Following its theatrical release in September 2023, Adire has found its way onto Netflix. With glowing reviews from its cinema run, we watched it to share our thoughts with you. Fear not, this review is spoiler-free.

Plot

Adire unfolds the compelling tale of a retired sex worker seeking refuge in a small town. Her journey takes a transformative turn as she empowers conservative women through her unique lingerie crafted with adire. However, her presence sparks conflict with the local church’s deaconess.
While the plot is straightforward, its underlying message resonates strongly. Adire beautifully showcases Nigerian culture, deftly navigating the clash between religious norms and perceived worldly behaviour. Despite its strengths, there were aspects of the plot that could have been stronger.

Acting

Kehinde Bankole’s portrayal of the titular character, Adire, is nuanced and demonstrates notable character growth. Funlola Aofiyebi’s deaconess is a formidable presence, evolving convincingly throughout the film. Yvonne Jegede also gave a standout performance as Salewa and she deserves more recognition in the industry. Though supporting characters fade into the background, the overall ensemble is well-crafted. The male cast members gave commendable performances, however, they didn’t linger as prominently in memory, maybe because of a directorial choice. 

Technical Aspects

The film excels in capturing the vibrant essence of Nigerian culture, utilizing picturesque locations to their fullest potential. Adeoluwa Owu’s direction ensures visually stunning shots, creating a vibrant palette of colour and light that enhances the storytelling.

Story

At its core, Adire is a heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and second chances. However, its pacing is slow, and certain scenes feel unnecessary. Several crucial aspects could have received more attention, revealing a major flaw in the overall storytelling. For instance, Adire is meant to be a retired sex worker, yet the narrative doesn’t distinctly convey this aspect leaving ambiguity in her character portrayal. This single error ripples through various story elements, significantly diminishing the overall storytelling quality.

Verdict

Adire proves to be an enjoyable and enlightening watch, blending entertainment with education. While it falls short in certain areas, particularly the ending, it still stands as a praiseworthy effort. We rate it a 3 out of 5. Have you watched

the film? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Rating: 3/5