Abuse, Strength & Self-Worth—Finding Me Is a Must-Watch!

Directed & produced by Funke Akindele (also staring as the lead character Tinuke Phillips), this movie titled ‘FINDING ME’ now streaming on Prime Video highlights as its central theme the psychologically damaging impacts of emotional abuse on people overtime; be it male or female.

The movie focuses on or drives deception, lies, blackmails, positive affirmations, determination, struggles with body image, friendship, family dynamics, a journey of self discovery, accountability in the workplace while raising awareness in core areas of the society as well as everyday life as its tools for a seamless storytelling.

With a runtime of 2hours 35minutes, FINDING ME, utilising an intelligently interwoven web of subplots, offers salient lessons that one cannot forget in a hurry in a mix of twists & turns, drama, intrigue, suspense and comedy.

Synopsis: (may include spoilers)

Tinuke Philips (Funke Akindele) is married to Kolawole Philips (Joseph Benjamin) and together, the couple has a son named Adenrele. Tinuke heads her father’s multi-million Naira company Olowo Steel as the CEO while her brother Dotun (Femi Adebayo Salami) is the COO – Chief of Operations.

Though a successful career woman, her brother’s antics and constant tantrums notwithstanding, Tinuke is not a happy woman. All is not well in paradise. Constantly being reminded of her physical appearance by her narcissistic husband whom she has to grapple with, Tinuke is yet resolved to make her marriage work.

The questions begging for answers: will she succeed at this or will she reach her breaking point? How much sacrifice would she have to make before realising ‘FINDING ME’ could just be the best option?

Well, why not grab your popcorn (a bucket load of them) and/or favourite drink (in large quantities) as you sit back for a jolly good ride whilst you follow events unfold in this emotional dramedy (comedy drama). The film is rated 18. Hence, you may want to keep this away from younger viewers as it contains scenes and sounds depicting sëxual activities.

My Take:

Wait a minute, I want to scream! Aunty FUNKEEEEEE! Ah! I know I’ve given you your flowers before now but this time, please take the entire garden it’s all yours

THIS IS A MASTERPIECE!

This movie is proof that personally, I do not have any issue against Movies having long durations…JUST MAKE IT WORTH THE WHILE EVERY INCH OF THE WAY!

A brilliant STORY, an engaging PLOT and an incredible DIRECTION effortlessly weaving subplots together for an unforgettable experience. The cast ensemble gave a stellar performance as about 98% of the actors understood their assignments; ate and left no crumbs.

Nearly everyone was at the top of their game. But the one I mustn’t fail to particularly mention is the character of Sarah (Tinuke’s friend) played by Omoni Oboli! Mogbe oooo! With a friend like that, be rest assured that you have a COMMUNITY gan She interpreted that role like her life depended on it! Great job there, momma!

This is interesting, entertaining, relatable, informative, funny, captivating, engaging, intriguing and highly educational. And for some reason too, the movie reminds me of some of the producer’s other works such as SHE (must be obeyed), Battle on Buka Street as well as ATCJ – A Tribe Called Judah.

Lessons learned amongst others are:

Whenever given a diagnosis by a medical practitioner, it is advisable to seek a second or even third opinion.

Narcissists possess similar traits! They would often gaslight you into believing that you’re the problem.

While being open to criticism, we must learn to put ourselves first and understand that what matters most is the opinion we have about ourselves.

Masaaging a man’s ego won’t change him! Many women make this mistake with the hopes that things would eventually get better! Does it ever? What will be will be!

Know your WORTH! People will only trample upon you for as long as you allow them.

At the end of the day, bloöd is thicker than water. Some family members may fight themselves often but when push comes to shove, you’ll realise that FAMILY IS EVERYTHING!

This movie had its hilarious moments! Not Dotun referring to his own father as “Daddy Dotun” Or their father himself with the Yoruba accent categorically stating “this is my daughter…she’s the Ceee Hee Hooo!”

Na which kind parable Dakore Egbuson troway put for ground like dat? I nor understand am oooo Osinnor “…mess I nor fit swallow, salt I nor fit spit out!” Wahala!!!

Least I forget, see, there’s nothing any person will tell me: those kissing scenes…hmmm those KISSING scenes were inspired or powered by no other than Omoni Oboli The frequency, the intensity…! Ahn ahn! Kilode

I loved how this movie highlighted emotional/psychological/financial abuse from a balanced perspective. It proved that both genders get abüsed in this regard just as much. And I have always posited that emotional abuse is one of the most damaging of all kinds of abuses. Physical abuse leaves physical scars while emotional abuse….hmmmmm it kïlls a person even before dëath itself.

Funke Akindele yet again stamped her signature here but please permit me to say I would have suggested a different actress played that role of Tinuke (it would have added an extra layer). Please don’t take this the wrong way! I know the film guru earlier on mentioned how she had had to put on some weight (kg) intentionally for this role and all…much respect for that I am however just stating my opinion.

Observation:

As with everything else in life, nothing is ever perfect and this movie is no exception. Here are some areas I’d like to point out viz:

1. There was mix up in names by Joseph Benjamin when at one time he referred to Sarah as Sandra. I know in real life, this happens but in this case, it was more of a mistake than a stutter. The script supervisor should have noticed this.

2. With her level of exposure and educational experience (two Masters Degree) including constantly meeting with top business executives and with the kind of money she controls, the initial braided wigs were far from believable. The dress sense, I understand but NOT THE WIGS. It did not add up!

3. Not everyone in their vulnerable moments fall for the next available person. The build up leading to that first kiss between Anthony (played by Efa Iwara) and Funke Akindele wasn’t sufficient enough. There wasn’t a justifiable reason for that. In fact, there was no on-screen chemistry between the two.

4. What later became of Rebecca (played by Sharon Ooja)? Does this prove that cheating with married men pays? Cos at the end of the day, she seemed to have benefited more! Well, in real life, in this modern world, that appears to be the order of the day though

5. Was Tinuke able to settle with her father afterwards? Did they manage to put their differences aside as father and daughter?

6. Stereotype: I thought we had left this behind years ago when nearly all housemaids roles in Nollywood were depicted with characters mimicking or naturally speaking using the Akwa-Ibom or Calabar accent? This was portrayed in Tinuke’s househelp played by Instagram skit maker known as Calabar Chic.

7. Tinuke’s & Kola’s son Denrele appeared only once or twice for that length of time in the movie. To think that a great percentage of the conversations were centred around him, I find that not very convincing. Perhaps his acting skills couldn’t take that much. I

mean his very first appearance wasn’t that compelling either.

8. Although the last fight scene was superbly outstanding (someone should please check on brother Femi…I do hope he didn’t sustain any injuries falling over that vase and shattering it) the first fight however between Ndidi (played by Omowunmi Dada) and her brother was like that from Nollywood of the 90s & early 2000s. Camera angles should have helped save us that visuals. We really didn’t need to have seen that.

There’s more but I’d rather stop here!

Conclusively, on the whole, this was a great watch irrespective of certain shortcomings! Honestly, I couldn’t get enough. There wasn’t any dull moment nor unnecessarily prolonged scenes. Every scene was meant to be! Message was delivered crystal clear! I super duper loved it! Kudos to the cast and crew for a project well executed