Nollywood continues to produce a wide array of films, and the latest releases on Prime and Netflix are no exception. From compelling dramas to lighthearted comedies, these films reflect the diverse talent and storytelling that define Nigerian cinema. In this review, we’ll explore some of the fresh picks, examining their plots, performances, and what sets them apart in the ever-evolving world of Nollywood
Christmas in Lagos
Nollywood often tries to capture Lagos’ vibrant essence, whether through crime, comedy, or romance. Jade Osiberu’s Christmas in Lagos shifts from the grit of Gangs of Lagos to explore the city’s softer, festive side. Unfortunately, while visually captivating, the film stumbles in delivering a heartfelt romantic comedy. The film juggles multiple storylines but lacks emotional depth and conflict. Key questions—like Fiyin’s romantic dilemma or Gbemi’s choice between suitors—feel underdeveloped, leaving audiences detached. The portrayal of grief during the festive season, a promising theme, is overshadowed by a lack of focus.
Where Christmas in Lagos excels is in its glamour. Stunning cinematography, costumes, and production design stand out, with moments like the tender scene between Ivie and Ajani, where the world fades away. The soundtrack is another high point, featuring memorable performances from Waje, Adekunle Gold, and Esua.
The veteran cast shines, especially Shaffy Bello, who masterfully conveys Gbemi’s grace and strength. Richard Mofe-Damijo and Wale Ojo add charm, while younger actors struggle with chemistry and delivery. Fiyin’s dynamic with her mother feels authentic, but such moments are scarce.
Despite its flaws, Christmas in Lagos belongs in Nollywood’s upper tier. With stronger writing and character development, it could have truly embodied the magic of Lagos at Christmas. Now streaming on Prime Video.
Seven Doors
Femi Adebayo has become a household name in Yoruba cinema, known for his powerful performances in films like King of Thieves and Jagun Jagun. In his directorial debut, Seven Doors, Adebayo draws on his acting and producing experience to tell a story of ancestral sins and their lingering effects.
The series opens dramatically, with seven women leaping off a waterfall in eerie silence, setting a dark and suspenseful tone. The plot follows Adedunjoye (played by Adebayo), a civil servant turned reluctant king, as he grapples with the chaos in his hometown, Ilara, and a tragic prophecy tied to his lineage. His loving Igbo wife, Amaka (Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha), supports him, but her outsider perspective limits her grasp of the cultural complexities of Yoruba kingship.
While Seven Doors explores intriguing themes like legacy and fate, the execution falters. The narrative lacks the tension and complexity hinted at in the trailer. Adedunjoye’s character feels passive, and the titular “seven doors” is revealed late in the series as a symbolic marriage ritual, adding little to the plot. The time jumps are muddled, with no clear distinction between eras, and the cinematography, though ambitious, struggles to elevate the storytelling.
However, Chioma Akpotha and Femi Adebayo’s chemistry is a highlight, and Akpotha shines with her graceful portrayal of Amaka. Veteran actors like Taiwo Hassan bring gravitas, while Aliu Gafar as the menacing Esusu feels underexplored. The script relies on convenient plot devices and leaves characters underdeveloped, yet there are moments of beauty and emotional weight that stand out.
Ultimately, Seven Doors is a flawed but ambitious series. While it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential, patient viewers will find glimpses of satisfaction in its universal themes of love, loss, and legacy. Now streaming on Netflix.
Soft love
Soft Love brings a refreshing take to the romantic comedy genre with its heartfelt story and compelling performances. Cindy Mahlangu stars as Zandi, a South African love guru disillusioned with romance after being left at the altar. Her path crosses with Edward, a Nigerian photographer grappling with his own relationship scars, played with charm by Efa Iwara. Their chemistry is undeniable, with witty banter and heartfelt moments that drive the narrative. The story also introduces well-woven subplots, like TK’s (Rosemary Zimu) relationship challenges and Edward’s family dynamics, which enrich the overall plot without overshadowing the central romance.
The film strikes a balance between humor and emotion, with memorable scenes like Zandi’s failed attempt at cooking pounded yam and egusi soup, or the chaotic humor of an arrest scene. The supporting cast delivers strong performances, especially Genoveva Umeh and Carol King, who bring warmth and authenticity to Edward’s family. While a few moments feel forced—such as Zandi’s unnecessary involvement in family matters or Edward breaking into her car without clear motivation—the film’s engaging pace and relatable themes keep the audience invested.
