Freedom Way: An Emotionally Haunting Tale on Lagos Life

Freedom Way has officially set sail in Nigerian cinemas after an impressive festival journey. It does live up to the expectations and the suspense it has left the audience feeling. Produced and written by renowned filmmaker Blessing Uzzi — known for 9:07, No Man’s Land, I Hate It Here, A Quiet Monday, and Zikoko Life. 

It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2024, screened at the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in November (where it won the Special Jury Award), and closed the year at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. In May 2025, Freedom Way swept the AMVCAs, winning Best Writing and Best Movie.

A Story Rooted in Nine Stories that Mirror People We Are or We Know

Directed by Afolabi Olalekan in his feature debut, the film presents a tightly woven story about nine individuals caught in the chaos of Lagos and the consequences of unjust laws. At the center of the story are Tayo and Themba, two tech entrepreneurs who launch a ride-share app for motorcyclists. But in typical fashion, things in Nigeria shift quickly. A sudden motorcycle ban threatens to wipe out their company overnight — not due to bad decisions, but due to erratic government policies that benefit the wealthy and hurt everyday citizens.

Among those affected is Abiola (played by Mr Macaroni), a struggling motorcycle rider who loses his only source of income. With a family to care for, he spirals into desperation. After a tense encounter, he accidentally fires a gun, striking a young woman out jogging to meet her boyfriend. Panicked, he flees with his family.

Tayo and Themba soon stumble upon the injured woman. After much debate — haunted by their own recent police harassment — they rush her to a hospital. But the hospital refuses to treat her without a police report, and she dies. The pair go from Good Samaritans to murder suspects. Meanwhile, Abiola’s attempt to disappear fails, and the corrupt officer involved is eventually apprehended.

Freedom Way masterfully explores themes of police brutality, unjust laws, economic inequality, and the everyday frustrations of Nigerian youth. Despite tackling multiple storylines, the film ties them together with remarkable clarity. Abiola, for example, unknowingly becomes a victim of Tayo and Themba’s persecutor. The business rival who hijacked their startup turns out to be the father of the woman Abiola shot. Her boyfriend? The very doctor whose hands were tied due to restrictive hospital policies.

The film captures the chaotic period of the motorcycle ban and the ongoing police harassment faced by Nigerian youth. The tension is deeply familiar — a painful reminder of how Nigeria can happen to anyone.

What sets Freedom Way apart is how truthfully and boldly it tells its story. While many Nollywood films shy away from depicting police oppression in full, this one does not.However, the prevalent struggle is the narrative overload. So, in the bid to juggle several plot threads, it leads to a narrative that sometimes feels overstuffed. Almost like the weight of all the individual stories it tries to highlight drags it down at some point. This grows into a staggering pace at some point, where it feels like some scenes are dragged out more than they need to be.

For example, scenes when Abiola debates the struggle of not getting any “booksing”, drop the momentum that the plot already holds. As well as the scene to which Tayo and Themba discuss with their investor, yes, crucial but could have been done in a quick pacing, where the plights too which they face don’t get watered down.

Adebowale Adebayo Sets Aside Mr Macaroni Persona to Deliver Cinematic Brilliance

This story thrived due to the spot-on casting decisions that were made, from the trio of friends (Themba, Bayo and Eddie) down to the politician (Akin Lewis). At the top of the list is Adebowale Adebayo, who is popularly known as Mr Macaroni. His character as a struggling father is very much seen as opposed to his online skit character that we may be used to. His confidence masks the fact that this project was his first time riding a motorcycle. We follow through from his joyful nature at home, his hustle spirit at work, the pain of suffering and the innocence of being caught.

A standout scene would, in fact, be a silent one, when he returns home after being bailed from prison. Although he said nothing, his expressions and gestures properly communicated everything that needed to be said. As if word for word, one could tell exactly what played in his mind.

Femi Jacob’s role as the cruel police officer also leaves one wondering how he could depict such cruelty so effortlessly. That’s exactly what a good performance should do. His under-breath yet authoritative tone resonates very deeply with the realities of his character. Jacob has in the past had a catalogue of amazing deliveries, but this one stretches his versatility even further.

Meg Otanwa, too, might seem like a quiet character because she plays a supporting role. However, most actors who are used to being leads have often struggled with overshadowing the leads. But that’s not Otanwa’s case, her role yet silent but truly seen in the real sense.

Mike Afolarin’s character failed to deliver all that it required and this stems from a lack of depth to his own individual story. This goes back to the fact that his story was one of the ones that was visibly neglected. And then a very clear detachment from the role and his person. However, if well executed his character would have helped speak so much volume on the “Japa” crisis and the situations fueling it.,

It’s truly a well-packed performance from every single one, and hard to pick any favourites.

Technical Excellence that allows its Story to linger in one’s mind

Some of the most beautiful takes in this feature would be the Night scenes. For one, they had a way of capturing Lagos as it truly is in those specific areas. Preserving the yellow streetlights, the empty, hallowed way the streets and corners look at the peak of the night does give it that extra feel of truth. Oftentimes, one of the struggles of night scenes has always been the way the dark skin tones come out looking awkward. But this time, Kabelo and Muhammed Attah did justice to the lighting used and the cast as well. Basically, turning a visual detail that Nollywood often struggles with into a piece of cake.

Freedom Way also shines through its rich and distinctive musical score. A thoughtfully curated soundscape that deepens the emotional weight of the story. The music doesn’t just accompany the narrative; it elevates it, amplifying the performances and pushing the audience closer to the film’s raw core. At certain moments, the blend of acting, storytelling, and music becomes so powerful, it could easily bring you to tears. So yes, keep some tissues close.

Final Thoughts

It’s still a huge debate on whether or not Freedom Way was , the best movie for the year 2024. And this isn’t a question of its quality but the fact that only a few members of the Nigerian audience had seen it.

Also, Adebayo (Mr Macaroni) is proof that, truly, one’s online character as a skit doesn’t have to be the only identity as an actor. And truthfully, proper training and intentionality do go a long way into quality.

Timi Dakolo’s strong vocals in the final scenes echo like a lament for the nation. Voicing the exhaustion, emptiness, and silent frustration that so many Nigerians carry daily. It’s a subtle yet piercing question: Why is this country really like this? And yet, it resonates so deeply, it stirs something within. A quiet urge to act, to care, to hope.

Verdict

A powerful testament to the fact that Nigerian stories can be told with both emotional authenticity and technical brilliance. It boldly affirms that our lived realities, histories, and cultural nuances are not only worthy of being seen but also of being celebrated on a global platform.

More than just a film, it’s an experience. One that leaves a lasting impression and reminds viewers of the power of storytelling in shaping identity and inspiring change. For anyone seeking a meaningful time at the cinema, Freedom Way is essential viewing. And beyond the screen, it serves as a quiet yet stirring call for us all to continue striving, in our own ways, toward the freedom and nation we deserve.

Rating: 4/5

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Faith Oloruntoyin

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