The Movie Everyone’s Talking About
If you’ve scrolled through your timeline in the past week, you’ve seen it: clips, memes, love/hate tweets, and watch parties about “The Ex Before Forever” flooding Nigerian and diasporan feeds alike. Nollywood drops dozens of movies every month, but every so often, one film rises above the noise. This year, that breakout hit is “THE EX BEFORE FOREVER”—a romantic dramedy shaking up social media, starring the magnetic Uzor Arukwe and Nollywood queen Nadia Buari.
Why is everyone obsessed? What makes this ex story different from the hundreds that have come before (and before "forever")? Grab your popcorn—let’s dive into the drama, cultural moments, and all the digital chatter that make this the film you can’t miss in 2025.
1. The Uzor & Nadia Chemistry Everyone’s Shipping
First things first: let’s talk about that undeniable spark.
Both Uzor Arukwe and Nadia Buari are no strangers to leading roles, but watching these two together is like seeing fresh lightning in a bottle. From the first time Arukwe’s character, Tunde, awkwardly catches sight of Nadia’s elegant yet mischievous Amara at a mutual friend’s wedding, audiences were HOOKED. Their banter snaps, their eyes linger, and even when fighting, their chemistry borders on electric.
Twitter user @nollyobsessed wrote:
“Idgaf if it’s a movie, Uzor and Nadia need to resolve whatever things they left unsaid in THAT hallway scene. THE TENSION???”
It’s more than just sizzle. The film gives both actors room for subtlety—Uzor’s vulnerability as a man haunted yet hopeful, Nadia’s confidence masking heartbreak. Their performances deliver one of the most believable “exes reunite” moments we’ve seen in Nollywood.
Behind the Scenes EXCLUSIVE:
Sources close to the set spilled that both leads were involved in script tweaks to add layers of humor and realism to their scenes—another reason their dynamic shines!
2. What Makes “THE EX BEFORE FOREVER” Stand Out in Nollywood 2025?
With the explosion of streaming—shoutout to Netflix Naija, Prime Video, and Showmax—the bar for Nigerian films keeps getting higher. So, why is EVERYONE watching this one?
a. A Story We Can Relate To
Let’s face it: whether you admit it or not, the phrase “my ex” carries stories. In “The Ex Before Forever,” Amara and Tunde’s classic “will they, won’t they?” arc pulls you in immediately, sure. But director Ifeoma Okere’s script digs deeper, asking:
- Can people truly move on from their first love?
- Is forgiveness really as simple as uttering “it’s in the past”?
- What happens when old wounds meet new beginnings?
You’ll laugh. You’ll cringe. You’ll probably text your own ex just to say “Hey.” (Okay, maybe don’t do that.)
b. Cinematic Glow-Up
The camera work, lighting, and soundscapes actually FEEL like Lagos on a sweaty night or Accra’s balmy mornings. This isn’t just a “Nigerian” film visually—it’s international-class, and fans across Africa and the diaspora are noticing. Even the soundtrack is making waves, with Amara’s breakup anthem trending on TikTok.
c. Viral Moments Galore
From Amara’s iconic “I’m not your aftermath!” one-liner (currently a meme) to Tunde’s tear-laced proposal speech, the script gives us dialogue tailor-made for Instagram reels and Twitter threads. If you haven’t seen the “party confrontation” scene, STOP—you’re missing out on acting gold *and* meme fodder for days.
3. Nollywood’s Next-Level Storytelling—With a Twist
What’s a Nollywood romance without a little unpredictability? “The Ex Before Forever” subverts several rom-com tropes and surprises viewers at every turn.
- Will They, Won’t They…Should They?
Sure, exes reuniting isn’t new. But this film never assumes what the audience wants—it makes us question whether *reconciliation* is truly healing, or just a way to stay stuck.
- Authentic Friendships
The supporting cast shines here! Tunde’s best friend Uche, played by Samuel Adeoye, and Amara’s hilarious cousin Eno (Tina Onwuemeodo) keep things real, balancing comic relief with wise observations about love, forgiveness, and moving on.
- No Easy Answers
The film’s ending (no spoilers!) sparked fiery debate online. Is it hopeful? Bittersweet? “Too realistic to be satisfying,” said @lagoscinemaqueen in a heated thread. But many applauded the film for not wrapping things up with a predictable bow. Life—and love—rarely does.
