Forbidden Fruit in the Seminary: Why Nosa Rex’s ‘Father Samuel’ is the Boldest Nollywood Rom-Com of 2026
By Chidi Okeke, NollywoodTimes.com - Published Jan 28, 2026
#FatherSamuelReview #NosaRex2026 #NollywoodDrama
E get how one deathbed promise fit scatter person whole life, abi? Picture this: Lagos boy, fresh-faced and full of life, swears to become Reverend Father just to make papa happy on him dying bed. But as seminary wahala enter, dream of fine babes "licking every part" of him—from nipple to "manhood"—dey call am back to street. Na so Father Samuel (2026), Nosa Rex latest bang from Bigthings Production, take land like hot akara for early January YouTube drop. Dis 1hr 21min family drama-comedy-faith mix dey serve laugh, cringe, and deep talk on vow vs desire wey go make you question wetin you promise your own papa. Nosa Rex no just act; him produce and carry dis film on head like say na him personal testimony. 8/10—pure Nollywood fire for anybody wey love My Wife My Karma or Holy Family vibes, but with extra pepper for temptation scenes. If you dey fight between church and crush, dis na your mirror.
The "forced vocation" trope is a staple in Nigerian storytelling. We’ve seen the "Village Priest" and the "Rebellious Choir Girl" a thousand times, but every so often, a film comes along that takes a sledgehammer to these clichés while keeping the audience in stitches. Enter "Father Samuel," the latest powerhouse production from Nosarexfamtv, starring the charismatic Nosa Rex and the ethereal Frances Ben.
This isn't just another slapstick comedy; it is a sharp, witty, and surprisingly emotional look at the collision between parental legacy and personal agency. If you’re looking for a film that balances sacrilegious humor with a heartfelt quest for love, read on for our deep-dive review.
The Plot: A Dying Wish vs. A Living Desire
The story centers on Samuel (Nosa Rex), a young man whose life is mapped out before he can even speak for himself. His late father’s dying wish was for his son to serve at the altar. To Samuel’s mother, this isn’t just a career path—it’s a spiritual debt that must be paid.
The film opens with Samuel already deep in the seminary, but it’s clear from the first frame that his heart is anywhere but the Bible. He is a man plagued—or perhaps blessed—by "fleshly desires." The early scenes of Samuel’s confessions to Father Moses set the tone for the entire film. Watching Nosa Rex describe his vivid, "un-priestly" dreams with a mix of guilt and nostalgic relish is a masterclass in comedic timing.
Nosa Rex as Samuel: The Reluctant Rebel
Nosa Rex has built a career on playing the "lovable rogue," but in Father Samuel, he adds layers of vulnerability that we haven't seen in his previous roles. He isn't just a guy who wants to chase girls; he is a son burdened by the weight of a ghost.
Throughout the first act, we see Samuel’s internal conflict play out in the smallest gestures. When he dons the clerical collar, he looks physically restricted, as if the fabric is choking his true identity. Rex’s ability to pivot from the humor of his "sinful thoughts" to the quiet sadness of trying to please his mother is what grounds the movie. He makes Samuel relatable rather than just a caricature of a "bad priest."
The Meet-Cute: Enter Amanda
Every great rom-com needs a catalyst, and for Samuel, that catalyst is Amanda (played by the brilliant Frances Ben). The two meet under the most "Nollywood" of circumstances: a sick-call visit to Mr. Okafor.
The chemistry is instantaneous and electric. While Samuel is supposed to be focusing on the sick man’s soul, his eyes are firmly fixed on Amanda. The irony? Amanda is a prospective nun. The "forbidden" nature of their attraction adds a layer of high-stakes tension that carries the middle of the film.
Scene Breakdown: The Pursuit of the Impossible
One of the most engaging sequences in the film occurs when Samuel begins his aggressive pursuit of Amanda. It’s a game of cat and mouse where both participants are wearing religious habits.