Visually, the movie is stunning, with vibrant shots showcasing both South African and Lagos settings. The music, including Love and Hate by Efa Iwara and Deborah Prest, complements the film’s emotional beats beautifully. Beneath the romance and humor, Soft Love delves into deeper questions about love, friendship, and self-discovery, reflecting Nemsia Studios’ signature for meaningful storytelling. Despite minor flaws, it’s a delightful rom-com that offers laughter, warmth, and hope for more thoughtful narratives in the genre. Now streaming on Prime Video.
Roses and Ivy
Roses and Ivy explores the complex bond between two sisters, Evelyn and Rose, as they navigate ambition, betrayal, and family loyalty. Evelyn’s disciplined nature clashes with Rose’s impulsive selfishness, driving the story through dramatic turns like their father’s health crisis, Evelyn’s heartbreak, and Rose’s questionable choices. However, the plot’s reliance on clichés and inconsistent character motivations weakens its impact, with key moments feeling rushed and implausible.
Performances are uneven. The child actors shine, but the transition to adult roles is jarring. Uche Montana convincingly portrays Rose’s manipulative nature, while Munachi Abii gives depth to Evelyn’s resilience, though her subdued reactions to betrayal feel out of character. Taiye Arimoro as Lanre is serviceable but underdeveloped, diminishing the emotional stakes.
Visually, the series impresses with its cinematography and melancholic score, but the narrative is marred by improbable twists, excessive exposition, and an unsatisfying resolution. Despite its emotional themes, Roses and Ivy ultimately feels hollow, leaving viewers frustrated by its forced moral ambiguities and chaotic progression. Now streaming on Prime Video.
Suspicion
Suspicion surprises as an engaging Nollywood thriller despite its uninspired title. The film follows Voke (Stan Nze), a man with supernatural powers trying to protect his loved ones, including his best friend Rogba (Uzor Arukwe) and goddaughter Lolu (Ashafa Sakamoto). When Lolu is kidnapped by mysterious attackers, Voke faces a dangerous quest that tests his strength and morality.
Director Tosin Igho builds a compelling supernatural world with clear rules and consequences, blending traditional Nollywood influences with modern storytelling. The fight choreography impresses, though some technical elements, like the visual effects and editing, feel uneven.
Standout performances include Uche Chika Elumelu as the vengeful yet vulnerable Onajite and Tina Mba, who brings emotional depth as Voke’s mother. While Stan Nze is steady as the lead, Omowunmi Dada’s role as Chisom lacks the emotional weight needed for the film’s twists to resonate fully.
At its core, Suspicion explores themes of power and morality, asking whether strength makes a hero or merely amplifies existing flaws. Though imperfect, the film delivers a brisk and entertaining ride with distinctly Nigerian flair. Now streaming on Prime Video, it’s a solid watch for fans of supernatural dramas. Now streaming on Prime Video.
3 Working Days
3 Working Days delivers an engaging story with solid performances and a unique concept but falls short in delivering the emotional depth and thrill that would make it truly memorable. While the stakes are clear, the narrative lacks the heartfelt impact to fully connect with the audience.
Visually, the film stands out, showcasing the commendable work of Director Jerry Ossai, who skillfully navigates the story’s emotional and action-packed beats. Editor Susan Ukuhor’s tight cuts ensure the pacing remains brisk, enhancing the overall cinematic flow. The gunfights and blood effects by VFX artist Pelumi Akintomiwa, are executed with remarkable realism, adding authenticity to the intense moments. Combined with some visually appealing graphics, these elements make the film’s action sequences more enjoyable and immersive.
While 3 Working Days may not fully meet the high expectations of a theatrical release, it’s a story best enjoyed on a smaller screen, where its strengths shine through without the weight of cinema-level anticipation. Now streaming on Prime Video.
A Danfo Christmas
A Danfo Christmas is a charming family film that leans into the chaos and warmth of reunions, but it doesn’t fully live up to the expectations set by its title. Instead of focusing on a Danfo ride, the story digs into the family’s financial struggles, Tracy’s determination to continue her education, and the strained relationship between Amaka and her mother-in-law, Kemi. There’s a surprising twist with Justin’s boxing competition and Tracy’s blossoming romance, but the film gets lost in its many subplots.
