film
On Different Grounds review
Mildred Okwo’s earnest film about the conflicting romantic wishes in a Nigerian family struggles to connect with its promising premise
TL;DR
- The film is described as a Nigerian rom-com with "fringe Indian players" and aims for a Nollywood-Bollywood collaboration.
- The plot involves Aurora being pressured by her father to marry, but she agrees on the condition that her estranged mother is invited to the wedding.
- Aurora's plan to rekindle romance between her parents is complicated by her own feelings for a childhood crush.
- The film suffers from "heavy-footed" direction, "agonisingly leaden farce," and "family melodrama."
- The lead actress's performance is described as detached, lacking chemistry with the romantic interests.
- Supporting cast members and "fibrous social satire" in interactions between wedding guests provide some redeeming qualities.
- The "rowdy nuptial energy" manages to keep the film going despite its flaws.