September 2024 has proven to be a remarkable month for Nollywood, showcasing a diverse range of films that truly captivated audiences. With a total of four notable releases: When Love Strikes, Lisabi: The Uprising, Farmer’s Bride, and Queen Lateefah; the month offered an impressive blend of drama, comedy, and cultural storytelling. Each film brought its unique flavor to the screen.
We will take a humorous dive into what made us laugh, angry, cry, and occasionally made us question our life choices.
All of Us (September 1)
To start the month, Enioluwa Adeoluwa’s All of Us released on YouTube, graced our screens. But sadly, it’s less of a gripping murder mystery and more of a sleep-inducer wrapped in a school drama. Set against the backdrop of a new school year, we’re introduced to a cast of characters whose lives are so tangled up in teenage angst and melodrama that we half expect a soap opera theme to play in the background.
The series kicks off with a shocking twist—Marcus, the teacher, winds up lifeless, leaving the students more concerned about their head girl race than about the crime scene. While the plot tries to keep us guessing, it ends up feeling like navigating a maze with no exit, confusing and ultimately pointless. With uneven lighting, inconsistent sound, and dialogue that struggles to engage, All of Us lacks the suspense to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
We appreciate the nod to diverse Nigerian languages and family dynamics, but even the police asking students about their phone passwords raises eyebrows and questions about their investigative skills. In the end, with its four short episodes, the series is a quick watch that ultimately leaves you feeling like you’ve missed the main event. We rate it a 1.5/5.
Ajaga: The Yoke (September 6)
Ajaga (The Yoke) attempts to be a thought-provoking drama, but it feels more like a confusing sermon where the pastor forgets his lines. Released at cinemas, the promotional material sets us up for a tale of a pastor wrestling with his moral failings, but instead, we find ourselves following Bolusefe. With themes of justice against sexual violence, the film promises depth but delivers a narrative that often feels like it’s stumbling around in the dark.
The film’s attempts at emotional depth fall flat, and when it tries to deliver a spiritual resolution, it feels more like a forced prayer than a genuine moment. Despite its ambition to tackle significant themes, Ajaga ends up feeling disjointed and underwhelming. If you’re keen on dissecting its layers, grab some popcorn and brace yourself, but don’t expect a smooth ride. We rate it a generous 2.5/5. Not exactly a holy grail, but worth a watch if you enjoy puzzling narratives.
Last Year Single (September 6)
Omoni Oboli’s Last Year Single is a slow-burn drama that feels like it took a stroll from 2019 to our screens—maybe it was waiting for the right moment to explore societal pressures around marriage, or perhaps it just wanted to test our patience. Just joking. Released on Netflix, it follows the lives of three eager-to-marry women: Belinda, Tammy, and Afua, the series dives into their journeys, but with dialogue so repetitive, you might think they’ve all suffered from a case of déjà vu.
Thankfully, the performances shine, with the trio delivering genuine chemistry that makes their friendship relatable. However, the series wraps up with a cliffhanger that feels more like a last-minute plot twist than a satisfying conclusion. Overall, Last Year Single is a reflective watch for those who enjoy a slow-paced drama, earning a modest 2.5/5, ideal for lazy afternoons when you need something to ponder while contemplating your relationship status as a single pringle.
Black Mail (September 12, 2024)
Obi Melonye’s Black Mail, which debuted on Prime Video, promises a thrilling adventure but instead serves up another slow burn that feels more like a lukewarm cup of tea. Following Ray Chinda, a man who desperately tries to prevent a private video from leaking online, the plot quickly spirals into a realm of implausibility—because let’s be honest, in this digital age, who hasn’t heard of phishing? The marital woes between Ray and his wife are resolved faster than you can say “plot device,” and the parallel blackmail subplot involving Ruben feels like an unnecessary detour on this already meandering journey. O.C. Ukeje delivers a solid performance, but Julia Holden’s Nikki struggles to keep up, leaving scenes feeling a bit unbalanced.
Despite its relatable premise, the film misfires with underwhelming action, questionable decision-making (seriously, Ray, why would you choose that moment to… well, you know), and glaring plot holes that leave viewers scratching their heads. The soundtrack is a saving grace, heightening tension amidst the slow pacing, but ultimately, Black Mail feels like a missed opportunity for a gripping thriller. It earns a patient 3/5. Best enjoyed if you’re in the mood for a drama that takes its sweet time getting to the point.
