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Starring: Nse Ikpe Etim, James Gardiner, Nancy Isime, Yemi Blaq, Mercy Aigbe, Bridget Atlanta, Erica Nlewedim, Caroline Hutchings, Akin Lewis, and others.
Netflix’s Devil is a Liar promised suspense, intrigue, and drama, but unfortunately, it falls short in delivering a compelling experience. The most disappointing aspect of the film is how predictable it is. Within just a few minutes of watching, I already anticipated the story’s direction, making it hard to engage with the narrative.
The so-called plot twist lacked impact because it was obvious from the beginning that Anna wasn’t Jaiye’s cousin. There was something in her performance that gave it away far too easily, removing any suspense the filmmakers intended.
Turning to Adaoro, the central character, her reactions to Jaiye’s manipulations felt unconvincing. As a CEO, I expected her to be sharp, proactive, and surrounded by competent professionals. Yet, she relied on an in-law as her lawyer—a decision that seemed illogical. Given the stakes, she should have had investigators working on her side, especially when Jaiye went on a suspicious trip to Abuja under the guise of a business meeting.
Adaoro’s handling of the situation didn’t match her independence. She had previously gone through a D&C procedure on her own, demonstrating resourcefulness and self-reliance, yet she failed to sense that something was amiss with Jaiye. He was so desperate to terminate the pregnancy that any supportive husband would have accompanied her, yet he casually claimed he had a meeting and then took a two-week trip without proper communication. Despite her intelligence and influence, Adaoro never questioned him. For someone of her wealth and status, allowing Jaiye to dictate where such a sensitive procedure would occur made little sense.
Her compliance speaks volumes about the pressure marriage can exert on women. A woman like Adaoro should have had her own trusted doctor but instead let herself be manipulated in the hope of maintaining her marital title. Initially, Adaoro’s composure impressed me. When Beatrice tried to console her during Cheta’s introduction, she brushed it off with confidence, signaling that she wasn’t desperate. But everything changed once Jaiye entered her life. As Chinua Achebe famously wrote, “things fell apart.”
From the moment Jaiye subtly chose her outfit at the boutique, it was clear danger was looming. His charm felt calculated, a trap waiting to snap shut. The rapid whirlwind of their romance—proposing just two months after meeting—raised red flags. Adaoro, a woman of experience, should have been wiser. Jaiye’s intentions were transparent to anyone attuned to manipulation: he preyed on her desperation to settle down, exploiting her vulnerability.
Scenes like Jaiye watching a recorded clip of himself and Adaoro highlighted his manipulative nature. His comment about the video possibly going viral was chilling, though thankfully, Adaoro quickly deleted it. This sequence underscores an important truth: men who manipulate women often test boundaries to gauge how much control they can wield.
Adaoro’s absent stepmother also struck me. Where was she during this rushed marriage? Her absence emphasizes a broader lesson: the very people who push you into marriage may not support you when things go wrong. This is a reminder that women should never let family or societal pressure dictate when they marry.
At around 1 hour and 35 minutes into the film, Barrister Itse delivers the news that Adaoro’s account has been wiped out. Yet, no one seems to suspect Jaiye. This twist felt far too obvious. Similarly, at 1 hour and 31 minutes, someone informs Adaoro that Jaiye is dead—likely Barrister Itse—but even if not, the certainty surrounding his death felt weak and unconvincing.
Doctor Bala’s character also disappointed. Performing a surgical operation without the patient’s consent is entirely unprofessional and unrealistic, making the storyline difficult to believe.
The film also highlighted a familiar dynamic: women deeply in love with younger men often ignore warnings, especially when advice comes from other women. Ivie warned Adaoro, yet she ignored her counsel and ultimately fell into Jaiye’s trap. In the end, Adaoro’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale for women who have worked hard to build their lives: never let marriage or societal expectations make you compromise your standards.
Jaiye’s character, despite being a fashion designer, was underdeveloped. Beyond styling Adaoro and organizing the fashion show, his expertise in the fashion world was never convincingly portrayed. Ironically, Anna’s character did a better job reflecting the fashion industry than Jaiye himself.
Even after finishing the movie, lingering questions remain: Who sent Adaoro the text revealing Jaiye’s location? And why was Dr. Bala’s address never traced?
Despite these flaws, Devil is a Liar touches on real societal issues and power dynamics in relationships. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding viewers—especially women—not to sacrifice their judgment or standards for love or societal pressures.
Verdict: Predictable plot, underdeveloped characters, and weak twists hold the film back, but it still provides valuable lessons on manipulation, trust, and the pressures of marriage.
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