FINDING ME - An emotional dramedy

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Directed & produced by Funke Akindele (also staring as the lead character Tinuke Phillips), this movie titled ‘FINDING ME’ highlights as its central theme the psychologically damaging impacts of emotional abuse on people overtime; be it male or female.

The movie focuses on or drives deception, lies, blackmails, positive affirmations, determination, struggles with body image, friendship, family dynamics, a journey of self discovery, accountability in the workplace while raising awareness in core areas of the society as well as everyday life as its tools for a seamless storytelling.

FINDING ME, utilising an intelligently interwoven web of subplots, offers salient lessons that one can not forget in a hurry in a mix of twists & turns, drama, intrigue, suspense and comedy.

Synopsis: (may include spoilers) 🚨

Tinuke Philips (Funke Akindele) is married to Kolawole Philips (Joseph Benjamin), and together, the couple has a son named Adenrele. Tinuke heads her father’s multi-million Naira company, Olowo Steel, as the CEO, while her brother Dotun (Femi Adebayo Salami) is the COO - Chief of Operations.

Though a successful career woman, her brother’s antics, and constant tantrums notwithstanding, Tinuke is not a happy woman. All is not well in paradise. Constantly being reminded of her physical appearance by her narcissistic husband, whom she has to grapple with, Tinuke is yet resolved to make her marriage work.

The questions begging for answers: will she succeed at this, or will she reach her breaking point? How much sacrifice would she have to make before realising ‘FINDING ME’ could just be the best option?

The film is rated 18. Hence, you may want to keep this away from younger viewers as it contains scenes and sounds depicting sexual activities.

My Take:

THIS IS A MASTERPIECE!

This movie is proof that personally, I do not have any issue against movies having long durations…just make it worth the while every inch of the way.

It is a brilliant story, an engaging plot, and an incredible direction effortlessly weaving subplots together for an unforgettable experience. The cast ensemble gave a stellar performance as about 98% of the actors understood their assignments; ate and left no crumbs.

Nearly everyone was at the top of their game. But the one I mustn’t fail to particularly mention is the character of Sarah (Tinuke’s friend), played by Omoni Oboli! With a friend like that, be rest assured that you have a community. She interpreted that role like her life depended on it! Great job there, momma!

This is interesting, entertaining, relatable, informative, funny, captivating, engaging, intriguing, and highly educational.

Lessons learned amongst others are:

● Whenever given a diagnosis by a medical practitioner, it is advisable to seek a second or even third opinion.

● Narcissists possess similar traits! They would often gaslight you into believing that you’re the problem.

● While being open to criticism, we must learn to put ourselves first and understand that what matters most is the opinion we have about ourselves.

● Masaaging a man’s ego won’t change him! Many women make this mistake with the hopes that things would eventually get better! Does it ever?

● Know your WORTH! People will only trample upon you for as long as you allow them.

● At the end of the day, blood is thicker than water. Some family members may fight themselves often, but when push comes to shove, you’ll realise that FAMILY IS EVERYTHING!

This movie had its hilarious moments! Not Dotun referring to his own father as “Daddy Dotun” or their father himself with the Yoruba accent categorically stating “this is my daughter…she’s the Ceee Hee Hooo” lol

I loved how this movie highlighted emotional/psychological/financial abuse from a balanced perspective. It proved that both genders get abused in this regard just as much. I have always posited that emotional abuse is one of the most damaging of all kinds of abuses. Physical abuse leaves physical scars while emotional abuse….hmmmmm it kïlls a person even before death itself.

Observation:

As with everything else in life, nothing is ever perfect, and this movie is no exception. Here are some areas I’d like to point out viz:

1. There was a mix-up in names by Joseph Benjamin when, at one time, he referred to Sarah as Sandra. I know in real life, this happens, but in this case, it was more of a mistake than a stutter. The script supervisor should have noticed this.

2. With her level of exposure and educational experience (two Masters degrees), including constantly meeting with top business executives and with the kind of money she controls, the initial braided wigs were far from believable. The dress sense, I understand, but not the wigs. It did not add up!

3. Not everyone in their vulnerable moments fall for the next available person. The build-up leading to that first kiss between Anthony (played by Efa Iwara) and Funke Akindele wasn’t sufficient enough. There wasn’t a justifiable reason for that. In fact, there was no on-screen chemistry between the two.

4. What later became of Rebecca (played by Sharon Ooja)? Does this prove that cheating with married men pays? Cos at the end of the day, she seemed to have benefited more! Well, in real life, in this modern world, that appears to be the order of the day, though.

5. Was Tinuke able to settle with her father afterward? Did they manage to put their differences aside as father and daughter?

6. Stereotype: I thought we had left this behind years ago when nearly all housemaid roles in Nollywood were depicted with characters mimicking or naturally speaking using the Akwa-Ibom or Calabar accent? This was portrayed in Tinuke’s househelp, played by Instagram skit maker known as Calabar Chic.

7. Tinuke’s & Kola’s son Denrele appeared only once or twice for that length of time in the movie. To think that a great percentage of the conversations were centered around him, I find that not very convincing. Perhaps his acting skills couldn’t take that much. I mean, his very first appearance wasn’t that compelling either.

8. Although the last fight scene was superbly outstanding (someone should please check on Brother Femi…I do hope he didn’t sustain any injuries falling over that vase and shattering it). The first fight, however, between Ndidi (played by Omowunmi Dada) and her brother was like that from Nollywood of the 90s & early 2000s. Camera angles should have helped save us that visuals. We really didn’t need to have seen that.

There’s more, but I’d rather stop here!

Conclusively, on the whole, this was a great watch irrespective of certain shortcomings! Honestly, I couldn’t get enough. There wasn’t any dull moments or unnecessarily prolonged scenes. Every scene was meant to be. The message was delivered crystal clear.

There are no ratings today.
Just go watch!
Until next time...BYE!