With Gammy and the Living Things, Nigerian cinema enters uncharted territory. Directed by Ikem Isiekwena, the film attempts not just to entertain but to prove that Nollywood can compete in under explored Nollywood animation terrain. The result is a colourful, imaginative, and at times uneven, yet groundbreaking cinematic milestone.

Plot & Storytelling

An agama lizard finds the perfect excuse to exchange the boring and slow-paced life of the Hinterland for the fast-paced and success-paved streets of Lagos. With his band of music-loving friends, they set out on an arduous but event-filled adventure to make it big and conquer Lagos. This animated movie stars Jude Abaga as Gammy, John Dumelo as Fante, Segun Arinze as Dr Koko, Bovi Ugboma as Onyana, Bimbo Akintola as Endy, Pete Edochie as Wu, Joke Silva as NG and many others.

The film follows Gammy, a curious and big-hearted young character whose life takes a dramatic turn when he goes after a lifelong dream of being a superstar. He and his friends embark on a journey that blends comedy, mystery, and adventure, while tackling themes of courage, friendship, and the balance between humans and animals. The story is accessible and enjoyable, especially for children, though some narrative beats feel predictable for older audiences.

Animation & Visuals

Visually, Gammy and the Living Things is a bold statement of intent. The animation style leans more towards a simple, vibrant aesthetic rather than hyper-realism, which works in its favour. Colour schemes are bright and engaging, with Lagos cityscapes and cultural motifs shining through in inventive ways. While a few movements and transitions lack the polish of global studios like Pixar or DreamWorks, the film succeeds in establishing a unique Nigerian identity in animation, a feat in itself.

Voice Acting & Sound

Voice acting is another highlight. The cast infuses their characters with humour and warmth, making them relatable to audiences of all ages. The music and sound design also elevate the atmosphere, with traditional rhythms blending seamlessly with contemporary scoring. It’s an audio experience that roots the film firmly in Nigerian culture while keeping it universally appealing.

The musical performances by Gammy and his friends were another major highlight. Each scene left viewers eager for the next, thanks to the lively entertainment infused with rich Nigerian rhythms and expressions.

When it came to the voice acting, there were some issues, certain voices were overly bass-heavy or edited in a way that made the dialogue difficult to catch at times. For a few characters, it was hard to identify the actors behind the voices until the cast roll at the end, as they sounded quite different from what we usually know them for.

Final thoughts

The film’s greatest strength lies in its originality and cultural resonance. It is refreshing to see African stories brought to life through animation, showcasing environments, folklore, and humour that feel authentic. Children, especially, will be drawn to its colourful energy and relatable hero.

However, the film is not without its shortcomings. The pacing drags in places, with certain scenes lingering longer than necessary. Some of the dialogue is overly simplistic, occasionally undercutting the emotional depth of the story. A bit more narrative complexity would have made the film resonate even more strongly with adult viewers.

Verdict

Gammy and the Living Things reflects a deliberate step by Nigerian filmmakers to embrace the medium not just as an experiment, but as a serious avenue for ambitious, entertaining, and culturally resonant storytelling. While it may not yet rival global studios in technical finesse, it sets the foundation for what could become a flourishing industry of African animated cinema.

Rating: 3/5