Omoni Oboli’s Last Year Single raises intriguing questions about pacing and narrative depth, with its themes albeit relevant in today’s climate. At first, seeing the late Karibi T. Fubara in the cast sparked curiosity about this series’ production timeline. While watching, I happened to discover that it was filmed in 2019. And that explained a lot.

Story

The series revolves around three women who are fervently eager to marry, offering a critical examination of the societal pressures surrounding marriage and the intricacies of their journeys. While the premise is intriguing, it is not entirely new; Last Year Single strives to strike a balance between entertainment and thought-provoking content, prompting viewers to reflect on the significance of individual identity within the realm of relationships.

However, engagement with the series may be limited to those with a genuine interest in films exploring these themes, as its appeal may not extend beyond this niche audience.

Plot

Last Year Single executes its narrative through a combination of character-driven storytelling and thematic exploration, skillfully intertwining the main plot with various subplots that focus on the individual journeys of the three central characters: Belinda, Tammy, and Afua. This method allows viewers to engage with their unique personalities, backgrounds, and aspirations, adding layers of complexity to the storyline.

While dialogue is crucial for revealing the characters’ thoughts, struggles, and societal expectations, it becomes overly repetitive as the three women often revisit previous actions and discussions. This rehashing slows the pacing, turning potentially engaging moments into drawn-out reiterations of witnessed events.

The pacing suffers as the series shifts between the main narrative and subplots. This structure is meant to encourage viewers to consider the broader implications of the characters’ choices, yet it often leads to redundancy instead of depth. While this rhythmic structure is intended to encourage viewers to consider the broader implications of the characters’ choices, it often results in redundancy rather than depth.

Although moments of reflection are a valid narrative technique and can enhance storytelling, the slow pacing is further exacerbated by montages that sometimes feel unnecessary. Rather than enriching the plot, these montages contribute to a sense of stagnation, making it difficult for the audience to stay fully engaged. The series aims to explore deeper themes through these reflections, but the execution often feels repetitive, detracting from the overall narrative momentum.

Technical Aspects

The film showcases commendable technical proficiency, particularly considering the era in which it was produced and the technological limitations of that time. However, several noticeable errors persist, even within the trailer, that detract from its overall execution.

The intro score starts with a jazz-like rhythm, upbeat yet restrained, maintaining a steady tempo with a consistent beat, gradually incorporating a trumpet-like, repetitive “chorus” that adds depth to the melody. This combination abruptly fades, leaving the striking chords of a keyboard that conclude in a melancholic tune, effectively establishing the film’s intended tone. The visuals largely meet expectations, delivering a quality that aligns with the romantic drama’s aesthetic. However, the film struggles with inconsistent colour grading and, in some scenes, suffers from overexposure and poor lighting.

The production values and costume choices reflect a keen attention to detail, enhancing the overall ambiance and genre-specific elements. This results in a visually pleasing experience that juxtaposes the ironic pains and struggles of the characters, creating a compelling contrast that enriches the narrative.

Performances

The performances are quite impressive. The actors bring their characters to life, infusing them with emotional depth that resonates throughout the series. Each actress, Omoni Oboli (as Belinda), Toni Tones (as Tammy),  and Bimbo Ademoye (as Afua), does a fantastic job of capturing the complexities of their role, which allows us to connect with their struggles and triumphs.

We can especially appreciate the chemistry between the three leads; it makes their friendships feel authentic and relatable. Overall, the strength of the performances significantly enhances the show’s ability to engage the audience and communicate its themes effectively.

We also have good performances from the supporting cast: Karibi Fubara (as Bayo), Tayo Arimoro (as James), Mawuli Gavor (as Victor), Chy Nwakanma (Gloria), Abiola Segun Williams (Tammy’s Mum), among others.

Final Thoughts

Last Year Single presents a mixed bag of storytelling that engages viewers on certain levels while leaving much to be desired in others. The series effectively tackles themes of societal pressure surrounding marriage and individual identity, but its execution falters under the weight of repetitive dialogue and pacing issues.

While the production values are solid, they do not elevate the film to any remarkable heights. This lack of standout elements, combined with pacing issues and a somewhat convoluted narrative structure, limits the series’ broader appeal.

The series concludes with an unexpected cliffhanger that feels somewhat disjointed, generating a sense of intrigue for the upcoming season. Key questions arise: Has season 2 already been filmed? How will Bayo’s character evolve if it hasn’t? Moreover, while our enthusiasm is tempered, one must ponder the architect behind this pivotal plot twist. These unanswered queries invite viewers to speculate on the narrative’s direction and character development, heightening anticipation for what lies ahead.

Verdict

Ultimately, Last Year Single is best suited for Nollywood viewers who appreciate slow-paced dramas that delve into relationship dynamics. While it has its merits, the inconsistencies in pacing and narrative depth hinder its overall impact. It’s a series that offers valuable insights but may not resonate with all audiences. Last Year Single is currently streaming on Netflix.

Rating: 2.5/5