Jade Osiberu is back with another offering, stepping away from the action-packed films she’s become known for over the past few years to deliver a heartfelt romcom, ‘Christmas in Lagos‘. Now streaming on Prime Video, let’s see what this movie brings to the holiday table.

Plot

The synopsis reads: Romance is in the air when the beat drops for Lagos’ Detty December. Fiyin is convinced her best friend Elo is the love of her life but is shocked when he returns home for the holidays with a secret fiancée. Gbemi is torn between her boyfriend and an old flame, while London-raised Ivie seeks a wild holiday but doesn’t count on falling for Ajani.

The synopsis captures the essence of the film perfectly. Like many holiday ensemble movies, ‘Christmas in Lagos’ follows the interconnected lives of multiple characters, each navigating their unique struggles. Impressively, the film balances these storylines without feeling cluttered or overwhelming.

Story

The storytelling is tight and engaging, and despite its two-hour runtime, the film doesn’t drag or feel bloated. The characters are fleshed out enough for the audience to connect with them on different levels. The decision to deviate from a predictable, clichéd ending is a refreshing touch that adds depth to the narrative.

Performances

The casting in Christmas in Lagos is a highlight. Shaffy Bello and Teniola Aladese as mother and daughter are a pairing we didn’t know we needed, and their dynamic is compelling. Shalom C. Obiago as Ejike Asiegbu’s son is another inspired choice, it’s always a treat when Nollywood gets casting right.

The film introduces several debut performances: Rayxia Ojo, Shalom C. Obiago, Angel Anosike, and Ladipoe shine in their roles as Ivie, Elo, Yagazie, and Ajani, respectively. While not all their scenes are flawless, each leaves a lasting impression.

Richard Mofe-Damijo’s effortless portrayal of Zach is a standout. His chemistry with Shaffy Bello’s Gbemi is palpable, though Gbemi’s eventual pairing with Toye (played by Wale Ojo) feels more fitting for the story. Teniola Aladese’s Fiyin and her relationship with her mother Gbemi is another highlight, as is the sisterly bond between Yagazie and Caroline (played by Waje Iruobe).

Overall, the performances are solid across the board, with every actor bringing their A-game and no one feeling out of place.

Technical Aspects

The film is visually stunning, with vibrant and colorful shots that perfectly match its tone and the lively December vibe of Lagos. The cinematography, especially the close-up shots, captures the characters’ emotions beautifully while showcasing Lagos in a refreshing light.

The music is another strength. The soundtrack sets the Detty December mood effortlessly, with Esua’s rendition of D’banj’s Fall in Love standing out as a memorable moment.

Costume design, hair, and makeup are top-notch. Every character looks impeccable, and it’s evident that a lot of effort went into nailing these details.

However, one recurring frustration with Prime Video persists: the subtitles. The errors are distracting, and it’s unclear where the blame lies, but it’s an area that consistently needs improvement.

Final Thoughts

Fiyin’s belief that Elo would propose to her when they hadn’t even started a relationship was amusing, if a bit far-fetched. The film also uses subtle directorial choices effectively—such as Elo’s mother’s initial sadness when seeing him, which later ties into a deeper story.

One aspect that felt out of place was Toye giving Gbemi space after her confession about Zach; it didn’t quite align with the rest of the narrative. And while Zach and Gbemi’s chemistry felt stronger, Gbemi ending up with Toye ultimately served the story better.

This is a star-studded cast, but the inclusion of fresh faces balances it out, avoiding the typical Nollywood tendency to overpopulate films with celebrities.

Verdict

‘Christmas in Lagos’ is a delightful film about love and family set against the lively backdrop of Lagos’ December festivities. While it celebrates romance and togetherness, it also explores deeper themes like loss and heartbreak.

From its captivating performances to its meticulous attention to detail, this film is a holiday treat worth watching with friends and family.

Rating: 4/5