Sacrifice or Survival? "She’s Still Mine" Review: Maurice Sam and Sonia Uche’s
By NollywoodTimes Expert Critic - Published Jan 21, 2026
When Daddy's Love Meets Loan Shark Terror
Picture this: A midnight phone call echoes with desperation—"I will not fail you, sir"—as a father stares down a ruthless loan shark demanding 5 million naira plus 1.5 million interest. That's the pulse-pounding opener of She's Still Mine, True Nolly TV's scorching 2026 release dropped just three days ago on January 18. Clocking in at 1 hour 39 minutes, this Nollywood gem starring Maurice Sam, Sonia Uche, and Nosa Rex has Naija Twitter and TikTok on fire with debates on japa dreams gone wrong.
Wahala no dey finish in this economy! With rice prices skyrocketing and hustlers grinding double shifts at bars for pennies, the film hits harder than a Lagos traffic jam. Is parental love worth risking everything? Maurice Sam's teary-eyed sacrifice, Sonia Uche's fierce daughter vibes, and Nosa Rex's chilling menace make this a tearjerker-thriller hybrid. No major spoilers here, but if you're chasing japa vibes like She Is Mine or 2025's debt dramas, hit play NOW. Over 10K views already—will it hit 1M? Let's dive deep! #ShesStillMineReview #Nollywood2026 #JapaScamMovie
The year 2026 has already delivered a cinematic heavyweight. "She’s Still Mine," the latest exclusive release from True Nolly, is not just another "rich man, poor girl" story. It is a haunting, neon-lit exploration of the lengths a daughter will go to save her father, the predatory nature of the "Canada Dream," and the suffocating price of safety.
In this movie review, we break down why this Maurice Sam, Sonia Uche, and Nosa Rex collaboration is trending across the continent.
The Plot: A Japa Dream Turned Debt Trap
The film opens with a relatable, high-stakes nightmare. Mr. Anjoku (played with agonizing vulnerability) wants the best for his daughter, Chama (Sonia Uche). In Nigeria’s current economic climate, "the best" usually means one thing: Canada.
However, the path to the West is paved with wolves. To fund Chama's visa, Mr. Anjoku borrows 5 million naira from a ruthless loan shark. When the "travel agents" disappear overnight—a scene that captures the visceral panic of every Nigerian who has ever been scammed—the debt remains. The film’s first act is a masterclass in tension, as the loan shark’s threats transition from verbal to physical, culminating in a brutal assault on Mr. Anjoku.
Chama is forced into a corner. She isn’t just choosing a husband; she is choosing a lifeline for her dying father.
Character Analysis: The Three Pillars of the Film
1. Chama (Sonia Uche): The Martyr in a Gilded Cage
Sonia Uche delivers a career-defining performance here. She avoids the trope of the "weeping victim." Instead, she plays Chama with a quiet, steely resolve. You see the light leave her eyes the moment she realizes she must marry Otter to pay the debt. Her transformation from a hopeful girl with dreams of the Great North to a "trophy wife" in a silent mansion is subtle and heartbreaking.
2. Otter (Maurice Sam): The Savior with a Shadow
Maurice Sam is often cast as the "Prince Charming," but in ‘She’s Still Mine’, there is an underlying edge to his character. Otter is a wealthy widower who presents himself as a gentleman. However, the film brilliantly explores his "benevolent patriarchy." He pays the 10 million naira debt—saving the father—but in return, he expects total possession of the daughter. His outburst when Chama tries to see her friends is a chilling reminder that in this world, everything has a price.
3. The Disruptor (Nosa Rex): The Ghost of Freedom
Nosa Rex enters the fray as a symbol of what Chama actually wants: a connection based on chemistry rather than a transaction. His scenes provide the film’s much-needed kinetic energy, acting as the "what if" that haunts Chama’s marriage.
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Thematic Breakdown: The "Canada Dream" as a Villain
The true antagonist of *She’s Still Mine* isn’t the loan shark—it’s the desperation of the "Japa syndrome." The film critiques a society where the middle class feels so trapped that they will risk their life savings and their children's freedom for a visa.
The scene where Chama and her father stand outside the abandoned agency office is a powerful visual metaphor for a generation left behind by empty promises. The film asks: *Is a life abroad worth a life of servitude at home?
Scene-by-Scene Breakdown: Moments that Defined the Film
The Office Confrontation
When Mr. Anjoku realizes the travel agents have moved out, the camerawork shifts to a handheld, shaky style. We feel his vertigo. Chama’s reaction isn't just sadness; it’s a calculation. You can see her brain working, realizing that the loan shark is coming, and they have nothing.
The 10 Million Naira Alert
The moment Chama receives the credit alert from Otter is framed not as a triumph, but as a funeral. While her friends celebrate the "jackpot," the camera lingers on Chama’s face. She knows that every zero in that 10 million is a bar in the cage she is about to enter.
The Slap and the Power Shift
The confrontation between Otter and the "mysterious stranger" (Nosa Rex) is the film's climax of ego. Otter’s physical reaction—a slap—shatters the illusion of his "kind gentleman" persona. It reveals the insecurity of a man who knows he bought his wife's presence but hasn't earned her heart.
Technical Review: Cinematography and Sound
The lighting in Otter’s mansion is intentionally cold and blue, contrasting with the warm, chaotic, and vibrant colors of Chama’s life before the marriage. This visual storytelling reinforces the theme of isolation. The soundtrack, particularly the "Midnight Calls" theme, underscores the late-night regret and the psychological toll of her decision.
Feature,Analysis
Acting,"Pro: Sonia Uche and Maurice Sam have incredible, albeit tense, chemistry."
Pacing,"Con: The second act slows down significantly during the ""domestic bliss"" scenes."
Themes,Pro: A timely and accurate critique of the Nigerian travel crisis.
Ending,Neutral: Bittersweet; it avoids a fairytale ending in favor of realism.
The Verdict: Is It Worth Your Time?
She’s Still Mine is a rare Nollywood drama that balances high-stakes entertainment with deep social commentary. It doesn't give us easy answers. By the end, we are left wondering if Chama is truly "saved" or if she has simply traded one debt for another.
If you are a fan of character-driven dramas that reflect the real-world struggles of 2026, this is a must-watch. It’s emotional, beautifully shot, and features some of the best acting you’ll see this year.
Quality Score: ………………………. 8.5/10
Call-to-Watch
Don't wait for the clips to spoil the ending on TikTok. Head over to the TRUE NOLLY YouTube channel and watch the full movie now. Witness the sacrifice for yourself and join the conversation in the comments—was Chama right to marry for money to save her father?
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