Subtle, stark, and slightly intense. The interrogation of Lotanna is a story that delves into loyalty, especially under extreme pressure. The significance of family emerges as a crucial theme, influencing characters’ actions and decisions.

Plot

The plot centers on Captain Ardo. He is dispatched to suppress a rebellion in the East and find the elusive rebellion leader, Zuru Nkwu. Months of relentless pursuit yield nothing, until Ardo receives a crucial tip pointing to Lotanna. Lotanna is subsequently subjected to a harrowing interrogation. Despite the torture, Lotanna insists on his innocence.

The film focuses on Ardo’s attempts to extract information from Lotanna, juxtaposing the themes of loyalty and the personal cost of duty.

Although the story might initially seem centered on Lotanna, it is actually from Captain Ardo’s perspective. His primary objective is to fulfill his mission and restore peace. The tension between Lotanna’s loyalty to his cause and Captain Ardo’s desire to return to his family is central to the narrative.

The Interrogation of Lotanna delves into the psychological dynamics between the two central characters, transforming their interaction into a mental chess game.

Performance

Casey Jolomi Edema brings a rich cultural background to his role as Lotanna. Known for his previous work as Dimeji in the Showmax series, Wura, and as a Glo Naija Sings winner, Edema’s performance in this short film is compelling and authentic. His proficiency in the Eastern language and understanding of Hausa, even though he doesn’t speak it, add a layer of credibility to his character.

This linguistic capability not only enhances the believability of his role but also underscores the depth of his portrayal. His cultural fit and natural performance make it seem as if the role of Lotanna was specifically tailored for him.

Edema’s emotional range is evident in his expressive and nuanced portrayal of Lotanna. He convincingly conveys the character’s pain and resilience under torture, as well as his subtle manipulations, particularly when he mentions his family to gain sympathy.

William Benson, known for his roles in Obara’M (2022), A Green Fever 2023), and Love Is War (2019), brings a profound understanding of character nuance to his portrayal of Captain Ardo. His mastery of subtlety is evident in his performance, particularly in moments where he uses small gestures, such as touching his ring when mentioning “family.”

This subtle cue not only adds depth to his character but also reveals Ardo’s personal connection and soft spot for family, which plays a significant role in the psychological dynamics of the film. Benson’s ability to convey complex emotions through minimalistic yet powerful gestures showcases his skill in understanding and embodying his character.

In the film, Benson’s portrayal of Captain Ardo is marked by a compelling mix of stern authority and underlying vulnerability. His performance captures the essence of a duty-bound commander, while also exposing the character’s internal conflicts and soft spots. This duality is highlighted in the interrogation scenes where Ardo’s desperation and personal values subtly seep through his tough exterior.

His nuanced acting brings out Ardo’s psychological tension and moral ambiguity, making his character both relatable and intriguing.

The film also features brief compelling performances by Francis Sule as Zuru and Anthony Nwahiri as Iheanacho.

Technical Aspects

Reginald Jumbo employs a simplistic yet effective directorial style. The pacing is fast, emphasizing tension and the agony of Lotanna’s ordeal. While this approach suits the genre, it may be too brisk for viewers to fully absorb the emotions and feel the impact of the gripping scenes. The tone oscillates between soft and harsh, mirroring the interrogation’s intensity. Jumbo’s approach evokes emotional responses, immersing viewers in the narrative and highlighting the stakes.

The film employs a gritty style to enhance the harsh reality of the interrogation. The lighting is predominantly cold, using blue and neutral hues during the interrogation scenes, shifting to warmer tones like orange, teal, and yellow in other parts. Close-up shots intensify the emotional experience, drawing viewers into the characters’ feelings.

The pacing is generally balanced, though some reaction shots linger longer to underscore emotional depth. The editing effectively maintains the viewer’s focus on Lotanna’s perspective, heightening the narrative’s psychological tension.

The Interrogation of Lotanna‘s sound design is meticulously crafted to draw viewers into the story. The intro features a sound that seems to pull the audience into the narrative, creating a sense of impending psychological conflict. Throughout the film, subtle and precise sound choices heighten the tension, reflecting Lotanna’s hypersensitive state.

The abrupt transition to an upbeat song at the film’s end contrasts sharply with the preceding sounds, underscoring the dramatic ending.

Final Thoughts

The film’s significance lies in exploring personal and moral dilemmas within a high-stakes context. It challenges viewers to consider the complexities of loyalty and duty, making it a poignant and thought-provoking short film.

The beauty of this short film lies in its simplicity and meticulous attention to minute details. The narrative’s elegance stems from its ability to convey profound emotions and conflicts through visual storytelling, often eschewing dialogue in favor of expressive actions.

The abrupt transition to an upbeat song at the film’s end contrasts sharply with the preceding sounds, underscoring the dramatic shift in tone leading one to question, “What is going to happen to Lotanna?”

Verdict

This minimalist approach allows the subtleties of the characters’ performances to speak volumes, inviting viewers to interpret the underlying tensions and motivations. The film’s simplicity enhances its impact, engaging the audience’s senses and opening their minds to a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the situations depicted.

Rating: 4/5