Many romantic films often rely heavily on sexual acts, nudity, and eroticism to portray intimacy. But Uzoamaka Power, in her directorial debut My Body, God’s Temple, defies that convention. She presents both romance and intimacy with striking decency, still captivating, still leaving the viewer wanting more. After all, intimacy struggles are very real, even for newlyweds who either remained virgins or practised celibacy at some point.

A Story Rooted in Love, Shame and Fear

Built on themes of love, commitment, and valid desires, the 30-minute short explores the life of a newlywed couple struggling to consummate their marriage. The conflict isn’t about a lack of love but a fear rooted in the woman’s prolonged virginity. Power and Andrew Yaw Bunting play the couple navigating the tension and tenderness of a union on the edge.

The film sheds light on an issue many women are afraid to speak about. Society often treats conversations about female sexual anxiety as taboo, even immoral. It challenges questions and assumptions like: Why should a woman desire sexual intimacy? Shouldn’t sex come naturally without any need for information or preparation? Why talk about it—won’t people mock you? These warped norms have silenced countless women who struggle with sexual issues in marriage.

A Ray of Hope and a Tough Dilemma

Through Omasilu’s journey, My Body offers hope to women facing similar fears, especially those who choose abstinence during courtship. The story reminds us that it’s okay to seek help from books, the internet, or trusted friends. What matters is filtering that advice and weighing the consequences. Omasilu’s character remains consistent yet conflicted, especially as she weighs solutions that might clash with her spiritual values. The film doesn’t resolve this tension explicitly, but it plants a thought-provoking question in the minds of its viewers: Can self-pleasure coexist with certain Christian beliefs?

A Strong Performance on All Fronts

Power shines—not just as the lead actress, but also as the film’s writer and director. Which makes it even more commendable, as she can direct herself well enough that the story doesn’t suffer. Even with other details like cinematography, setting, other characters’ delivery and edits.

The chemistry between Omasilu and Zion was undeniable. Even in conflict, their interactions felt like a couple trying to heal—not hurt each other. Every stare, flatter, giggle, dance, joke and kiss shared was like a music note for a love song. But this time, their love story was the love song being written. 

Zion’s character was endearing and intentional. Every moment felt like an opportunity for him to either back down or disappoint her. But that wasn’t the case; he reached forward even more and always had her back. His character was the prince-charming role, which we often don’t get to see in Nollywood.

Supporting actors like Ejiro Onajaife, Uche Chika Elumelu, and Chiagoziem Nwakanma brought nuance to their roles. They reflected the two faces of society—those quick to judge and those ready to help. Initially sceptical of their friend’s struggle, they later shift to acceptance and support.

Zikoko Life’s Continuous Technical Prowess

The cinematography and editing, led by Muhammad Attah and Eddie Eduvie, delivered visual brilliance. Each location stood out, and every angle felt intentional. One can’t quite tell where the magic lies—whether in the camera work or the editing—but the result is breathtaking. 

The standout scenes are too numerous to count, but some distinct ones include the evening view from the couple’s balcony. That shot gives nighttime in Lagos a facelift and makes it less treacherous than the realities. There is also a beautiful glazing that the melanin skin is giving, like it’s communicating bold, subtle, but not fragile.

The garden scene also leaves a lasting impression on the mind of anyone. The play of colors as opposed to just leaving it bare. And then the exit shot, which stays on the couple’s upper body as opposed to a full view. Although it might seem like a random shot, it clearly helps shine the intense intimacy they had going on, even with just their faces and their hands. 

It then births their successful consummation, which is to be one of the best sex scenes ever. The shots which showed the acceptance, desire and intense hunger they both shared were very much void of nudity. Hand grips, leg tosses, bra stripping, pulse movements and even sounds of their breathing- adequately gave everything an intimate scene should give. This particular scene redefines every single thing about what a sex/ romance scene should give. 

The couple’s victory dance at the end is also an unforgettable one. The Romantic, joyful, and beautifully shot makes it feel like a music video in the best way possible. They share yet another fun and open moment, but still have their love and desire intact and visible. The lighting gives the couple the feel of a spotlight on stage. And then Omasilo’s confidence as she dances also gives way to a light-up shot.

Well, dancing is incomplete without the right beat, sound or music, and this scene had just the right pick. With You by Davido and Omah Lay gave My Body, God’s Temple just the right closing it needed. 

A Conversation Worth Having

My Body, God’s Temple has raised critical questions that deserve open discussions. It urges ladies to stop suffering in silence and start talking about the realities many quietly endure. Conversations surrounding sex education should be held by the right persons and at the right time. But it shouldn’t be seen as taboo or something to be ashamed of.