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Overall Rating: ..................... (3/5 Stars)
The landscape of modern Nollywood is currently split between the high-budget "glossy" cinema of Lagos islands and the relatable, soul-stirring dramas that fueled the industry's birth. Working Girls, featuring the likes of Chioma Nwaoha, Uche Montana, and Pearl Wats, sits comfortably in the latter category—a film that leans heavily into the "Old Nollywood" emotional blueprint while attempting to navigate the visual expectations of 2025.
As a veteran analyst who has watched this industry evolve from VHS tapes to Netflix, I found Working Girls to be a fascinating study of Nigerian class dynamics, the suffocating grip of patriarchal ambition, and the age-old trope of the "rich girl, poor boy" romance. But does it offer enough substance to transcend its familiar beats? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
1. The Visual Canvas: Cinematography & Visual Mood
Working Girls opts for a high-contrast visual style that immediately signals the class divide central to the plot. The director utilizes a "two-world" aesthetic: the cold, sterile luxury of Mary Jane’s father’s mansion versus the vibrant, chaotic, yet warm "ghetto" where Greg (the Akara seller) resides.
The Good: The cinematography shines in the intimate moments between Mary Jane and Greg. We see a significant use of medium close-ups that capture the softening of Mary Jane’s expressions as she moves away from her father’s rigid world. The lighting in the outdoor "shop" scenes feels organic, avoiding the over-exposed "white light" issues that often plague lower-budget shoots.
The Not-So-Good: However, the film occasionally falls into "TV-style" framing during dialogue-heavy scenes at the dining table or in offices. These moments feel static—relying on basic shot-reverse-shot techniques that don’t quite push the cinematic envelope. There’s a missed opportunity to use the camera to tell the story of Mary Jane’s entrapment; more wide, lonely shots of her in that massive house could have heightened her sense of isolation.
2. Soundscapes: The Rhythm of the Streets vs. The Silence of the Elite
In Nollywood, sound design is often the "make or break" element. In Working Girls, the sound mixing is remarkably clean for a production of this scale.
The dialogue audibility is consistent, even in the bustling street scenes where ambient noise can usually drown out performance. I particularly appreciated the use of silence in the scenes involving the "therapist." It allowed the weight of Mary Jane’s mental exhaustion to sit with the audience.
The music score, however, leans a bit too heavily on sentimental piano chords during the romantic peaks. While it effectively cues the audience's emotions, it borders on the "over-dramatic" style characteristic of early 2000s drama. A more subtle, Afro-soul inspired soundtrack would have elevated the "indie" feel of Greg and Mary Jane’s relationship.
3. Narrative Structure: A Slow Burn with a Rushed Climax
The "Opening Hook" is effective—we are immediately thrust into the conflict of a forced marriage. Mary Jane’s defiance against Prince Anderson sets the pace, establishing her not just as a victim, but as a woman with a voice, even if it’s a muffled one.
Pacing Issues: As with many Nollywood features, the second act drags slightly. We spend a lot of time establishing Greg’s "goodness" (training himself through university by selling yam). While these scenes are heartwarming, some of the subplots involving the house staff and the "area boys" could have been tightened to allow more room for the third-act medical drama.
The transition from a romance to a medical thriller (the kidney failure plot) feels a bit jarring. One moment we are discussing first-class honors in Geology, and the next, we are in a race-against-time for a transplant. While this "double tragedy" is a staple of Nigerian storytelling, the emotional payoff—Greg’s sacrifice—felt a bit rushed in the final fifteen minutes.
4. Plot Logic & Societal Realism
The film hits a home run in its portrayal of Nigerian political families. The father’s obsession with "boasting at political rallies" that his daughter studied in Nigeria is a biting, accurate social commentary on the performative patriotism of our elite class.
The Tropes: We see the classic "Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing" in Prince Anderson. His decision to hire thugs to eliminate a rival is a tired trope, but the film manages to make it feel visceral. However, the "Kidney Transplant" resolution raises some logic questions—specifically the speed of the matching process and the medical ethics portrayed. But in the world of Nollywood drama, we often trade medical accuracy for emotional impact, and Working Girls is no exception.
5. Performance Review: Chioma Nwaoha and the Supporting Cast
Chioma Nwaoha (Mary Jane): Chioma delivers a nuanced performance. She manages to convey the "poor little rich girl" archetype without making her character annoying. Her chemistry with Greg feels earned; you can see the genuine relief her character feels when she’s away from the "Prince Andersons" of her world.
The "Street" Characters: The actors playing the neighbors and the landlord in Greg's neighborhood provide the essential "flavor" of the film. Their use of Pidgin and localized slang provides a necessary contrast to the polished, somewhat robotic English spoken in the mansion. This "code-switching" is a brilliant reflection of the real Nigeria.
Prince Anderson: The antagonist is played with just the right amount of "punchable" arrogance. His cowardice during the medical crisis serves as the perfect foil to Greg’s bravery.
6. Production Design: Costumes & Class Cues
The wardrobe department deserves a shout-out for the "Akara-seller" aesthetic. Greg doesn’t look like a "movie version" of a poor man; his clothes look lived-in and work-worn. Conversely, Mary Jane’s outfits are aspirational but not so extravagant that they feel out of place for a university student.
The set design of the "ghetto" room—complete with the guitar—beautifully communicates Greg’s character: he is a man of depth and hidden talents, not just a laborer. The contrast with the "cold" luxury of the Anderson household is visually effective.
7. Cultural Relevance: Why This Story Matters in 2025
At its heart, Working Girls is about the "Working Girl" in a different sense—not just those on the street, but women like Mary Jane who are "working" to survive the expectations of their families. It touches on:
Mental Health: The inclusion of a therapist (even if rejected by the character) shows Nollywood’s growing willingness to acknowledge psychological stress.
Class Mobility: Greg’s character represents the Nigerian "hustle"—the belief that education and hard work can bridge the gap, even when the system is rigged against you.
The Power of Choice: The film’s resolution, where Mary Jane uses a DNA test to reclaim her autonomy, is a powerful moment for female agency in Nigerian cinema.
8. The Verdict: Is it Worth the Data?
Working Girls is a solid, emotionally resonant film that manages to breathe new life into a familiar story. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it spins the wheel with enough grace and "Naija flavor" to keep you watching. It’s a film about the strength found in unexpected places and the realization that "royal blood" doesn't always equal a noble heart.
The Scene that Stole the Show: The moment Mary Jane sits in the "Ghetto" and experiences Greg's world for the first time. The vulnerability in her eyes as she realizes that happiness costs much less than her father thinks is the emotional anchor of the entire movie.
Who should watch this?
Lovers of classic Nollywood romance.
Anyone who enjoys a good "grass to grace" (or "grace to grass and back") story.
Fans of Chioma Nwaoha’s emotive acting style.
My Thoughts
While the ending feels a bit like a whirlwind of miracles, the journey there is paved with good performances and a heart-tugging narrative. It’s a reminder that in the theater of Nigerian life, the most "working" among us are often the ones with the most to give.
Call to Watch: If you’re looking for a weekend watch that will make you shout at your screen, tear up a little, and ultimately cheer for the underdog, head over to the NollyRok Studios YouTube channel and give Working Girls a view.
Don’t forget to drop a comment: Who do you think was the real hero of this story—Mary Jane for her courage, or Greg for his sacrifice?
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