essential to the story. Additionally, while the title ‘A Danfo Christmas’ suggests a journey-focused narrative, the Danfo itself plays a surprisingly minor role.

Verdict

‘A Danfo Christmas’ is a touching film about family, love, and resilience. Despite its pacing issues and occasional unnecessary comedic detours, it delivers heartfelt performances and relatable themes, making it a worthwhile watch this holiday season which earns itself a 3 out of 5 rating.

Rating: 3/5