From Village Fire to Lagos Flavor: A Deep Dive into Queen Enebechi’s "JOY IS COMING"
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Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
The evolution of Nollywood has always been anchored by the "grass-to-grace" archetype—a narrative DNA that resonates deeply with the Nigerian spirit of resilience. Queen Enebechi’s latest offering, Joy Is Coming, steps into this familiar arena but attempts to garnish the traditional "village girl in the big city" trope with a modern, culinary-focused twist. As a veteran observer of our cinematic landscape, I see this film as a bridge between the old-school moral instructional and the new-school aspirational drama. It’s a story about the cost of ambition, the weight of betrayal, and the eventually sweet taste of redemption.
Cinematography: Capturing the Contrast
One of the standout technical achievements in Joy Is Coming is the visual distinction between the village and Lagos. The director utilizes a warmer, almost dusty color palette for the early scenes in the village, effectively communicating the stifling nature of Joy’s initial environment. The camera work here relies heavily on medium shots and close-ups, capturing Joy’s volatile expressions during her frequent outbursts.
However, once the story shifts to Lagos, the cinematography adopts a cooler, sharper aesthetic. The use of wide shots in Michael’s luxury apartment serves a dual purpose: it showcases the "aspiration" (the Nigerian dream of wealth) and highlights Joy’s initial isolation in such a vast, modern space. While there are moments where the lighting consistency flickers during the interior night shoots—a common hurdle in mid-budget productions—the visual mood remains remarkably consistent. The "TV-style" flat lighting is largely avoided in favor of more intentional, shadows-heavy framing that adds gravity to the emotional confrontations.
Sound Design & The Language of Authenticity
In Nollywood, sound is often the "Achilles' heel," but Joy Is Coming manages a respectable balance. The dialogue audibility is crisp, particularly in the high-stakes arguments between Joy and her mother. What truly elevates the auditory experience is the seamless code-switching. Joy’s transition from raw, aggressive Pidgin in the village to a more refined, yet still culturally grounded English in Lagos, is handled with linguistic nuance.
The score, however, is a bit of a mixed bag. While the use of contemporary Nigerian melodies during Joy’s rise to fame provides a great "vibe," the emotional cues in the third act occasionally feel over-indexed. We don't always need a swelling violin to tell us a scene is sad when the actors are already doing the heavy lifting. That said, the ambient sound in the restaurant scenes successfully captures the frantic energy of a Nigerian kitchen, making the culinary theme feel lived-in rather than staged.
Narrative Structure: The Slow Burn of Redemption
The film opens with a classic Nollywood hook: a conflict that defines the protagonist’s character. Joy is introduced not as a saint, but as a "handful"—a fighter who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty. This is a refreshing departure from the "perfectly innocent village girl" trope.
The pacing, however, hits a slight snag in the second act. The "love triangle" subplot between Joy, Michael, and Daniel drags a bit, leaning into familiar romantic cliches that momentarily distract from Joy's primary goal: her culinary career. But the film redeems itself with a powerful climax. The revelation that Joy sold her father’s land—the ultimate cultural taboo—is handled with the necessary weight. The resolution doesn't feel rushed; it allows the characters to sit in their consequences before providing the "Joy" promised by the title.
Character Analysis: Performance Excellence
Queen Enebechi as Joy: Enebechi delivers a powerhouse performance. She manages to make a character who commits a "heinous" familial betrayal—selling ancestral land—still feel sympathetic. Her transition from the "radical" village girl to a focused, international chef is believable because she maintains a core of "fire" throughout.
The Supporting Cast: The chemistry between Michael and Daniel provides much of the film’s tension. Michael represents the "Redeemer" archetype—calm, supportive, and visionary. Daniel, conversely, acts as the foil—representing the shallow, material-driven approach to love. Special mention must go to Joy’s mother; her portrayal of a woman grappling with the betrayal of her only child is heart-wrenching and grounded in the realities of Nigerian motherhood.
Thematic Depth: More Than Just a Cooking Show
At its heart, Joy Is Coming is a commentary on Identity and Ambition.
The "Japa" Syndrome: The film accurately reflects the desperation many young Nigerians feel to leave their current circumstances at any cost.
The Power of Social Media: The subplot where Joy becomes an Instagram sensation is a very "2026" touch. It highlights how the digital economy is providing new pathways for talent that were previously blocked by traditional gatekeepers.
Moral Consequences: The film doesn't let Joy off the hook easily. It reinforces the idea that while success is good, the "how" matters. The trauma she put her mother through is not erased by her eventual wealth, a very traditional Nollywood moral stance.
Plot Logic & Production Design
There are a few "Nollywood-isms" that require a suspension of disbelief. The speed at which Joy goes from a village cook to an international chef partnering with US investors is a bit of a "fast-forward" on reality. Additionally, the coincidence of Michael’s father being the one who bought Joy’s land is a classic narrative shortcut that feels a bit too convenient.
On the design front, the costumes are impeccable. Joy’s wardrobe evolution—from tattered village wrappers to the sleek, white chef's uniform and sophisticated Lagos gowns—is a visual shorthand for her growth. The set design of the Lagos apartment is aspirational "gold and marble", which effectively contrasts with the modest village hut, emphasizing the social climb.
The Verdict: A Meal Worth Serving
Joy Is Coming is a testament to the enduring power of the Nollywood narrative. It’s a film that understands its audience—it gives them the drama they crave, the "shakara" they enjoy, and the moral resolution they expect. While it occasionally trips over its own pacing and relies on convenient coincidences, the core performances and the modern "Chef" twist make it a standout in this year’s lineup.
It is a story that tells every Nigerian: your past doesn't have to define your future, but you must be brave enough to face the bridges you burned to get there.
Who should watch this? If you love a good redemption story, if you’re a fan of culinary dramas, or if you simply want to see Queen Enebechi at the top of her game, this is for you. It’s a perfect Sunday evening watch for the whole family.
SUMMARY
Story: 8/10
Acting: 9/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Sound/Music: 7/10
Cultural Impact: 8/10
Overall Score: 7.8/10
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