Movie Title: Casa De Novia
Runtime: 1hr 49mins
Streamer: Amazon Prime Video
Produced by: Victoria Akunjobi/Niyi Akinmolayan
Written by: Niyi Akinmolayan/Saniye Alasia
Directed by: Uyoyou Adia
Date of release: March 29, 2024
Genre: Horror/thriller (with sprinkles of comedy)
Introduction:
What started out as a rehearsal for a marriage proposal against a backdrop of romantic red roses and sweet loving ambience of beautiful lightings soon turns into a series of eerie paranormal events in this horror thriller movie set in the buzzing city of Lagos State, Nigeria as the man-in-love drops down deäd after eating a piece of chocolate cake.
Synopsis:
Yoyo (Anee Icha) has just recently got a job as a journalist with Buzzwatch media owned and run by Ezinne (Lilian Esoro). Yoyo becomes faced with the challenge of getting an apartment closer to her workplace in order to beat the traffic occasioned by the busy Lagos life.
Fate would then present her with an irresistible offer on a platter; a huge mansion boasting five bedrooms, four living rooms and other perks at a rather shockingly low price unbeknownst to Yoyo that the house holds dark secrets as well as being haunted.
Efosa Igbinovia (Taye Arimoro) who had been declared missing for three years is then seen as a ghost trapped inside the very large house. Initially giving Yoyo the shock of her life as he makes his first appearance to her in a mirror, naked after episodes of goosebumps moments, the duo would then form an unlikely bond.
What follows after sees a publication from Yoyo on the actual whereabouts of Efosa, one that soon sparks a social media outrage as well as threats and heartbreaks from Efosa’s family including his girlfriend Melina (Efe Irele).
Who k!lled Efosa and why? Why not get some popcorn and/or your movie pal and give yourself a treat with this comedic horror-thriller embellished with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat for a while.
This was an absolutely brilliant film. With crispy vivid imagery, its cinematography is second to none. The producers and director spared no arsenal at their disposal to make this a memorable movie. The CGI, sound effects, green screen editing were perfectly executed to give a thrilling chilling viewing experience.
The storytelling approach worked favourably well for all cast and crew.
Taye Arimoro playing a dual role as Efosa and Esosa (his brother) adds some spice to the plot as I particularly find the switch of accent seamlessly effortless. An applaudable interpretation of role there
Anee Icha and Lizzy Jay (as Tawa, Yoyo’s friend) gave this movie all of its comedic richness as all of their scenes had some hilarious elements. They made me laugh hard.
Be that as it may, as with everything else, this wasn’t perfect. There were slight flaws.
Firstly, why was Efosa’s ghost näked when he did not d!e naked? Nothing later explains that as far as I know. Or did I miss the part?
Secondly, there seemed to have been some costume or makeup glitch cos Joey (Nosa Rex) was hit by a chair but came out looking rather invincible, no sign of injury whatsoever.
Thirdly, towards the end, when Esosa (Efosa’s brother) came to the mansion to continue his rants at Yoyo, he seemed to have been completely oblivious of his mother’s (Moyinoluwa Olutayo) presence. Even though she had her back turned against both of them initially, who wouldn’t be able to recognise their own mother from whatever angle they were standing?
Lastly, the end seemed somewhat rushed and wrapped up in a hurry. All that ending could have been accorded some more dramatised scenes to give viewers a little bit more insight to quench the thirst. There were one or two unnecessary scenes which jeopardised this.
Conclusion:
This was an amazingly entertaining, beautifully crafted movie. It highlighted on how love happens in the strangest of places seen between Yoyo and Ancel (Tope Tedela). The fast-paced theme employed here is super engaging as it gets viewers hooked and wanting more.
