A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, is a family-centred holiday drama that explores the intersections of domestic conflict, sibling loyalty, and long-held secrets. Released in Nigerian cinemas on 16 December 2025, the film situates itself firmly in the seasonal feel-good category, prioritising warmth and accessibility over complex storytelling. While it achieves moments of emotional engagement, several narrative and performance choices leave the experience uneven.
A Very Dirty Christmas
Directed by: Akay Mason
Produced by: Ini Edo
Genre: Comedy Drama
Released on: December 16, 2025 (Cinemas)
Language: English
A Reunion That Pulls Back the Curtain on Pain
The story primarily follows Lulu (Ini Edo), whose marriage to Caleb (Lateef Adedimeji) is troubled beneath the surface. Infertility becomes the justification Caleb uses to cheat, while Lulu, deeply religious and bound by familial expectations, endures the deception in silence. Parallel to this marital tension, as the Christmas pressure tightens, is the disappearance of the youngest sister, Jade (Nancy Isime), whose disappearance propels Lulu and her other sister, Lala (Waje Iruobe), into a high-stakes search. when youngest sister Jade disappears after trouble, pulling Lulu and Lala into a search. This urgency ties the sisters emotionally, turning the festive gathering into catalyst for buried secrets and tensions.
The intertwining of these plots aims to balance domestic drama with suspense, although at times the urgency of the disappearance story feels diluted by other narrative threads.
One of the film’s most consequential twists reframes Lulu’s perceived failings and exposes her husband’s manipulation. Her eventual decision feels narratively satisfying, yet the resolution that follows is abrupt. This sudden shift undermines some of the emotional payoff, as the audience sees little of the internal journey that would justify her openness to new beginnings.
Comedy That Leans Gentle and Situational
The humour is soft and character-driven. Sibling antics, in-law banter, and small domestic mishaps provide lightheartedness without loud slapstick. The film knows when to drop comedy for serious moments, letting pain breathe. It earns “awwws” and smiles more than belly laughs, suiting family viewing across ages
Performances That Carry the Warmth
Performances are similarly mixed. Ini Edo anchors the narrative with steady control, convincingly portraying Lulu’s tension between faith, duty, and anger. Lateef Adedimeji captures Caleb’s entitlement and duplicity well.
Nancy Isime’s portrayal of Jade is less effective; during high-stakes hostage moments, her reactions often register as neutral, softening the tension. Lulu’s mother’s performance also struggles to make an impression. Conversely, the domestic interplay between Dr Philip’s wife Vivian (Wumi Toriola) offers small but effective comedic relief.
Technical Choices That Keep It Cosy
A Very Dirty Christmas aligns with the conventions of mainstream Nollywood festive cinema. Akay Mason’s direction prioritises narrative accessibility and ensemble interaction over visual experimentation. The cinematography favours bright, evenly lit interiors and warm colour palettes that reinforce the seasonal setting, while the editing is functional, designed to keep multiple storylines moving in parallel without formal complexity.
Sound design and music are used conservatively, supporting emotional beats without drawing attention away from dialogue or performance. Collectively, these technical choices reinforce the film’s positioning as accessible holiday entertainment rather than an ambitious formal statement.
Final Thoughts
Public discussion has largely focused on the film’s title, with the CAN questioning its appropriateness for a Christmas release. Ini Edo and cast members have defended the title, clarifying that the story itself does not disrespect Christian values and emphasises familial messiness rather than moral corruption. A Very Dirty Christmas uses Christmas as pressure point for family truths, not spiritual mockery. Title controversy overshadowed content, but the film stays light, exposing messy dynamics without ridiculing faith. It entertains with relatability, forgiveness, and fresh starts. Depth stays modest: feel-good over provocative. For festive viewing, it delivers warmth and lessons without demanding too much.
Verdict
In sum, A Very Dirty Christmas is a neutral, moderately engaging family drama that works best when expectations are modest. It delivers some emotional beats, light humour, and festive warmth but leaves narrative and character development unevenly explored. The film suits audiences seeking a comfortable, seasonal watch rather than those looking for a tightly structured or deeply resonant story.
Rating: 2.35/5
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