Movie fans say the film, ‘She Is’ captured the medical, emotional and maternal struggles of the average Nigerian woman in relatable terms, fans of the movie say.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the film marked the production debut of Nigerian superstar singers Aituaje Iruobe Aka Waje and Omawunmi Megbele; both of whom made cameo appearances.
‘She Is’ follows the story of Francess, a Nigerian real estate guru in her late thirties who wants to get married and have children but is held back by a medical condition.
The movie X-ray’s her struggles and the men who sought to take advantage of her situation. Francess is also an active Christian who really wants to do things the right way but finds her faith failing her.
The movie was directed by Chris Energy Enaji and featured seasoned actors such as Frank Donga, Chiwetalu Agu, Linda Ejiofor, Somkele Iyamah Idhalama, Desmond Elliot, Mawuli Gavor and Segun Arinze.
Fans who spoke with NAN at the cinemas, described the movie as relatable and well fleshes-out. According to them, the story eases into the audience and introduces options for women that are usually hushed in the society.
Cleo Akinyemi, a student, said, “I learnt a lot from the movie today. I didn’t realise that I had the option of surrogacy or IVF as a Nigerian woman.
“I also enjoyed the fact that the lead was in a desperate corner but never did anything silly.”
Anthony Ohenlenlen, a graphic artist, said his girlfriend forced him to see the movie and he was glad he did.
He said, “Francess had deep issues and was a Christian sister but she was just breathe of fresh air on screen.”
According to him, the writers deserved kudos for realistically painting a picture and providing modern day solutions away from the cliches. The acting and production came well together.
Fans praised Somkele Iyamah-Idahlama, who played Francess, for wearing the character and giving her life. They also applauded Linda Ejiofor-Ibrahim for her excellent acting in an almost non-speaking role.
Idochukwu Agu, a homemaker said, “It was refreshing to see Somkene on screen. Everytime she came on, I saw something I could relate to. Just fresh, no over-the-top acting or costume. She didn’t play safe either.”
Also, banker, Ireti Douglas said, “Somkene was excellent as the lead. I could connect. But let’s not forget Linda. She killed that role even though we barely heard her speak.”
NAN reports that the movie’s playlist was also applauded. It included several songs from Waje and Omawunmi; and a duet specially written for the movie titled ‘She Is’.
Samuel Idoreyin, a writer, said, “the songs made me nolstagic. Waje and Omawunmi have released classic music and I am just glad their first movie production is classic too.”
Meanwhile, fans criticised the movie’s pace, stating that although it was necessary to include details, it dragged a bit in some scenes.
They added that the film needed some additional scenes for background explanations.
Promise Anyanwu, a student said, “the movie could have used a few more scenes and had done away with some unnecessary ones. But it was fantastic.”
They also decried the time slots of the film in the cinema. The movie is usually slated for morning hours making it difficult for fans to see it after work, except on weekends.
A staff at Genesis Cinemas who did not want to be named told NAN that the time slots were as a result of lack of promotion by the film owners.
According to him, if the film was well marketed, cinemas will place it in a prime spot.