When Love Strikes (September 13, 2024)
When Love Strikes, directed by Adeoluwa Owu, takes a swing at the sports drama genre, but instead of scoring a goal, it feels more like a missed penalty kick. Released in cinemas, the film follows Ibukun, a promising young footballer torn between chasing his dreams and satisfying his family’s academic expectations.
While the premise is refreshing, the execution leaves much to be desired, as the emotional connection with Ibukun seems as elusive as a stray ball on the pitch. The football scenes are engaging, but when the film tries to inject tension with Hollywood-inspired editing, it often results in unintended laughter. Who knew a dramatic moment could double as a comedy sketch? Despite its commendable visuals and a catchy football chant set to an afrobeat, When Love Strikes struggles to fully immerse the audience in Ibukun’s journey, ultimately earning a sympathetic 3/5. Perfect for those who enjoy a light-hearted take on the pressures of ambition and family.
Lisabi: The Uprising (September 27, 2024)
Lisabi: The Uprising, directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, attempts to be an ambitious epic steeped in cultural authenticity but often trips over its own CGI feet, leaving viewers wondering if they accidentally tuned into a video game instead of a historical film. Following the story of Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, a farmer turned revolutionary, the film explores themes of unity and resistance against tyranny, but the character development is about as deep as a puddle after a light rain. With a star-studded cast, including Lateef Adedimeji and Ibrahim Chatta, the performances are commendable, yet the emotional impact falls flat like a poorly kicked football.
The visuals are striking, but when the CGI takes center stage, it often distracts from the authenticity the film strives for, making it hard to take pivotal moments seriously. Released on Netflix, this film showcases Nollywood’s ambition but also highlights the growing pains of merging traditional storytelling with modern technology. While Lisabi: The Uprising has its moments, it ultimately earns a modest 3/5. Perfect for those who appreciate cultural narratives but are willing to overlook a few digital missteps along the way.
Farmer’s Bride (September 27)
Farmer’s Bride is a delightful romp through the fields of love and societal expectations that manages to exceed expectations like a cow jumping over the moon! Following Funmi, a young woman reluctantly wed to the elderly farmer Odun, the film cleverly explores her journey from grief to self-discovery.
While she navigates life on a secluded farm with her mother-in-law and a handsome companion named Femi, you can practically feel the romantic tension sizzling hotter than pepper soup. The plot is packed with enough twists to make you wonder if you’re watching a romantic drama or a surprise episode of “Who Wants to Marry a Farmer?” Though the screenplay stumbles with some abrupt transitions and a conclusion that leaves you scratching your head, the lush cinematography and soundtrack, complete with ironic tunes that practically wink at the audience, keep things lively.
Mercy Aigbe steals the show as the mother-in-law, while Gbubemi Ejeye and Tobi Bakre share a chemistry that’s almost too hot for the farm! While Farmer’s Bride may not delve deeply into existential themes, it’s still a fun watch for anyone who enjoys a good romantic tale sprinkled with cultural flair, earning a solid 4/5. Perfect for your next movie night.
Queen Lateefah (September 27)
Queen Lateefah is a delightful adventure through the world of drama and comedy that leaves you grinning like a Cheshire cat! Imagine Alakada +, with a protagonist who delivers her award-winning line, “If you want to lie, at least make it real. Google is your friend,” and you’ve got a recipe for a film that’s equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and relatable.
The plot twists are predictably convenient, like finding an extra chip at the bottom of the bag, yet somehow it all works! Lateefah, our cunning heroine, is quick-witted and clever, making you root for her even as she throws logic out the window.
Let’s be honest, who needs it when you have charisma? The dialogue may feel a bit too rehearsed at times, but hey, we’ll excuse that for the charm and intelligence, the film convinces us she possesses. With a stellar cast that includes comedians Broda Shaggi, Kie Kie, and social media personality Enioluwa Adeoluwa, every character shines in their role, adding to the film’s overall hilarity.
Queen Lateefah earns a solid 4/5, perfect for those looking to indulge in a feel-good flick that makes you laugh while reminding you that, sometimes, it’s okay to let logic take a back seat!
September’s line-up of nollywood movies not only surpassed the offerings of August but also demonstrated the evolving landscape of Nollywood storytelling. The varied themes and compelling performances in this month’s releases have set a new standard, showcasing the industry’s potential to deliver both heartwarming narratives and thought-provoking content.
As audiences continue to seek out quality entertainment, the films of September stand as a testament to the creativity and talent present in Nigerian cinema. And we’re very much eager for what the next month will bring. With the success of these films, it’s clear that the industry is on an upward trajectory, and we can only hope for more captivating stories in the future!
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