While the film does a solid job exploring family dynamics, pacing is its biggest flaw. The second half drags, and some comedic moments, like the goat escape, feel like filler. The Danfo, which the title suggests will play a key role, barely figures into the narrative. That said, the performances stand out—especially from Seun Kentebe as Akin and Valerie Odunukwe as Amaka, whose tense moments together create the film’s emotional heart.
Visually, the film shines with vibrant colors that capture the festive atmosphere of Christmas. The score, which brings a nostalgic Nollywood touch, adds to the overall charm. Despite its pacing issues, A Danfo Christmas is still a heartwarming tale of family, love, and resilience, perfect for the holiday season. Now streaming on Prime Video.
When Love Strikes
When Love Strikes delves into the tension between personal ambition and family expectations through the story of Ibukun Saka, a talented footballer torn between his dreams and his mother’s desire for him to focus on academics. The arrival of a scout raises the stakes, and Ibukun’s romance with the scout’s daughter adds further emotional conflict. As the youth tournament approaches, Ibukun faces a pivotal decision: follow his football dreams or secure his family’s approval by choosing education.
The film features good visuals, with a memorable football chant incorporated into an afrobeat score that enhances the atmosphere. Bimbo Akintola delivers a standout performance as Ibukun’s mother, capturing the emotional complexity of her character. However, the film struggles to create a genuine emotional connection with its protagonist. The tension often feels forced due to Hollywood-inspired cinematic techniques that detract from the story’s authenticity.
While the football sequences are engaging, the film’s pacing and reliance on contrived tension make the narrative feel less impactful. Despite strong performances and a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by Nigerian footballers, When Love Strikes lacks the emotional depth needed to fully resonate with its audience. It’s a promising story but ultimately feels uneven in execution. Now streaming on Prime Video.
A Night in 2005
A Night in 2005 centers on Ife (Ini Dima-Okojie), a woman haunted by a traumatic event from her youth that reshapes her emotional life. Now engaged to Paul (Taye Arimoro), Ife struggles with intimacy and the pressure from her mother (Bimbo Akintola) to sell a family property to settle her late father’s debts. Her journey for self-discovery takes her to her uncle’s rural farm, where she uncovers long-hidden family secrets. This leads her to encounter Opeyemi Dada (Efa Iwara), a political figure connected to her past, sparking her quest for vengeance and justice.
The film’s exploration of trauma, resilience, and justice is poignant, though it falters in delivering a satisfying resolution. The plot leans on simplified devices to address complex Nigerian sociopolitical issues, and the conclusion feels rushed and unresolved. Despite this, the film stands out for its striking visuals, strong performances—particularly from Uzoamaka Aniunoh and Efa Iwara—and its thought-provoking themes, especially around violence against women and toxic parenting.
Visually, the film excels, with beautiful cinematography and thoughtful production design that enhances the narrative’s emotional depth. However, the soundtrack blends into the background, failing to stand out. Performances from the cast, especially Uzoamaka and Efa, bring significant emotional weight to the film, elevating its overall impact.
While A Night in 2005 offers a strong commentary on trauma and justice, it leaves audiences questioning the resolution and grappling with the complexities of the narrative. Now streaming on Prime Video.
Sisi London
Sisi London tells the story of Cecilia, who creates a false persona to seduce a newly wealthy farmer, Billy, while Philo, his wife, undergoes a personal transformation. The narrative explores the psychological tension between ambition, identity, and societal expectations but lacks fresh ideas, relying on familiar Nollywood tropes like the “fake it till you make it” narrative.
The film’s comedic tone trivializes the characters’ struggles, making it difficult to engage with their deeper emotional journeys. The technical execution is underwhelming, with poorly executed lighting that weakens the atmosphere, and the setting is underutilized.
Omoni Oboli’s performance as Cecilia relies on exaggerated stereotypes, while Chioma Akpotha’s portrayal of Philo shows an unconvincing, rushed character transformation. The film feels like it had potential but doesn’t fully deliver on it. Now streaming on Netflix.
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