Movie Review: Family Gbese

Family Gbese incorporates both Igbo and Yoruba, bringing some cultural dynamism to the plot, which adds to its realism and appeal to diverse audiences.

Family Gbese is a Prime video I stumbled on in my search for Christmas romances to devour.

While I didn’t find the movie title catchy, I still decided to go for it. In retrospect, it’s apt, as Family Gbese is a chaotic, topy-turvy comic that’s one of the most impressive Nollywood scripts of 2024.

Synopsis

A brilliant young man on the verge of finally winning in life and securing the keys to the pinnacle of his career, with a beautiful woman at his side as the cherry on top is beset by ghosts from his past.

With the lives of his loved ones at stake, Nnamdi must choose between the chasm and the abyss, two dangerous paths from which there is no return journey.

Will fate step in and preserve his fate, granting him a happy-ever-after reward for his many sorrows?

Storytelling

Family Gbese examines proceedings from the point of view of a somewhat average man, which is far removed from the elitism that’s dominated most Nollywood productions. We see mentioned places like Iyana Ipaja, which are hardly featured or recognized in movies set in Lagos.

Although the politics aspect of things may not have been the best-advised avenue, it still provided a springboard to attach the well-thought-out, even if not flawlessly executed, character of Lilian Afegbai.

While some of the characters are indeed posh, luxury does not dominate the storytelling, as the lives of more humble characters are brought to light. This trend is a breath of fresh air from the RMD-types that typically headline most mid- to high-range Nollywood productions.

Setting

There are no scenes of the skyline cresting Kuramo Waters or the Ikoyi-Lekki mansions and their environs. While there are still not many scenes from the grubbier parts of the city, the plot more than compensates for the deficit, making it one of the most realistic and comprehensively told stories in Nigerian film.

Again, this attribute highlights a shift from recurring trends in the movie industry,

Characters

Okay, Teniola Aladetan is hot! I didn’t expect to see her so soon in film after watching the 2024 festive season hit Christmas in Lagos. Family Gbese was thus a chance to observe her in a role slightly removed from the former, and she definitely didn’t disappoint.

Sandra Okunzuwa’s performance as Chioma was slightly muted, but Mike Ezuruonye spiced up his role with his determined doggedness. Uzor Arukwe painted the perfect picture of the troubled and desperate man, while veterans Muyiwa Ademola, Fathia Balogun, and even Yemi Solade all got tantalizing screentime.

Language

Family Gbese incorporates both Igbo and Yoruba, bringing some cultural dynamism to the plot, which adds to its realism and appeal to diverse audiences.

Thus, the resulting script is well-equipped to create the best stage for comic relief, delicately depicting deep societal issues.

It occurred to me while watching this movie that Nollywood could benefit from incorporating Kannywood actors into its productions. Bringing in talented acts from the north is the act that welcomes the third member of the holy trio of the Nigerian sociopolitical grail into Nigerian cinema.

Not just as periphery characters but as dominant protagonists. Would be satisfying, truly.

Verdict

Family Gbese relies more on its original script than the trappings of luxurious costumes and locations to deliver an entertaining, easy-to-read, yet thought-provoking movie.

I thought the AI thing was cool and pretty much reflects the bullish trends of Nigerian and African tech startups within the last twenty years. We’re a bit behind, but we’re getting there. Somehow.