Written by Emy Josephs, directed by Seun Afolabi, produced by Kemi Irinoye and Executively produced by Adim Isiakpona amongst a host of others, this movie titled “Happily Unhappily Married” is now streaming on SBX TV YouTube channel.
Synopsis: (MAY include spoilers)
Julia (Bolaji Ogunmola) is a social media influencer as well as a women rights activist cum legal practitioner. She’s married to Eric (Charles Born) and together they have a daughter Zara (Olamiposi Bakare).
Tola (Detola Jones) on the other hand is equally married but being unhappy in her home seeks the professional help of Julia’s. Soon, the two ladies realise they share something in common.
What do they share in common? How will this impact on everyone? Well, why not grab your popcorn
and/or favourite drink, munch and sip along as you follow events unfold in this family drama with a runtime of 1hour 39minutes.
MY TAKE:
Although this is yet another movie which vilifies or ‘monsterises’ the male folks, it is however a realistic depiction of what is going on in some marriages out there. While men are sometimes also victims of domestic abuse be it physical or emotional, this movie highlights women being on the receiving end.
It is relatable, compelling, entertaining and interesting. Love the story (though not new), plot and direction as things were kept simple and straightforward without trying so hard to do too much!
ALL THE ACTORS did great in the interpretation of their roles. Bolaji, Detola and Charles were all natural in their delivery with Detola doing what she does best to me (constantly reminding me of our legendary Genevieve Nnaji) at every turn.
My best act however in this film is little Zara (played by Olamiposi Bakare). My cutie is a born-star! Whilst watching her, I saw myself pairing her with a lot of great actors and actresses for a father-daughter, mother-daughter duo and even parents. She was calm and her tone of voice was age-appropriate. So innocent, sweet and gentle! Love her!
The Pacing in this film is commendable as there was never a dull moment. It almost didn’t feel like one was watching a film to be honest. The interior decor of the houses were cool. Costume and makeup were good! Picture quality and sound as well as editing were great.
Be that as it may, there are:
OBSERVATION/QUESTIONS:
1. The writing style here appears to be one borne out of convenience. What are the odds that the twist in the story would turn out the way it did! Well coincidences happen, right? But the way this played out & progressed seemed rather far-fetched especially for how the Julia & Tola became friends.
2. How is it possible to do a same day delivery from Abuja to Lagos within active working hours of say 9:00am and 5:00pm?
The way Tola sent the books to Julia, I was like “wait a minute!” In fact, I initially thought they were in same city or town.
3. The first time Tola visited Julia in her home, Zara greeted her like she’s her mom’s sister (Aunty) whom she’s known from birth! That took me aback as to whether I was missing something. There was a missing link.
4. Speaking of Abuja and Lagos, this movie made it seem like shuttling between both cities is like going from Effurun roundabout to Jakpa Junction in a Keke Napep tricycle. I know it was air travel but is that how easy it is for the way it was portrayed here?
5. I was worried the ladies spoke about something as delicate as that with little Zara sat there. Yes she had her headphone on but kids can be really crafty and with anything playing in the background, may still be able to hear things especially given the closeness
6. Come to think of it, before Tola came into the picture, did Julia not have friends? We only ever saw her with her wonderful PA.
Overall, nevertheless, this was a good watch depicting women supporting women and giving themselves the power, voice and courage to stand up for themselves. Some breath of fresh air away from the typical Nollywood stories of women fighting and tearing each other down over a man.
Though predictable, I loved the ending. Kudos to everyone involved in this project.
