11 movie recommendations for the weekend
This weekend, movie enthusiasts in Nigeria have a plethora of exciting films to choose from, with a mix of local and international titles hitting cinemas and streaming platforms. From the
- By Yewande Fasan
This weekend, movie enthusiasts in Nigeria have a plethora of exciting films to choose from, with a mix of local and international titles hitting cinemas and streaming platforms.
From the drama-filled "Return of Arinzo" to the thrilling "Avante", Nigerian filmmakers are showcasing their talent and creativity. Funke Akindele's "Behind The Scenes" is also making waves on Netflix, offering a glimpse into the life of a successful real estate mogul.
Here's a rundown of some of the top picks:
1. Return of Arinzo (2hrs 15mins): A rising actor returns home with his fiancée to support his father’s presidential campaign, but her arrival reignites a long-buried scandal tied to a powerful political figure.
Starring: Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Funke Akindele, Enioluwa Adeoluwa.
2. Avante (1hr 40mins): Gaju assumes a false identity to infiltrate the estate of Sir Bruno, the man behind his parents’ murder. But when he falls for Bruno’s only daughter, he must choose between the past that shaped him and a future he never saw coming.
Starring: Joseph James, Mailya Micheal, Chimizie Imo, Ruth Nkweti
3. Evi (1hr 50mins): A talented, arrogant singer’s career collapses, forcing a journey of redemption. It highlights female experiences in the music industry, featuring original songs.
Starring: Ariyike Olowolagba, Femi Branch, Tomiwa Tegbe, Uzor Arukwe.
4. They Will Kill You (1hr 34mins): A woman takes a job as a housekeeper in a NYC high-rise, unaware of the building’s history of disappearances. She soon realizes the community is shrouded in mystery.
Starring: Armanda Rivera, Peterson Joseph, Patricia Arquette, Tom Felton.
5. The Creek (1hr 33mins): A man’s return to Nigeria after 25 years away takes an unpleasant turn after he is kidnapped along the Niger Delta creek.
Starring: Bucci Franklin, Sam Dede, Sunshine Rosman, Jimmy Jean-Louis.
6. Protector (1hr 31mins): Former war hero Nikki’s peaceful life is shattered when her daughter is kidnapped. Thrust into the criminal underworld while hunted by cops and military, she must fight to rescue her child.
Starring: Don Harvey, Lydia Hull, Shane Williams, Texas Battle.
7. Reminders of Him (1hr 54mins): After prison, a woman attempts to reconnect with her young daughter but faces resistance from everyone except a bar owner with ties to her child. As they grow closer, she must confront her past mistakes to build a hopeful future.
Starring: Rick Koy, Lauren Graham, Monika Myers, Bradley Whitford.
8. Irete: The Reckoning (2hrs): Osimiri, a powerful witch saves the kingdom from destruction and protects the king’s throne from enemy attack. In gratitude, the king promises that his son, Aremo, will marry Osimiri’s daughter, Osunrayi. Years later, a mysterious young woman named Egbin emerges from unknown origins and disrupts well laid plans.
Starring: Ayo Olaiya, Deyemi Okanlawon, Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Sola Sobowale.
9. Aba Blues (2hrs): Set in 1989 Aba, Amara must navigate the intense feelings she thought no longer exist for her high school lover Dirim, as her husband Uzor fights for the heart of his wife despite the unwavering hold of her ex.
Starring: Bimbo Akintola, Toni Tones, Odunlade Adekola, Angel Anosike.
10. Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come (1hr 28mins): After surviving one deadly game, Grace and her sister Faith must now outrun four rival families competing for a powerful throne – winner takes all.
Starring: Dan Beirne, Elijah Wood, Emily Stranges, Kevin Durand.
11. Behind The Scenes (streaming on Netflix): Aderonke "Ronky-Fella", a successful real estate mogul and mother of two, struggles to set boundaries and prioritise her own needs amidst growing demands from family, friends, and associates
Starring: Funke Akindele, Scarlet Gomez, Tobi Bakre, Iyabo Ojo.
