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| Image: Google |
Streaming on: KavaTV
Directed by: Kayode Kasum
Cast: Kunle Remi, Folu Storms, Uzor Arukwe, Teniola Aladese, Atlanta Bridget Johnson
Plot
What About Us tells the story of Zain and Jaiye, a couple whose marriage is tested by the heavy shadows of infidelity and mistrust. Just as they try to navigate their fragile relationship, a charming new neighbor, David, enters the picture — complicating matters further and pushing their already shaky union to the brink.
My Take
The film starts on a strong note and wastes no time drawing viewers into the complexities of Zain and Jaiye’s marriage. Uzor Arukwe, who plays Jaiye, immediately stands out — not necessarily for likability, but because his character comes across as the ultimate gaslighter. His mannerisms and dialogue consistently triggered frustration, which speaks to Uzor’s ability to embody the role convincingly.
On the flip side, the chemistry between the lead characters was one of the film’s highlights. Folu Storms, in the role of Zain, delivered an emotionally layered performance. Her interactions with both Jaiye (Uzor Arukwe) and David (Kunle Remi) felt natural, showing us the complexities of a woman torn between loyalty, betrayal, and temptation. Kunle Remi’s portrayal of David — the “loverboy” neighbor with his own secrets — added another intriguing layer to the drama, though I found myself wondering how he could so casually pursue another man’s wife.
Production quality deserves applause. The cinematography was clean and polished, and each scene felt carefully designed to capture mood and emotion. Whether it was a heated argument or a quiet reflective moment, the visuals elevated the story.
What Worked for Me
• The performances: Uzor, Folu, and Kunle carried the film with raw energy and believable chemistry.
• The message: At its core, the film highlights how lack of communication in marriage can open dangerous cracks. I appreciated how the story explored the dangers of keeping secrets and the importance of emotional honesty.
• The dynamics: Beyond the marriage, the friendship between Zain and Imade was another strong subplot. Their fallout and eventual distance felt real, even if frustrating, and added another layer to Zain’s struggles.
What Didn’t Work
Despite the strong performances, the pacing dragged in certain areas. At times, I felt the story could have been tightened to keep the tension sharper. A two-hour runtime wasn’t necessary for a film that could have told the same story more effectively in about 100 minutes.
Another flaw was the disappearance of David’s fiancée, played by Atlanta Bridget Johnson. Her storyline seemed to vanish midway, leaving me wondering if scenes had been cut or if her arc was simply overlooked.
And then there’s Jaiye’s strange decision-making. He struggles to communicate with his wife yet finds it easy to confide in his female friend. That inconsistency felt baffling and somewhat unrealistic.
Some plot points also left me raising my eyebrows — for example, Zain leaving her child just to go for a drive. While it may have been meant to show her emotional turmoil, it came across as questionable parenting.
Final Thoughts
What About Us is an engaging watch that successfully tackles themes of love, betrayal, and the fragility of trust within marriage. While the pacing could have been sharper and a few character arcs more developed, the film’s emotional weight and strong acting performances make it worth streaming.
Rating: 8/10
Have you watched What About Us on KavaTV? Share your thoughts — did you find Jaiye as frustrating as I did?
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