In Almost Perfect, the pursuit of passion collides with the realities of family, love, and sacrifice. Directed by Imoh Umoren, who returns to the big screen after a prolonged hiatus.
Almost Perfect
Directed by: Imoh Umoren
Written by: Kelvin Ukhurebor
Genre: Drama
Released on: October 10, 2025 (Cinemas)
Language: English
A Familiar Storyline
Almost Perfect follows Eme, a young woman determined to pursue her dreams of becoming a fashion designer despite her mother’s disapproval. In a bid to live out her passion, she drops out of medical school and moves in with her elder sister in Lagos. However, things take a different turn as she finds herself thrown into the chaotic world of business, where opportunities are fleeting, and success takes much longer than expected.
As Eme tries to find her footing, she falls in love, only to later face loneliness when the pressures of life and repeated failures begin to crush her resolve. Alongside Eme’s journey, we meet Shola (Toke Makinwa), a veteran in the fashion industry who has lost her former glory while struggling with her desire to have more children. There’s also Eme’s sister (Omowunmi Dada), who abandoned her own dreams for a career in real estate because of its financial security. Pressured to settle down, she overlooks true love from her loyal friend (Eso Dike).
Eme’s mother, Sandy (Kate Henshaw), still bears scars from her own unfulfilled fashion dreams. The plot takes an emotional turn when it is revealed that Shola was the very woman who stole Sandy’s designs years ago, derailing her career. In the end, Eme’s journey comes full circle as she reconciles with her mother and receives her blessing—alongside her love interest’s return.
A Very Safe Ending
Almost Perfect tells a well-structured story with clear emotional arcs and compelling female relationships. However, its familiarity becomes its biggest flaw. The film feels reminiscent of other fashion-themed dramas, playing it safe rather than embracing deeper conflict or chaos. This restraint makes some resolutions feel underwhelming and less impactful. While the story has heart, it avoids exploring its darker or more complex edges, which could have elevated it from “almost perfect” to something truly memorable.
Amazing Performance All-Round
Kate Henshaw once again delivers a stellar performance, embodying Sandy with intensity and nuance. Her presence gives emotional gravity to the story. Detola Jones, who plays Eme, shines as the film’s emotional core. Her performance captures Eme’s grit, vulnerability, and determination, while her chemistry with Obinna Okenwa adds warmth and authenticity to their scenes together.
Liquorose and Toke Makinwa show notable improvement in their acting. Liquorose brings charm and balance to her role, while Toke’s portrayal of Shola, though still somewhat personality-driven, demonstrates growth. With more focus on character immersion, she could deliver even stronger performances in future projects.
Technical Aspects
Technically, Almost Perfect excels in its production design and cinematography. The choice of locations and the stylish set designs beautifully reflect the world of fashion and creativity. The visual storytelling is enhanced by clever artistic touches, such as the scribbling effect used to represent Eme’s sketches—adding depth and texture to her creative process.
The cinematography also deserves praise for its intimate angles and carefully composed shots that draw viewers closer to the characters’ emotions. These choices give the story a polished, professional feel that complements its themes of ambition, artistry, and self-discovery.
Final Thoughts
While Toke Makinwa’s portrayal still needs some refinement in terms of character depth, she manages a decent performance overall. Almost Perfect could have benefitted from a stronger emotional arc and a more daring approach to conflict. For instance, Eme’s reconciliation with her boyfriend feels unnecessary given how minor his absence turned out to be. It also would have been satisfying to see a clearer resolution to Omowunmi Dada and Eso Dike’s subplot, especially as their budding romance hinted at something meaningful.
Verdict
Despite its familiar storyline, Almost Perfect stands out for its strong performances, tight writing, and impressive visual delivery. It’s a heartfelt, visually rich film that celebrates ambition, family, and the cost of dreams—even if it stops just short of perfection.
Rating: 3.25/5
About The Author
