Produced and inspired by Pastor Emmanuel Iren, What About Us has sparked considerable interest and discussion among social media scrutinizers and netizens alike. It’s not every day a Pastor undertakes a cinematic venture in Nigeria, let alone the first of its kind. Naturally, this has raised questions: Would Pastor Iren deliver a faith-based narrative, given his background?

The trailer hinted otherwise.

Story

What About Us explores the intricacies of marriage through the lives of two couples navigating challenges in their relationships. The film delves into personal struggles, focusing on one couple’s journey amidst marital conflicts. While the storyline or trope may not be new, the film refreshingly approaches this familiar narrative.

It dissects the moralist definition of marriage and addresses issues morally uprightly, laden with lessons that resonate deeply with audiences contemplating or already in relationships.

In the story, we have Jessica, who is suddenly pushed aside. Jessica, David’s fiancée, is portrayed as adhering to strict moral principles, such as refusing to stay in a man’s house unless married. Her principles, while significant, are brushed aside as the plot progresses. David mentions that her parents stand by such principles. Another time, Jessica, according to David, finds his “vision” not “dignifying.”

These principles are known to be from the Christian faith, and the use of the word “dignifying” serves as a whistleblow to this phenomenon. So, for those expecting a little more explanation, out of curiosity, for Jessica, especially based on her faith, they are left with no answers.

Plot

The plot follows Zainab (Zay), who is grappling with a major issue in her marriage. She tries to communicate this to her close friend, Imade but finds herself alone in her struggles. This loneliness in her marriage and situation deepens her sense of isolation. Enter David, a new neighbor who already has a fiancée named Jessica.

The plot is delivered compellingly, gradually revealing the broader issues as the story unfolds. We don’t immediately understand Zainab’s “woes.” Instead, we uncover them piece by piece towards the end, taking us back to the past. This unfolding is dialogue-heavy, but it is executed in a way that engages rather than irritates. It remains visually pleasing, maintaining the viewer’s interest in the story.

The Cinema Experience

Every single person seemed to say, “I’m here for Pastor Iren” or “I’m a member of CCI,” and that was the stan! It was a truly cinematic experience. One of the beautiful things about cinema is its ability to bring people together to share a similar experience. Although the film ended up targeting a specific audience, they shared an immersion, a sense of belonging, and a shared appreciation.

It was beautiful to witness. People genuinely enjoyed themselves, sharing happiness, and reacting collectively with “oohs” and “ahhs.” Some even pinpointed where Iren’s influence might have shaped the script. It was nice to see.

Technical Aspects

First off, Kayode Kasum directed this film superbly!

The film look is stunning, with vibrant color enhancing the overall aesthetic. Every element needed to make this film visually appealing was executed perfectly. One memorable scene features Zainab in her house, where her costume and skin tone perfectly complement the environment. You could say, “This is truly Zainab’s house”—her personality was evident in every detail. Kudos to the set design, costume choice, and production design overall.

Oh, and the lighting was mesmerizing. There was a shot where two characters were conversing, and a beautiful light hidden in a glass container added visual interest to the scene. It was subtle, contributing to the natural lighting of the room. The lighting was brilliantly done, even in car scenes at night!

The editing was seamless. One particular scene stood out: although the plot was predictable at this point, it was executed so well that it reinforced the storytelling. When we already knew David would enter the scene, the camera panned smoothly from Zainab being alone to David’s appearance in the house. This transition reassures the audience, “Yes, we know you know!”—a testament to good storytelling. I was genuinely pleased to see that.

The soundtrack was delightful, featuring nice songs with excellent sound editing. One moment stood out where the sound emphasized the conflict between heart and morals—”my heart says yes, but my morals say no.” It reinforced the scene’s emotion perfectly.

Performances

What About Us? features a talented cast, including Kunle Remi, Uzor Arukwe, Folu Storms, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, Marycolette Unamka, Teniola Aladese, and Seyi Awolowo.

Each actor brings depth and authenticity to their roles. Kunle Remi and Uzor Arukwe, both seasoned actors, deliver compelling performances that anchor the narrative. Folu Storms and Atlanta Bridget Johnson add beauty to their characters, while Marycolette Unamka, Teniola Aladese, and Seyi Awolowo round out the cast with strong supporting roles.

Their collective efforts make the film a captivating exploration of relationships and personal struggles.

All actors performed exceptionally well, truly embodying their roles. The casting team did a fantastic job casting suitable people, and the actors delivered their performances with conviction.

Folu Storms, as the protagonist Zainab, and Kunle Remi’s character David shared palpable chemistry. Their interactions felt genuine and heartfelt. The well-written characters added to the believability and ease of their performances.

Atlanta Bridget Johnson, who plays Jessica, David’s fiancée, appears briefly but leaves a lasting impression. But, we wish we could see more of her character in the film.

Final Thoughts

The film succeeds in delivering a convincing and engaging story that remains thought-provoking.

The film succeeds in teaching the essence of communication in relationships. The only shortcoming of What About Us? is that it’s not as immersive as expected. And you have to actively engage, and put in the work to enjoy the film. It only helps you by giving you good visuals with nice songs to keep you glued.

While the film was dialogue-laden and well-written, I would have appreciated moments where dialogue was minimal, allowing the audience more room for interpretation. After all, cinema has an unofficial show don’t tell rule. This could enhance audience engagement, giving us something to actively ponder.

Verdict

Kayode Kasum’s What About Us? is a well-written film with immaculate technical and performance elements.

Rating: 3.5/5