4. Social Media is Obsessed—And So Are We
No film blows up in 2025 without digital buzz, and “THE EX BEFORE FOREVER” is a case study in going viral.
Trending Hashtags & Memes:
- #ExBeforeForeverChallenge
TikTokers are reenacting Amara and Tunde’s reunion speech, complete with hilarious outtakes and Nigerian/African diaspora tweaks.
- #YourAftermath
Instagram stories are full of users sharing this defiant quote. Some post it with photos of exes, others with job losses, even wardrobe malfunctions—relatable content at its finest.
- Watch parties everywhere
Twitter Spaces and Clubhouse rooms have popped up, hosting live commentary sessions with fans rating their favorite scenes, debating who was in the wrong, and… confessing to sliding into their ex’s DMs after the credits rolled.
Fun fact: The film’s official Instagram account gained 400,000 new followers within two weeks of release — a Nollywood record for 2025.
5. What the Critics (And Viewers) Are Saying
The early reviews were glowing, and audiences have proven the critics right. Here’s a roundup of reactions:
- Vanessa O., PopBuzz Africa:
“Elegantly written, emotionally raw, and hilarious—‘The Ex Before Forever’ is proof that Nollywood is owning the global rom-com conversation in 2025.”
- Chioma N., LagosVibes Blog:
“Finally, a movie that treats love, heartbreak, and healing as complex as they are. The humorous script doesn’t shy away from deep pain.”
- Rotimi K., Viewer, Twitter:
“I laughed, I cried, I called my mum to ask if she ever dated anyone before dad. 10/10!”
- International Buzz:
Even Variety’s Africa desk called attention to the film’s “effortless star power and universal themes.”
6. Viral Behind-the-Scenes: The Making of a Nollywood Classic
So many viral hits have a cool story behind them, and “THE EX BEFORE FOREVER” is no exception.
- Casting Spark
Rumor has it Uzor Arukwe was a last-minute replacement after a scheduling conflict, but early chemistry reads with Nadia Buari wowed everyone—including the director, who rewrote half a scene to take advantage of their off-script banter.
- Real Tears
Friends on set shared that Nadia’s emotional breakdown scene was shot in one take—she’d channeled a “real” breakup from her own past.
- Script Switch-Ups
Several of Amara’s funniest lines were improv’ed, and Uzor asked for one flashback sequence to be cut for being “too cheesy.” “We wanted something you could watch with your friends and still see yourself in, not just fairytale,” said Uzor in a post-premiere Instagram Live.
7. Cultural Impact: Why This Story Resonates
Let’s get real: “THE EX BEFORE FOREVER” is landing so hard because it’s not just about exes, it’s about all of us.
- Redefining Love in Modern Africa*
It explores how young Nigerians and Ghanaians balance tradition and modernity—family pressure, self-worth, forgiveness, and second chances.
- Healing and Growth
The movie asks what it looks like to heal, not just to find love. It leaves you thinking about your own choices, and who you are when the credits roll.
- Diaspora Vibes
For Naija and Ghanaian viewers in the diaspora, the movie is a taste of home. For others, it's an authentic look at relationships in West Africa.
8. Join the Conversation: What’s YOUR Most Unforgettable “Ex” Movie?
Now, it’s your turn. “THE EX BEFORE FOREVER” has us all thinking about the exes who shaped us, the ones we wish we could forget, and the ones we never truly get over—which movie about an ex has scarred or healed you the most?
Share your stories, memes, and confessions using #ExBeforeForeverChallenge!
Tag a friend, tag your ex (if you dare), and keep the conversation alive. Who knows, maybe your real-life story will inspire Nollywood’s next hit!
Why You Need to Watch—Right Now
If you haven’t watched yet, this is your sign. Fresh plots, heart-stopping performances, social media moments, and a script that’ll have you laughing, crying, and texting your group chat at midnight—“THE EX BEFORE FOREVER” brings Nollywood storytelling into its golden era.
Don’t just take our word for it. Join the thousands tweeting, ‘gramming, and TikToking their post-ex-feelings and Nigerian movie pride. Whether you’re Team Reunite, Team MoveOn, or just Team Good Movie, this one truly is unforgettable.
Go on—watch it, laugh, cry. And remember: Your ex might just be watching, too.
Let’s keep this Nollywood party going—drop your thoughts below, tag us @NollywoodPulse, and share your own “ex before forever” story. You just might go viral!
Watch movie below:
#NollywoodTimes
#ExBeforeForeverChallenge
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