“Momiwa” introduces a new trope into the Nollywood family genre by subverting traditional maternal archetypes. Through the character of Momiwa, the film explores the transformative power of love and selflessness, challenging the notion of inherent maternal goodness. Unlike typical portrayals of nurturing and benevolent mothers, Kiki’s complex and contrasting nature brings a new perspective into the family stories we’re used to, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Story

The film is particularly about a beloved woman affectionately called “Momiwa,” derived from the Yoruba words “Mummy” and “wa,” translating to “our mummy.” Momiwa earns this moniker due to her unparalleled warmth and nurturing nature, she’s super loving and acts like a mom to everyone. When she sees that Naeto’s family is missing a mom, she steps in to take care of his kids, Abel and Vida. Ten years later, the kids really love her, especially Vida. However, their familial dynamic faces upheaval when their real mom, Kiki, shows up out of nowhere after leaving them.

Plot

The film opens with a captivating flashback, offering insight into the characters’ backgrounds. As the narrative unfolds, it gracefully shifts focus between the eponymous character, Momiwa, and the family she’s intertwined with. From an objective standpoint, we observe the characters’ lives, whether Momiwa is present or not, as they navigate their joys and struggles.

Initially, we delve into Momiwa’s world, gaining a glimpse of her compassionate nature and the impact she has on those around her. However, as the story progresses, the spotlight shifts to the intricacies of the family dynamics she’s a part of. We witness their trials and triumphs, their bonds strengthening over time, with Momiwa serving as a guiding force even in her absence.

Yet, it’s in the film’s conclusion that we’re reminded of Momiwa’s enduring influence. The narrative circles back to her, highlighting how her presence has been a beacon of hope and support for the family. Ultimately, her life emerges as a testament to the transformative power of love and selflessness, shaping the family’s journey and leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.

Performance

The actors did a great job in their roles. Blessing Jessica Obasi really became Momiwa, capturing her caring persona perfectly like her personality. Uzor Arukwe’s portrayal of Naeto (Dadiwa) was equally impressive, capturing the essence of a hurt husband. Iyabo Ojo brought depth to her character, Kiki, with her seamless transition from pretense to portraying her real intention adding a captivating layer to the story.

Special mention goes to MC Lively for his portrayal of Iskilu. Despite his comedic role, he skillfully balanced humor with depth, ensuring his character’s presence enhanced rather than overshadowed the narrative—a refreshing departure from typical Nollywood tropes.

Technical Aspects

The film combines solid storytelling and quality editing techniques with visuals that effectively enhance the narrative making it enjoyable to watch. The use of colour to differentiate between past and present timelines is such a nice touch, adding depth and clarity to the storytelling. While the visuals may not be mind-blowing, their cohesion with the storytelling elevates the overall viewing experience, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and immersed in the unfolding narrative.

Final Thoughts

The film beautifully explores themes of love and family, offering a fresh perspective by portraying a mother figure who, instead of being inherently good, takes on the role of the main antagonist. This departure from the typical portrayal of evil stepmothers in Nollywood films adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making it both engaging and relatable.

The transition of time wasn’t explicitly made clear except through dialogue which kust posed a slight burden of understanding the timeline of the story a little bit. Other than that, this film was made well with no editing choices that brought any errors.

Verdict

Overall, it’s another well-made film by Biodun Stephen that’s easy to follow and engaging. The cast’s performances elevate the storytelling, creating a memorable cinematic experience. With its relatable storyline and refreshing twist on family genre tropes, the film earns a solid 2.5 rating.

Rating: 2.5/5