The 2023 release, A Weekend To Forget, has finally graced the screens of Prime Video, and after all the buzz, we couldn’t wait to dive into this Nollywood murder mystery. In this review, we’ll share our thoughts on the film, leaving out spoilers to let you decide if it’s worth your watch.

Plot

The storyline revolves around a group of friends reuniting for a weekend getaway after years apart. However, things take a dark turn as an unexpected death sets the stage for a murder mystery. While they try to figure out whodunnit, long-buried secrets and unresolved issues come to light.

The movie adopts a classic murder mystery plot with well-woven subplots that keep the audience guessing until the final scene. The clever narrative kept us second-guessing our initial suspicions. However, a notable flaw lies in the implied remote setting conflicting with the obvious urban location of the house.

Acting

Featuring an ensemble cast, each character was well crafted, ensuring clarity in their roles and storylines. While some performances outshone others, with Stan Nze delivering a slightly underwhelming performance as Tito, Daniel Etim Effiong and Ini Dima-Okojie stole the show as Shima and Layo respectively. Elozonam’s performance as Ferdy added some depth even though we didn’t fully understand his motivations, whereas Erica Nlewedim’s Ndali, Uche Montana’s Lisa, and Neo’s Bem faced challenges in fully convincing their audience.

Technical Aspects

The cinematography showcased Nollywood’s mastery of capturing visually appealing scenes, with diverse shots enhancing the essence of each moment but it failed to capture the essence of the genre. Its bright scenes were more reminiscent of the romance genre rather than a murder mystery. Damola Ademola’s directorial debut deserves commendation for building suspense effectively. However, the film’s main challenges stemmed from plot issues rather than technical shortcomings. 

Storytelling

In terms of storytelling, it distinguishes itself as one of the more meticulously crafted narratives in Nollywood. Despite falling short in execution, it’s apparent that significant effort went into shaping the storyline. Regrettably, the characters lacked a sense of urgency in responding to the unfolding situation. While their lack of emotional connection to the victim might explain this, it raises a crucial question: in the presence of a murderer, wouldn’t a natural concern for one’s safety arise? This concern was inadequately conveyed in the storytelling, and its inclusion would have significantly enhanced the narrative.

Additionally, certain scenes, including the supposedly important end credit scene, felt unnecessary and could have been omitted.

Verdict

In conclusion, A Weekend To Forget offers a decent experience marred by the highlighted issues. We’d rate it a 2.5 out of 5. If you’ve seen the movie, share your thoughts in the comments.

Rating: 2.5/5