With screenplay written by Miriam Ogbonna, this movie titled “A Father’s Crime” is directed and produced by Frederick Leonard (also starring as Felix). This film with a runtime of 2hours 16minutes is currently available for streaming on the producer’s YouTube channel with same name.

SYNOPSIS: (MAY contain spoilers)

When Felix (Frederick Leonard) takes the fall for a crime he did not commit, his life takes a turn he never saw coming; one he never in a million years wished for. His wife Mary (Onyii Alex) would then be left with a difficult choice to make whilst catering for their daughter Victory (Emerald Nwani).

MY TAKE:

Story/plot:

This movie is an emotional one. It highlights sacrifices, love, betrayal and everything in between. The story is audaciously refreshing as it takes a different stride from the rampant love stories. However, the approach to storytelling here is not watertight which in turn as a domino effect rubbed off on the overall plot. 

The story would have been more impactful were the duration shorter and had more attention been paid to the most vital aspects of the plot. They had all that time yet managed to miss out on very important details. The plot though straightforward was not developed properly. To me, the movie seemed boring until Felix reappeared midway through.

Role delivery/performance:

While the lead actors pulled off strongly, ma’am Ifeoma Odukwe who played the role of Devy’s mother did not put up a very good performance as I find that she was over-acting the whole time. Her interpretation wasn’t compelling enough. Rachael Ogbonna who portrayed the character of Charisma was equally somewhat cold or dull for the role too.

Technical Aspect:

Although the picture quality is good but the makeup and costume is a bit dodgy for me. Not sure whether the mark on Felix’s face was a scar from an injury whilst in prison or a tattoo. The soundtracks which at some point tended towards Kdrama themes and at another time Bollywood-like, was also beautiful to listen to as it set the mood for the emotions. The sound score & editing during the scenes expressing shock or surprise reminds me of Zeeworld with the whole zooming in and focusing for suspense thingy going on.

OBSERVATION/QUESTIONS:

Now when I say some very vital parts seem to be missing, here, let me put it into perspective viz:

  1. What led to the fight as seen in the very first scene of the movie which led to Felix being imprisoned? We don’t know. Or did I miss it? I mean this was supposed to be the core of the movie, right?
  2. At what point did Mary start seeing Devy (portrayed by Chike Daniels)? Soon after Victory was born? We don’t know. 
  3. Now, we’re made to understand that Victory is 11 at the present time of the movie (which I find really hard to believe given the looks, maturity and character of the actor who looks nothing less than 13). Should we then say Victory was about 3 years old when her mum started dating Devy? If yes, why then does she strongly believe that Devy is her father? It’s fine she calls him daddy but believing he’s her real father? Naaaaah! I want to believe that 3-year olds are already fully conscious of their environment enough to know if someone is their father or not.
  4. Make it make sense that a man would date a single mother for 8 years and she refuses his proposal and he remains with her. True love? Voodoo? African juju or some jazz at work? Maybe! 
  5. Why did Mary not explain things to her daughter before hand? Okay fine! Let’s just say she was waiting for the perfect time as she was still very much confused or maybe still in La La Land! But why introduce her to her father in that manner?
  6. After Felix came back, was Devy’s anger & outburst justifiable? It appears like an overreaction if you ask me. To be brutally honest, it hold no basis whatsoever to be that upset. Yes, he may have been taking care of mother and child all that time but come on, he, better than anyone should know the child wasn’t his. So why all that drama. Why all that fuss? That wasn’t believable nor rational. It’s not like Felix was a bad person. Well that takes us to the next point:
  7. EIGHT YEARS, EIGHT SOLID YEARS, why did Mary not open up to Devy? What did she plan to do? Waste somebody’s son’s time?
  8. Now, what was that plan between Devy & Charisma? The plan was understandable but for how it was executed or depicted here…naaaah that was downright lame! 
  9. What exactly did Devy press the car key/remote for after Victory had already opened the car door? This happened between time frame 51:53 to 51:56.
  10. Devy’s mother’s reaction towards Mary and her daughter is another aspect that’s annoying. Though a bit understandable; I mean someone dating your son that long, but the build-up of her character was not solid enough as her attitude then seemed out of place. Was she that hostile towards Mary from the get-go for 8 years or did she suddenly change? We don’t know. We just see a woman appear out of blue attacking & barking like a chihuahua & then by a snap of the fingers, have a quick turnaround too. Come on!

CONCLUSION:

This movie started strong but lost track midway through from the second act and only managed to find its feet back in the third act. The ending wasn’t predictable. Frederick’s expressions carried the movie. Nevertheless, what lesson can we take from the movie? That a man should not sacrifice for his wife and that she’ll betray him when the chips are down? It doesn’t particularly paint a good picture if you ask me.

The movie is one that seeks to push a narrative putting men at the losing end and women as the betrayers. Though interesting and somewhat entertaining for many, it didn’t exactly hit a good spot for me. It had all the elements to be a really productive project, it just wasn’t properly planned or arranged before execution. The one mission they had in mind was what they set out to achieve and that they did which is the fate of the father. 

VERDICT: 4.8/10

Thanks for your time. Have you seen the movie? What are your thoughts Please?