I approached the news of Wives on Strike 3: The Uprising with apprehension. From its beginnings in 2016 through its 2017 sequel, the franchise returns in 2024 after a seven-year hiatus. This raised several questions: What pressing social issue is Omoni Oboli aiming to tackle this time? How will she structure the narrative and address the inconsistencies from the earlier films? Most importantly, will the women’s form of protest resonate with a Nigerian audience? Will it inspire meaningful action? And is withholding sex, as portrayed in the previous installments, truly a viable tool for societal progress and change?

These lingering questions left me hoping the film would rise to the occasion and provide some much-needed answers.

Story

Wives on Strike 3: The Uprising continues the franchise’s familiar theme of fighting for justice. Written by Cheta Chukwu and directed by Omoni Oboli, it departs mildly from the comedic undertone of its predecessors, adopting a darker tone that adds emotional weight and urgency. It explores themes of love, particularly maternal love, alongside pain and heartbreak. The narrative examines how this maternal instinct can push parents to extremes, either toward noble justice or vengeance. Beyond being a topical social commentary, the story is human at its core, drawing the audience in with relatable emotions to reflect on the pressing issue of insecurity in Nigeria.

The film picks up where the previous installments left off, continuing its mission of advocating for societal progress through unconventional protests. However, unlike the earlier films, which focused on wives withholding sex from their husbands to effect change, this chapter adopts more tangible and practical actions to press for development. It also calls on the government to take citizens’ demands seriously. Yet, the narrative ultimately reflects a harsh reality familiar to many Nigerians: justice remains elusive, and sometimes, one must take it into their own hands. The film closes with the unsettling but recognizable truth that justice is not always guaranteed.

The film strives for a representational balance between women and men. In the earlier parts of the franchise, the protest initiated by Mama Ngozi against her husband, Baba Ngozi, for his inaction in combating child marriage leads her to withhold sex as a form of protest. This tactic spurs other women to follow suit. However, the men’s portrayal in these instances often comes across as somewhat irritating and insensitive; their discussions revolve mainly around their frustration with the lack of sexual intimacy, seemingly oblivious to the deeper issues at stake. This portrayal raises questions about the men’s understanding of the social implications of the women’s actions.

While I hoped this one-dimensional depiction would be rectified in Wives on Strike 3, the film offers only a slight improvement. Although the men remain focused on their sexual gratification, Baba Ngozi eventually participates in the protest, asserting that men should not accept the silencing of their women and children. This moment provides a small but significant shift in perspective, suggesting that perhaps the men are beginning to learn the gravity of the situation and the importance of standing in solidarity with their wives and families.

Plot

The plot centers on Ebiere (Hilda Dokubo), a grieving mother thrust into a quest to rescue her kidnapped son. This inciting event plunges her into a violent and dangerous world, escalating the film’s tension from the outset.

The rising action unfolds as Ebiere, alongside other women initiated by Madam 12:30 (Uche Jombo), and led by Mama Ngozi (Omoni Oboli), channels her anguish into collective action, mirroring the franchise’s overarching theme of female empowerment. While previous installments relied on sexual abstinence as a symbolic protest, The Uprising shifts focus toward confrontation with societal issues, engaging more practical tactics to demand justice. This shift reflects not only a narrative evolution but also a thematic one, resonating with the growing frustration of Nigerian citizens facing systemic neglect.

As Ebiere ventures deeper into the criminal underworld, the stakes grow higher, with each revelation forcing her to navigate difficult moral terrain. The climax delivers a powerful collision between Ebiere’s grief and the broader societal fight for justice. Her dangerous pursuit raises difficult questions about the thin line between justice and vengeance, leaving the audience to wrestle with the morality of her choices. The emotional weight of her journey is compounded by the unpredictable nature of justice in the film’s world, where institutional failure forces individuals to take matters into their own hands.

The film concludes with an ambiguous ending that mirrors Nigeria’s societal reality where justice is not always guaranteed, and citizens often fight battles alone. There is no neat resolution, only the unsettling recognition that justice remains elusive. This resolution reinforces the film’s social commentary: societal change is a continuous struggle, slow and demanding, and real justice, like activism, requires relentless persistence.

