Our favourite girls are back. Ten years after Before 30 left viewers hanging, After 30 picks up the story of Temi, Nkem, Aisha and Ama—older, supposedly wiser, and facing the complex realities of life after thirty. Now streaming on Prime Video, this long-awaited sequel had one job: tie up the loose ends. But does it?

Promising Concepts, Scattered Focus

According to the official synopsis, After 30 follows four Nigerian women navigating love, friendship, and the pressure to settle down. The film attempts to juggle several storylines: Temi is planning a wedding with her fiancé Kunle, while Ayo, her old flame, unexpectedly returns. Aisha is quietly struggling with her decision not to have another child. Ama is questioning her sexuality while reopening a restaurant with Alice. Nkem, meanwhile, is exploring the idea of single motherhood through various options.

Each plotline has strong potential, but the film struggles to give them the depth they deserve. Instead of a rich ensemble story, we get fragmented glimpses that leave more confusion than clarity.

Rushed Arcs and Underdeveloped Relationships

The biggest issue with After 30 is its pacing. It feels rushed, almost like it was made just to tick a box rather than to continue a beloved story. Major developments happen with little to no build-up. Ama’s journey toward understanding her sexuality, for instance, is barely sketched out. Her scenes with Alice lack emotional groundwork, so when things escalate, it feels unearned.

Temi’s engagement to Kunle is another missed opportunity. We never really see them function as a couple, which weakens the emotional stakes when she suddenly gravitates back toward Ayo. Her decision to revert to an old pattern makes more sense to those of us who watched Before 30, but in the context of this film alone, the shift feels hollow. We don’t see her wrestle with her choice or even reflect on her past, which makes it frustrating to witness her repeat it.

Perhaps the most confusing plot turn comes from Aisha. Her decision to block Nkem’s adoption doesn’t align with the deep bond these women supposedly share. Even after Nkem proves her seriousness, Aisha projects her issues onto her friend’s life-changing decision. The film doesn’t explore this betrayal with enough weight to make it believable.

Flashes of Excellence in an Uneven Script

Despite the script’s shortcomings, a few performances rise to the occasion. Anee Icha is a standout as Ama, bringing a sense of raw honesty to her scenes. Damilola Adegbite gives a solid performance as Temi, though the character’s emotional arc doesn’t offer much range or growth.

The most memorable moment comes from Meg Otanwa and Beverly Naya. In a particularly emotional scene, Aisha reveals to Nkem that she’s had her tubes tied. Both actresses deliver, creating one of the few truly affecting moments in the film. It’s a reminder that with the right writing, these characters—and these actors—have the power to move us. Even Dakore Akande makes a brief but delightful appearance in a role that’s different from her usual fare. It’s short, but refreshing.

Visually Stunning, Sonically Familiar

What After 30 lacks in writing, it makes up for in visuals. A few over exposed shots do not undermine the fact the film is beautifully shot, with crisp cinematography and stylish production design that showcases the set and locations in a polished, modern light. The characters’ fashion is equally impressive—each look thoughtfully styled to reflect their personalities.

The music is another high point. Kaliné Njoku, whose music played a major role in the original series, returns as the film’s composer. The score is elegant, and the soundtrack blends seamlessly into the story’s emotional beats. It’s a subtle but effective nod to Before 30’s legacy, where music helped define the tone.

A Love Letter With Loose Ends

There are moments when After 30 feels like a true love letter to fans. The cartoon-style intro is a charming touch. The film takes a moment to honour the late Karibi Fubara, who played Akin in Before 30, and nearly all the original cast members return—including those who played minor roles like Mimi Onalaja. It feels like a reunion, one that many of us waited years for.

Unfortunately, what we get is not closure, but more of the same unresolved tension. Despite the time that has passed, Temi’s character still hasn’t grown. Aisha and Nkem’s conflict is the most layered storyline, but even that fizzles out without proper resolution. The scene with Layi Wasabi feels out of place and distracts from the more grounded tone of the film. On a brighter note, it’s worth commending the production team for something rarely done in Nollywood—they credited all the extras. It’s a small touch, but it shows care and respect for the work behind the scenes.

Verdict

After 30 is a beautiful film on the surface, supported by a talented cast and strong production design. But the writing lacks coherence and depth, leaving us with another open-ended story that, much like its predecessor, promises more than it delivers.

It’s enjoyable enough to watch—especially for fans of the original series—but by the end, you may find yourself wondering what the point of it all was. The film earns a solid 3 out of 5 for style, performance, and effort, but falls short in emotional payoff.

Rating: 3/5