From the moment we saw the ‘Casa De Novia’ poster, our interest was piqued. With the release of its trailer, we were even more interested to see the film. Now, that we’ve seen it, let’s delve into our thoughts on this. The movie is currently streaming on Prime Video.

Plot

‘Casa De Novia’ follows the tale of Yo-yo, who stumbles upon a seemingly perfect mansion to alleviate her traffic woes, only to discover its haunting secret—the ghostly presence of Efosa, a figure tied to the Igbinovia empire. As their unconventional bond deepens, a labyrinth of mystery, love, rivalry, and deceit ensues, promising an enthralling journey through the unknown.

Acting

Anee Icha’s portrayal of Yo-yo captivates with a refreshing departure from her previous roles, injecting depth and authenticity into her character. Tope Tedela’s versatility shines through his portrayal of Ancel, showcasing his remarkable acting prowess once again. Lilian Esoro’s portrayal of Ezinne was commendable, while Eso Okolocha’s portrayal of Femi falls short, failing to break out of his typical type cast. Taye Arimoro’s dual portrayal of Efosa and Esosa is slightly commendable, with distinct nuances distinguishing each character.

Story

While the premise of renting a mansion without question at such a price may strain credulity, ‘Casa De Novia’s’ narrative ventures beyond conventional boundaries, offering a refreshing departure from the norm. The story is well-paced, filled with timely revelations and twists that defy predictability, keeping viewers guessing till the final frame. But there is no story, just an attempt to subvert the haunted-house horror genre trope.

Technical Aspects

Visually, ‘Casa De Novia‘ excels with its commendable camera quality and meticulously crafted mansion set, exuding an aura of grandeur and mystery. However, inconsistencies in lighting detract from the overall atmosphere, occasionally veering into dissonance with the haunting theme. While the CGI may lack polish, it marks a commendable effort for Nollywood, hinting at prospects for improvement. Yet, its terrible green screen for the diner date and art gallery scenes complicated by issues with sound mixing detract from the experience, muddling dialogue clarity in pivotal moments.

Final Thoughts

‘Casa De Novia’ strikes a delicate balance between suspense and humour, eliciting laughter amidst moments of tension, albeit with occasional exaggeration. The narrative’s attention to detail is commendable, with creative choices rooted in purposeful storytelling, offering a layered and immersive viewing experience. However, the story and character arcs fall short, the film feels more like a concept than a story.

Verdict

With its engaging storyline and expected unexpected twists, ‘Casa De Novia’ is a captivating film that defies convention. While it may falter in certain technical aspects, Anee Icha’s compelling performance ensures an enjoyable ride from start to finish. ‘Casa De Novia’ earns a 2.5/5 rating from us. We’d love to see your thoughts in the comment section if you’ve seen it.

Rating: 2.5/5