The writing shines here because it addresses the absurdity of their situation. Samuel isn't just hitting on a girl; he is navigating a minefield of religious protocol. The dialogue is snappy, filled with double entendres that poke fun at their supposed "calling" while highlighting their very human needs.
The "Nun" Disguise: Comedy or Cringe?
In a turn that leans heavily into classic Nollywood farce, Samuel eventually resorts to sneaking into Amanda’s family home disguised as a nun to see her.
On paper, this sounds like a tired trope. However, the execution works because of the stakes. By this point in the film, the audience is so invested in their romance that the absurdity of the disguise feels like a desperate, romantic gesture rather than just a cheap laugh. It highlights the lengths Samuel is willing to go to reject the path forced upon him. It’s a visual representation of the "double life" both Samuel and Amanda are living.
Frances Ben: More Than Just a Love Interest
Frances Ben delivers a nuanced performance as Amanda. It would have been easy to make Amanda a passive victim of her mother’s coercion, but Ben gives her agency. We learn that she, too, is only in the convent to satisfy her mother’s spiritual ego.
Amanda is the mirror image of Samuel. Her struggle is quieter but equally painful. The scene where she confesses her true feelings to Samuel is one of the film’s most poignant moments, stripping away the comedy to reveal two young people just trying to find air in a suffocating environment.
Thematic Depth: Coercion vs. Calling
Beyond the laughs, Father Samuel asks a serious question: Is a sacrifice truly holy if it is forced?
The film critiques the Nigerian "religious obsession" where parents use their children as spiritual currency. Samuel’s mother and Amanda’s mother are the true antagonists of the story. They aren't "evil," but their rigid adherence to tradition and their desire for the prestige of having a priest or nun in the family nearly destroys their children’s lives.
The film handles this critique with a soft touch. It doesn't mock the priesthood or the convent itself; rather, it mocks the idea that these vocations can be assigned like chores.
The Turning Point: The Scandal and the Pregnancy
The third act takes a sharp turn into drama when Amanda is expelled from the convent after becoming pregnant. The bubble bursts, and the "secret world" Samuel and Amanda built for themselves comes crashing down.
This is where the film earns its "Detail-Oriented" badge. The fallout isn't just about the shame; it's about the liberation that comes with being "caught." The scene where they face their families is a powerful deconstruction of parental expectations. When Amanda’s father finally gives his blessing, it feels like a victory not just for the couple, but for honesty over performance.
Technical Execution: Sound and Vision
Produced for the digital age, the cinematography is bright and crisp, capturing the vibrancy of the Nigerian setting. The sound design effectively uses music to shift the mood—bouncy, comedic tracks for Samuel’s antics and swells of orchestral romance for his moments with Amanda.
The pacing is generally tight, though the middle section could have benefited from a slightly faster edit during some of the longer seminary dialogues. However, the 1-hour and 21-minute runtime ensures the story never overstays its welcome.
The Verdict: A Must-Watch Rom-Com
Father Samuel is a refreshing entry into the 2026 Nollywood calendar. It manages to be hilarious without being shallow and critical without being cynical.
Acting: 4.5/5 (Nosa Rex and Frances Ben are a match made in cinematic heaven).
Story: 4/5 (A familiar trope given a fresh, bold perspective).
Production: 4/5 (High quality, clear audio, and great location scouting).
Bottom Line: Father Samuel is a riotous, heart-tugging reminder that you can’t force a soul to go where the heart won’t follow.
My Thoughts & Where to Watch
If you’re tired of the same old romantic dramas and want something that will make you laugh out loud while making you think about the traditions we hold dear, Father Samuel is the movie for you. It’s a testament to the growth of Nollywood’s digital storytelling.
Don't miss out on the conversation—watch the full movie on YouTube now: Watch Father Samuel on Nosarexfamtv
What did you think of Samuel’s "Nun" disguise? Was it romantic or ridiculous? Sound off in the comments below!
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