Inside Life immediately sets itself apart as a work of non-conformist cinema, a bold departure from traditional narratives. Clarence Peters, renowned primarily for his work directing Afrobeat music videos, makes his Netflix directorial debut with a bold vision that defies conventional storytelling norms, inviting viewers to engage with film in an entirely new and transformative way.

Let us delve into how Inside Life embraces its not-so-new approach and unpack the layers of the film itself.

Story

Inside Life follows three to four parallel stories, all merging with a prison at the center of it—hence, “inside life,” as in “inside prison.” The series comprises independent yet interconnected stories exploring different genres, including drama, horror, and light comedy. The narrative brings together a diverse set of characters, bound by a series of tragic, escalating circumstances, leading them toward a dark and unforeseen conclusion.

The series delves into heavy, thought-provoking themes such as death, myths, human trafficking, love, and marriage, offering a layered and complicated viewing experience. Through these various stories, Inside Life invites audiences to grapple with complex issues, while blending suspense, mystery, and real-life elements.

While the story begins by focusing on the harsh realities of life and how anyone can face such hardships, it falters when it introduces a new narrative involving supernatural mysticism. This shift, which becomes more pronounced in Episodes 5 and 6, feels disconnected and isn’t effectively tied to the earlier themes, making the story feel disjointed. From this point, melodrama and unnecessary repetitions emerge, causing the narrative to lose momentum and falter just as it should be reaching its peak.

Plot

The plot centers on various characters such as Ade, who struggles to take care of his ailing and dying mother, and Chiamaka, a young woman driven to kill her abusive stepfather. These individual arcs intersect at a prison motif, serving as both a literal and symbolic representation of captivity and victimhood, reflecting the harsh realities of life.

In its initial episodes, the series adeptly employs multi-threaded storytelling, exploring themes such as hardship, crime, and existential suffering. Utilizing various perspectives and backstories, this narrative structure enhances the plot’s early complexity. However, as the series unfolds, it introduces an unexpected shift toward spiritual mysticism, rooted in African spiritualism. This transition becomes problematic as it feels abrupt and forced. The reliance on expository dialogue to explain these supernatural elements detracts from the narrative’s pacing and subtlety, disrupting the grounded realism established earlier.

As we move into Episodes 5 and 6, the series embarks on a tonal shift, veering away from its grounded themes and thought processes. This sudden pivot introduces narrative dissonance, complicating the viewer’s ability to reconcile the established realities with the newly introduced supernatural elements. While the initial multi-threaded narrative was a hallmark of its strength, it now falters under the weight of disjointed transitions and unresolved plotlines. Rather than maintaining a cohesive story arc, the series devolves into melodrama, characterized by unnecessary scenes to explain the story causing repetitions, that diminish their emotional impact. The once-engaging exploration of human struggles becomes overshadowed by an unfocused narrative that sacrifices clarity in the pursuit of ambition.

To fully grasp the intricacies of the plot requires multiple viewings; the convoluted storytelling and abrupt tonal shifts can easily leave viewers disoriented. What could have been a masterful interplay of interconnected subplots instead resembles a series of disparate stories awkwardly stitched together, leaving audiences yearning for coherence amid the tangled web of plots.

Technical Aspects

The series showcases a blend of impressive cinematography and perplexing editing choices that often work against the narrative’s flow. The cinematography, particularly in Episode 1, displays a strikingly innovative aesthetic that captures the viewer’s attention. However, its approach occasionally sacrifices continuity for the sake of visual flair. It also appears as though the filmmakers were eager to showcase an abundance of compelling shots, leading to an editing conundrum where the sheer volume of visually striking moments overshadows cohesive storytelling. This stylistic choice creates a visual metaphor for the harsh realities that the characters endure, yet it detracts from the overall narrative coherence.

The editing in this initial episode raises concerns, particularly regarding the transitions between shots. This overindulgence not only disrupts the rhythm of the storytelling but also risks alienating the audience, who may find themselves lost amidst the visual exuberance that mostly lacks meaningful integration into the plot.

On a more positive note, the sound design deserves commendation for its meticulous attention to detail. Every sound, from the subtle rustling of fabric to the distant echoes of the environment, enhances the immersive quality of the film. Additionally, the manipulation of colour throughout the series is nothing short of remarkable, effectively conveying mood and emotion while reinforcing the overarching themes. This masterful integration of sound and colour elevates the viewing experience, offering a glimpse into the film’s deeper intentions.

Performances

Conversely, the film opens with a naturalistic flow of dialogue that enhances the authenticity of its world. This organic dialogue lends a sense of realism to the characters, making them feel like living, breathing entities rather than mere constructs for the camera. This grounding quality contrasts sharply with the film’s otherwise gritty, grimy, and grotesque aesthetic, which serves as a visual representation of the character’s struggles and the thematic weight of the story.

Inside Life features a commendable cast, yet it is Gabriel Afolayan’s performance that truly captivates. His portrayal is a masterclass in authenticity, showcasing a nuanced understanding of his character that breathes life into the dialogue. It is through his performance that the naturalness of the dialogue becomes apparent.

However, this naturalness begins to wane in Episodes 5 and 6, where the overall dialogue’s organic flow falters, losing some of its initial charm. Despite this decline, the brilliance of the dialogue in the earlier episodes can largely be credited to Afolayan’s skill. He is a remarkably talented and versatile actor, unafraid to embrace diverse and challenging roles, which speaks volumes about his commitment to his craft.

Meg Otanwa delivers a powerhouse performance that demands attention, embodying her character’s struggles with an intensity that resonates deeply. Her portrayal adds layers of complexity, pulling the audience into her emotional journey. The chemistry among the cast further enriches the narrative, allowing their interactions to feel authentic.

The supporting cast, including Egu Sylvia Chis, Rachael Emem Isaac, and Tomisin Ayoade, also contributes significantly to the film’s realism. Their performances complement the central themes, yet some moments are overshadowed by the series’ narrative disjointedness. The emotional gravity intended by the actors sometimes fails to land due to the overarching confusion in the plot, yet their dedication ensures that Inside Life retains its human essence amid structural challenges.

Final Thoughts

In hindsight, had Inside Life been marketed as an avant-garde series, it might have served the project more effectively. This framing could have recalibrated audience expectations, allowing viewers to approach the series with a more open mindset regarding its narrative intricacies. This genre often prioritizes experimentation and thematic exploration over traditional storytelling, which might have encouraged viewers to appreciate the series’ visual and conceptual artistry rather than scrutinizing its coherence.

While many avant-garde films embrace fragmented narratives or non-linear storytelling, it is important to note that not all lack cohesion. A well-executed avant-garde piece can effectively blend innovation with clarity, guiding the audience through a discernible journey while provoking thought and emotion. In this context, framing Inside Life as a free-form work could have mitigated criticisms surrounding its narrative challenges.

Verdict

Inside Life is a bold exploration of narrative complexity in Nigerian cinema that attempts to redefine storytelling conventions. While its aspirations showcase an innovative approach, the series struggles with coherence, particularly in the later episodes, where disjointed narratives and abrupt tonal shifts disrupt the viewer’s engagement. The ambition to tackle profound themes is commendable, yet the lack of a clear and cohesive plot ultimately undermines the impact of the film. In its attempt to push boundaries, Inside Life reveals the delicate balance between creativity and narrative clarity, reminding audiences that even the most innovative ideas must be anchored in a coherent story to resonate fully.

Rating: 3/5