The Cinema Experience

This cinematic experience is undoubtedly designed for the big screen. The visual storytelling invites the audience’s gaze to dance across the frame, guiding our focus from one corner of the screen to another. You will feel immersed in its story with the heightened soundtrack and score.

Technical Aspects

The technical aspects of Wives on Strike 3: The Uprising represent a significant leap forward from its predecessors, showcasing an elevated level of storytelling that captivates and engages. One standout feature is the soundtrack, which masterfully heightens the mood and elevates the narrative stakes. The carefully curated tracks are memorable and seamlessly integrated, adding emotional depth to key moments throughout the film.

The cinematography captivates, directing your gaze from one corner of the frame to another, immersing you in every detail of the story. It invites you to explore the world the characters inhabit, making the viewing experience feel vibrant and alive. However, in the film’s early segments, the editing choices sometimes feel a bit excessive. The frequent cuts and transitions, while showcasing the film’s impressive visuals, can become distracting. It’s as if the filmmakers are eager to display every stunning shot, yet without a cohesive visual cue, the transitions feel more jarring than seamless.

Nevertheless, the film excels in its ability to create a “lived-in” world. From the authentic costumes to the meticulously crafted settings, every element feels genuine and relatable, immersing the audience in the story’s environment. This attention to detail serves as a testament to the filmmakers’ commitment to authenticity, enhancing the viewer’s overall experience.

Overall, Wives on Strike 3: The Uprising is a visual feast that merits a visit to the cinema, where its artistic merits can truly shine.

Performances

The performances in Wives on Strike 3: The Uprising are a blend of the exceptional and the misplaced. While the central characters deliver compelling portrayals that anchor the story, certain comedic choices detract from the seriousness of the narrative, creating an imbalance.

Hilda Dokubo, as Ebiere, delivers the most exceptional performance. Her portrayal of a grieving mother on a relentless quest for justice is heart-wrenching and nuanced, grounding the film in raw emotion. She’s natural. Dokubo skillfully navigates the complex layers of a woman torn between love and vengeance, capturing the helplessness and desperation that make Ebiere’s character unforgettable.

Omoni Oboli returns as Mama Ngozi, whose role as a determined activist and community leader continues to evolve. Oboli balances the emotional turmoil of personal loss with the demands of leadership, making her character’s journey one of the most engaging in the film. Her portrayal suggests maturity and growth, especially as Mama Ngozi learns to work with the men around her; most notably Baba Ngozi (Okey Bakassi), redefining the film’s approach to collective activism.

In this installment, Kie-Kie’s portrayal comes off as overly exaggerated and obnoxious, clashing with the film’s darker tone. Her antics, intended as comic relief, instead become a distraction, undermining the emotional weight of the narrative. Kie-Kie’s comic interjections, though likely included to maintain continuity with the lighter elements from previous films, feel forced and unnecessary in a story that leans more towards drama and activism. A misstep in tone that disrupts the film’s flow.

Final Thoughts

The film’s turning point comes when Mama Ngozi’s husband, Baba Ngozi, finally breaks from the passive, self-centered portrayal of the previous films, actively joining the protest. His involvement marks a subtle but significant shift, hinting at a potential reconciliation between the men and their wives. This development adds a layer of character growth and injects emotional complexity into the narrative.

In closing, it’s important to highlight some noteworthy aspects of the Wives on Strike franchise. One recurring issue is the inconsistency in casting; characters are portrayed by different actors across the installments. For instance, the character of Baba Ngozi is now played by Okey Bakassi instead of the familiar Kenneth Okwonkwo. While this may jar longtime fans, it doesn’t detract from the narrative coherence. The film stands on its own, allowing viewers to engage with the story even if they haven’t watched the previous installments.

For those interested in the complete experience, the earlier films are readily available on various streaming platforms. However, Wives on Strike 3: The Uprising is currently exclusively available in cinemas, where it truly shines. The film’s emotional depth and relevant themes make it a worthwhile watch, further enriching the ongoing conversation around female empowerment and societal change in Nigeria.

Verdict

Overall, Wives on Strike 3: The Uprising is a commendable continuation of the franchise that tackles important societal issues with emotional depth. Despite some inconsistencies in performance and a few distracting editing choices, it offers a compelling story and visually engaging experience, justifying a score of 3.5 stars.

Rating:4/5