Something Sweet: An Exploration on Possibilities of Love In Gaps

In a society like ours, where dating or settling down with a man in the same age frame raises some whispers for a woman. How much more of a gap over decades that tilts to the other side of the spectrum? It’s quickly seen as bizarre, frivolous and unacceptable. And these and much more is what Something Sweet expresses adequately.

A Story True to Its Name 

Something Sweet does leave one feeling like they tasted something sweet. It tells the story of a woman in her 40s who finds love with a significantly younger man. Together, they wade through various storms, from acceptances by family to the noisy whispers from society. 

For them, it’s not a question of love being absent or present but a question of whether or not they both had the will to hold on, knowing fully well that every day would mean a different struggle. As often said, love alone is not enough to sustain a relationship that will stand the test of time. And in this case time the test of the society’s normalcy. 

Directed by Dika Ofoma, who is slowly growing his directing portfolio, which includes A Quiet Morning (2023), A Japa Tale (2022), The Way Things Happen (2022), God’s Wife (2024) and Nkemakonam (2024). Something Sweet sheds light on the struggles women face after 30 in their pursuit of love. It stands firm on the themes of love, acceptance, cultural acceptance and defiance.

A Defiant Love Like No Other

Michelle Dede and Ogranya Jable Osai share a chemistry that’s palpable through the screen. Not once did their performance seem awkward to see on a big screen, but rather felt very true and possible. What started off as just a casual meet at a store quickly moved into becoming love and passion. At first, the son struggles to accept the realities and starts off with cold and hostile reactions towards their love. But over time, he slowly warms up to the existence of their love. 

Next is someone from the market who sort of represents the society. She pushes to know exactly what type of relationship they had. Which showed just a bit how the society always tries to take a seat in the choices and decisions we make. The final obstacle is the mother’s very vocal and unwavering disapproval. Which echoed loudly but didn’t stop either of them from trying. Although the story stops after they profess their love and will to each other. One can easily pick that they love would definitely stand the test of time. 

Excellent Imagery That Sells the Story Even More

The movie also stars Oladozie Chiedoziem, Tolu Wunmi and Kanyinsola Erogbogbo, who each play a hurdle or a cupid for the couple. Although this isn’t Chiedoziem’s first time on screen, he seems to execute his silent roles a lot better than when dialogue is involved.

The cinematography is also very noteworthy, as the pictures look well and beautifully shot. It felt like an intentional act to make each scene something frame-worthy. The colour blending in terms of costumes, location, setting and grading further sells the story as something even more worthy. For instance, the market scene didn’t look like a quick stop, but yet another scene that helped flatter their love. It also shaped the tone and way too which their first disagreement on whether or not their love could intertwine with their work structures. 

And then, the best garden scene ever, which leaves one out of breath for a minute or two. It has this entry that just properly amplifies the beauty of the garden. And then, the mat made the serenity of that particular location, safeguarded and visible. The garden also seals the start of their love life, further making it the cupid element they needed.

The music and sound used also blended well along the course of the storytelling. Subtle and inviting are the best ways to describe the choice of sound used.

Conclusion

Something Sweet is an expression of its title. Further, carrying on its backs, that truthfully, when it comes to love, the couple’s opinions are all that matter. If we all are in direct shape, form, colour and even size, how much more the love we feel for others. Love alone may not be enough, but it is worth fighting for.

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Faith Oloruntoyin

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