SPLIT

I’d like to start by clarifying that this movie appeared to have been shot a while long ago, judging by how young the two lead actors Stan Nze and Uzor Arukwe, look here.

What eventually gave it away for me amidst my suspicions (of the film being nothing less than 10years old) was the use of iPhone 6 in the movie which was released in that same year and some other things mentioned therein.

Be that as it may, the storyline here couldn’t have been anymore apt. Maybe we should just declare March as a domestic violence awareness month as it’s been a back to back on films within this theme, and I’m loving it.

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PLOT

Ben (Uzor Arukwe) and Tom (Stan Nze) are brothers. But while Tom is closest to mum (Shaffy Bello), the former is dad’s (Zack Orji) right-hand man. A homecoming would witness a blowup in what had been brewing between their parents for years.

Secrets, deception, blackmail, sacrifices, ambitions; all come to the fore in this family drama with an impressive dose of suspense and intrigue in a storytelling style that holds one’s interest till the last scene.

MY TAKE

Where do I even start? I guess I’ve said enough already, but I mustn’t fail to mention Shaffy Bello’s acting dexterity! Oh! She has always been a shining light! Her diction…guys, her diction! It has always been.

It’s possible that when this movie was released, many of the well known faces here were just starting out in the industry at the time; well with the exception of veteran actor Zack Orji and Shaffy Bello ofcourse. But today, it makes for a star-studded cast!

Bolaji Ogunmola, her delivery was Prestine. Blessing Obasi…such a fine sissy! I couldn’t help but admire that scene where her character first laid eyes on Stan Nze’s character. I was blushing beyond the film (if you know what I mean).

I loved the plot, direction, and script execution, albeit lighting wasn’t as great. Even though it’s been ten years, I’ve seen movies of 20, 30, 40 years ago with better picture quality. So, it wasn’t age. It is what it is!

Nonetheless, I super loved the overall performance, acting, and message passed here. We are living in a time and age of users, selfish egocentric people, and social climbers who would do anything to get whatever they want. Hence, we must learn to put ourselves first and know when to exit the stage.

I wouldn’t want to dwell too much on the flaws in this movie, but there were inconsistencies in the back story, which then gave rise to some questions. I’d rather not go into details to mention them cause I’d be giving the plot twist away if I do. So, I’d hold back on that as I wouldn’t want to ruin the juicy experience of suspense for anyone who hasn’t seen it.

Things seemed to have wrapped up rather hastily, but I loved the ending. It wasn’t cliche. It was practicable, realistic, and natural for how Ben handled his relationship with Ceec.

The poster design is nothing short of a marketing strategy to bring the past to present. It wasn’t deceptive, in my opinion, as some viewers claim but a tool to attract attention and viewership, seizing the moment. And it worked. They only should have indicated clearly at one corner of the poster “re-release” or something in that line.

Apart from the significant difference in looks from the two actors especially Uzor Arukwe, this did not feel like an old movie at all; well except that it reminded me of Nollywood of years past (yes it gave me that vibe which I love so much…I think it’s the background sounds used did that so well).

This comes highly recommended as it’s enjoyable, relaxing, thought-provoking, compelling, entertaining, and inspiring…Go ahead, see it!

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Greetings!