We’ve been waiting for Tarella for what feels like forever. At first, we were excited. An African Cinderella story, a mythical kingdom, a touch of history, and a grand romance? It sounded like exactly the kind of film we needed. But as the months turned into years, the wait started to feel endless. Would it ever actually come out? Would it still live up to what we had imagined?

Well, it’s finally here, and honestly, better late than never. Who would have thought that Cinderella’s origins could be traced back to an Egyptian girl from 30 BC? With Tarella, we finally get a fairytale that feels closer to home.

Story

Tarella reimagines the well-known fairytale, placing it in a mythical West African kingdom called Akkaya. It follows Tarella, an orphaned girl who, despite the cruelty of her stepfamily, crosses paths with Prince Nosa, a man bound by duty but drawn to her spirit. The film brings in an ancient Egyptian connection, linking Tarella to Rhodopis, a historical figure said to have inspired Cinderella.

At its core, it presents love as something that must overcome social status, expectations, and personal struggles. But beyond the romance, it is also about identity—who Tarella is, where she comes from, and what her place in this world should be. This is the story the film sets out to tell. But as a viewing experience, Tarella does not fully bring out its emotional depth. The romance lacks urgency, and the personal stakes feel too distant.

The film has all the elements of a grand fairytale but struggles to make the audience feel the weight of Tarella’s journey. Moments that should be surprising or impactful are presented too casually, and the drama that should hold everything together never quite reaches its full intensity. The story had the potential to be captivating, but it is held back by a lack of energy in how the characters respond to their struggles.

Plot

The plot follows a familiar structure. Tarella endures mistreatment from her stepfamily, finds an opportunity to change her fate, and must prove her worth in an extraordinary way. Alongside this, Prince Nosa must navigate royal pressures while drawn to Tarella.

The film introduces its own twists, such as an animated retelling of the Egyptian origins of the story and a mysterious connection between Tarella and Rhodopis.

The final act brings resolution, but it does not carry the weight that a climactic moment should. Scenes unfold, but the impact does not linger.

Performances

Okawa Shaznay as Tarella plays her role with the expected softness and grace, but the emotional intensity never quite reaches a level where the audience deeply feels her struggles. Timini Egbuson as Prince Nosa fits the part visually and delivers his lines with ease, but there is little that makes him stand out as a lead.

Richard Mofe-Damijo, as King Ohen, is a highlight—his performance gives a sense of authority and wisdom, making his character one of the more convincing ones. The stepsisters, Ebinimi and Ebikella, play their roles with the necessary cruelty with idea of “wicked stepsisters.” Gideon Okeke’s performance is distracting, largely due to his accent, which feels unnatural for the setting.

Nengi Hampson’s role adds to the story, but not in a way that makes a lasting impression. Overall, the performances are functional but not compelling.

Technical Aspects

The film’s production design is one of its stronger elements. The costumes and sets successfully bring the world of Akkaya to life, making it feel distinct from typical settings. The decision to include animation to tell the Egyptian side of the story is a creative touch that reinforces the film’s mythical tone. However, its execution is clunky.

The animation itself is palpable, but the way it is blended into the live-action scenes is disjointed. The sound design and score do their job but do not elevate the film beyond what is expected. The technical choices are not bad, but they do not actively enhance the storytelling either.

Final Thoughts

The idea of an African Cinderella rooted in historical mythology is exciting, and Tarella had all the right ingredients to be a standout film. But something is missing. The drama does not pull the audience in, and the emotional beats do not land as they should. The romance, which should be the film’s driving force, is not compelling enough to carry the weight of the story. The film plays it safe, never pushing its moments to be as gripping or as magical as they could be.

Verdict

Tarella is an ambitious attempt at redefining a classic tale, but it falls short in emotional engagement and dramatic intensity. While it is visually appealing and culturally significant, it does not leave a lasting impact.

Rating: 3/5