As the opening scene of Something Like Gold unfolded, I initially thought, “This is shaping up to be a rom-com,” but that clarity soon faded as the film lost its direction. Are we meant to root for the protagonist? Certainly not—that’s not the intention. Are we supposed to connect with her emotions and grasp the severity of her predicament? Absolutely, given the narrative’s focus.

Yet, the film ultimately leads us into a state of indifference, merely observing the outrageousness of the protagonist and the increasingly absurd situations she finds herself in.

The film was released on Netflix on August 17, 2024, following its cinema run in September last year. However, aside from its visuals, it falls short of justifying a trip to the cinema.

Story

The film Something Like Gold follows Tamara Jola-Scott, a spoiled daughter of a wealthy Lagos socialite, whose life falls apart when her father is caught in an embezzlement scandal, leading to the loss of her family’s fortune and the abandonment of her by her fiancé. Left alone to face a harsh new reality, Tamara finds unexpected refuge when Aunty Mayowa, the family’s former housemaid, steps in to help her.

Thrust into a completely different environment, Tamara is forced to confront her superficial values and adapt to a life far removed from the luxuries she once took for granted.

While the film seems poised to deliver a narrative of redemption and self-discovery, it struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It oscillates between being a drama and a romantic comedy, never fully committing to either.

Plot

The lack of focus leads to a disjointed plot where key moments that should evoke strong emotions are underplayed, leaving the viewer disengaged.

The protagonist’s detachment from her new reality is revealed too slowly, with scenes repetitively driving home the same point, causing the audience to lose emotional investment. Moreover, the protagonist’s journey toward self-awareness feels rushed and unconvincing, as the time dedicated to her character’s growth is insufficient to make her transformation believable.

Technical Aspects

Once you see Kayode Kasum, expect high-quality visuals. He always delivers with his technical aspects of production and getting the right people for the job. However, the sound design is relatively unobtrusive and does not stand out, likely overshadowed by the film’s more absurd performances.

Performances

Mercy Johnson’s performance stands out. As a veteran actress, she shows her exceptional skills and accurate portrayals. Timini Egbuson will always shine as a gentleman flirt. Kunle Remi’s performance is endearing. These individual acting skills help bring some depth to the film, even though it struggles with its overall narrative cohesion.

Sandra Okunzuwa’s portrayal of Tamara Jola-Scott, characterized by the exaggerated nature of her role, often comes across as overly performative. While the direction aims to craft an unrelatable character, this approach undermines the film’s attempt to be emotionally impactful.

Even during key plot twists designed to reveal her psychological depth and evoke surprise, the disconnect remains, failing to elicit a genuine understanding of her character’s emotional journey.

The film also features performances from Broda Shaggi, Teniola Aladese, Tope Olowoniyan, Patrick Doyle, Segun Arinze, Bukky Ogunnote, Olayemi Soyeju, Waliu Fagbemi, child actor Beloved Osagie, Ebere Doris Okorie, Bella Salami, and Runo Efe.

Final Thoughts

Something Like Gold is a film that attempts to blend drama and romantic comedy but ultimately succumbs to its absurdity. The narrative, which should have delivered a poignant tale of self-discovery, instead spirals into increasingly ridiculous scenarios.

The protagonist’s journey, intended to evoke empathy and emotional engagement, is undermined by her exaggerated portrayal, leaving the audience detached from her experiences. While the film’s visuals are commendable, its disjointed plot and lack of character depth result in a superficial story that fails to resonate.

Despite a few strong performances from its cast, the film’s overall incoherence and absurdity prevent it from achieving the emotional impact it strives for.

Verdict

Ultimately, Something Like Gold falls short due to its inability to explore the complexities of its characters and their situations fully. It’s a film that had potential but was marred by its indecisive narrative, resulting in a shallow portrayal of what could have been a powerful story. While it has some redeeming qualities, the disjointed plot and lack of emotional engagement weigh heavily against it. Perhaps Kayode Kasum’s poorest outing.

Rating: 2.5/5