Native Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions return with The Lost Days, the latest entry in the First Features project. Directed by Wingonia Ikpi and starring Ifeoma Fafunwa and Bimbo Manuel, this film starts off as an wholesome emotional journey of reconnection — but quickly spirals into something else. Let’s delve into it.

A Love Rekindled, Then Derailed

The official synopsis reads: “After being declared cancer-free, Chisom embarks on a journey to reunite with the man she once loved and the child she left behind. But as buried secrets surface, she discovers that the past is far more complicated — and dangerous — than she ever imagined.”

The central storyline follows Chisom as she attempts to reconnect with her former lover, Kolawole, and the son she left behind. But while the synopsis and the film’s opening promise a heartfelt exploration of love, regret and redemption, things take an uncanny left turn towards the end of the second act. A kidnapping subplot hijacks the narrative and abruptly shifts the tone, making it feel like two completely different films spliced together. It’s jarring, and disappointing, for a film that sets itself up as a tender, introspective drama.

A Meandering Story That Loses Its Heart

While the premise has potential, the storytelling falters in its execution. The dialogue is thoughtfully written and occasionally moving, but the emotional weight the film is aiming for never quite lands. Scenes that should hit hard feel either too drawn out or too rushed, and the sudden introduction of the kidnapping plot creates a tonal imbalance that’s difficult to reconcile. The plot twist of Moses being the “bad son” is very much obvious.

Rather than delving into the rich emotional history between Chisom and Kolawole, the film focuses its energy on suspense, to its own detriment. This choice robs the central relationship of depth and undermines what could have been a touching narrative about second chances.

Performances That Don’t Quite Connect

Most of the performances are serviceable, though rarely remarkable. Bimbo Manuel (Kolawole) and Ifeoma Fafunwa (Chisom) work well together, but their chemistry is lukewarm at best. Their shared scenes lack the emotional spark needed to convince us of a great love reignited. Whilst Bimbo Manuel emotes his role effortlessly, Ifeoma Fafunwa Character appears, The script does not do justice to Moses (Baaj Adebule)’s Character, As we struggle to connect with him or understand his motivations.

The chemistry between mother and daughter in the first scene is aesthetically pleasing. Cynthia Clarke as Nkem is serviceable, while Durotimi Okutagidi, who plays Kola, is occasionally decent,.

Gorgeous Visuals Can’t Mask Sloppy Continuity

Visually, The Lost Days is a treat. The river scenes where Chisom and Kolawole reconnect are beautifully composed, and the colour grading is rich and fitting for the film’s reflective tone. The vibrant festival sequence is a standout, bursting with life and colour. The use of symbolism in the film is also notable.

That said, continuity issues are hard to ignore. Before Chisom is kidnapped, we see her at the festival with Kolawole and Moses. After her kidnap, the men say they were just on their way to pick her up, as a previous scene had shown them telling her they would be back to take her to the festival. It’s a confusing error that breaks immersion.

There is a strong use of symbolism in this film. There are also thoughtful visual details sprinkled throughout, like Chisom tearing her dress during a chase, which Moses later uses to track her — but these touches aren’t enough to counteract the more glaring missteps.

An Emotional Payoff That Never Comes

For a film that markets itself as a story of love, loss, and healing, The Lost Days abandons its core premise far too early. Chisom’s reappearance in Kolawole’s life is never truly explored, and their relationship lacks the history and tenderness that would justify her journey.

The kidnapping subplot steals so much time and attention that by the end, we’re expected to believe Chisom is ready to forgive both Kola and Moses for orchestrating her kidnapping and trying to kill her. It’s wildly unrealistic and emotionally unearned. We’re left with more confusion than closure.

The real shame is that The Lost Days had the bones of a beautiful story about two older people finding love again. That, not the forced suspense arc, would have been the more meaningful, memorable path.

Verdict

One thing Nollywood never fails to do is chase a happy ending — even when it doesn’t fit. The Lost Days starts with a compelling premise and strong visuals but gets lost in its own ambition. What should’ve been a slow burn, heartfelt love story, turns into headless dysfunctional drama, leaving us with tonal whiplash and emotional disconnection.

Still, it’s a decent production with thoughtful direction, and its scenic beauty is hard to ignore.

Rating: 2.75/5