Movie Title: Momiwa
Running Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Director: Biodun Stephen
Cast: Blessing Jessica, Iyabo Ojo, Uzor Arukwe, and Livian Afegbai
Nigerian filmmaker Biodun Stephen has made a name for herself with compelling stories about human relationships. Through her unique storytelling and relatable characters, she has captivated audiences and earned critical acclaim.
From award-winning movies like ‘Breaded Life’ (2021) and ‘Strangers’ (2022) to recent hits like ‘Sista’ (2023), ‘Big Love’ (2023), and ‘Small Talk’ (2024), Stephen continues to explore the complexities of human connections.
Her films delve into the intricacies of love, family, and friendship, resonating with viewers on a personal level.
Her latest film, “Momiwa,” is a family drama about a beloved housekeeper who brings joy to a household but faces tension and competition when her employer’s estranged wife returns unexpectedly.
This new work further showcases Stephen’s talent for crafting emotionally rich narratives that highlight the dynamics of human relationships.
Plot
The movie begins with a gripping scene where neighbors hear the desperate cries of two siblings locked in an apartment and rush to help. Just as they are about to break down the door, the children’s father arrives.
As the story unfolds, we learn that Naetochukwu is struggling to survive after his wife locked up their children and abandoned them.
We then meet Momiwa (Chinonso), the devoted housekeeper who has cared for Naeto (Dadiwa), the children Vida and Abel, and the rest of the household for ten years, during which time things have significantly improved for the family.
However, an ordinary day takes a dramatic turn when Kiki, Naeto’s estranged wife, suddenly reappears after vanishing and leaving her husband and kids behind.Despite Naeto’s initial refusal to take her back, Momiwa persuades him to let Kiki return.
While Abel is happy to see her, Vida and Naeto remain wary. As Kiki attempts to rebuild her relationships, Momiwa supports her. Kiki eventually explains to Naeto that she left due to postpartum depression and sought therapy, dispelling rumors of infidelity.
Overwhelmed by years of hurt, Naeto begins to forgive her.
However, Kiki soon views Momiwa as a rival, straining their relationship. She demands to be called “Madam” and orchestrates Momiwa’s arrest on false theft charges while Naeto is away on a business trip. Upon his return, Naeto finds a fake resignation letter from Momiwa.
Refusing to believe she left voluntarily, he searches for her.Meanwhile, Kiki’s true colors emerge as she neglects the children and household duties. When Vida asks for sanitary pads, Kiki berates her.
Naeto goes to the pharmacy to buy them and runs into Dr. Bamidele, who reveals that Kiki ran off to Abuja with him, abandoning her family when she learned of Naeto’s newfound wealth.Back home, Naeto confronts Kiki, who admits her plot to frame Momiwa.
Furious, Naeto recalls the pain Kiki caused and recognizes Momiwa’s crucial role in their lives. He orders Kiki to leave for good. The movie leaves us questioning whether Naeto will ever find Momiwa again and if his family will ever be the same.
Character Analysis
The movie features a well-assembled cast, including Blessing Jessica, Iyabo Ojo, Uzor Arukwe, and Livian Afegbai. Each character is meticulously portrayed, with standout performances enhancing the narrative’s impact.
Blessing Jessica’s skillful portrayal of Momiwa is a delight, using accent and vocabulary to add comic relief, making her performance memorable and engaging for viewers.
Iyabo Ojo delivers a spectacular performance as Kiki, adeptly capturing her complexity, transitioning from apparent guilt to revealing her true, manipulative nature.
Ojo’s nuanced acting makes Kiki a compelling and multifaceted character.Uzor Arukwe, known for his consistent and reliable performances, brings depth to the character of Dadiwa. His portrayal grounds the film and provides a steady anchor for the unfolding drama.
The children’s actors, Michael Akpujiha and Precious Udoh, deliver intrinsic performances as Abel and Vida, adding authenticity and emotional depth to the story.
The movie “Momiwa” also features notable performances from MC Lively and Lilian Afegbai, among others. Their contributions round out the cast, adding richness and variety to the film’s character dynamics.
Movie Review
You know you’ve watched a good movie when it evokes a strong emotional response, whether joy, sadness, or anger, making you feel part of the narrative. The storytelling should be compelling and well-paced, with authentic and relatable characters.
The film’s technical aspects, like cinematography, editing, and sound, should seamlessly enhance the narrative rather than distract from it. Ultimately, a good movie leaves a lasting impression, prompting reflection and discussion long after the credits roll.
“Momiwa” exemplifies this standard, showcasing scriptwriting and production excellence by revealing each twist and truth at precisely the right moment.
The meticulous pacing captivates viewers and ensures the movie’s coherence, while the satisfying conclusion leaves viewers content yet curious, as lingering unanswered questions about Momiwa’s past provoke contemplation.
This film is evidence of Stephen’s directorial brilliance, reaffirming her status as a genre maestro. “Momiwa” is a worthy addition to Stephen’s growing repertoire of compelling dramas, showcasing her directorial prowess and narrative finesse.
The movie seamlessly integrates various languages, including English, Igbo, and Yoruba, with a touch of French minimally used by the character of the chef, Phildela Yve.
This multilingual approach adds depth and authenticity to the film.At its core, “Momiwa” presents a profound lesson that transcends conventional notions of family, challenging the belief that blood ties solely define familial bonds.
Instead, it beautifully illustrates that the true essence of family lies in the sincere efforts and unwavering love extended by those who surround us.
With stellar performances and a well-crafted narrative, this heartfelt message makes “Momiwa” a standout film that resonates deeply with its audience.
However, the movie has its flaws. While we know much about Naetochukwu’s family, little is revealed about Momiwa’s background and family.
Additionally, viewers are left uncertain about Momiwa’s relationship with Dadiwa, initially appearing as a couple until Kiki surfaces.
The conclusion may feel somewhat rushed and uncertain, as if hurriedly wrapping up loose ends, but this is a minor flaw in an otherwise heartwarming film that offers a delightful serving of classic Nollywood family drama.
verdict
8/10
