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Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
The New Face of Nollywood Drama
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when Nollywood moves away from the "village square" tropes and leans into the high-stakes, glossy, urban drama of modern Lagos. "What Makes Us" is a film that sits comfortably in this space—a sprawling narrative of sibling rivalry, the toxic allure of social media fame, and the fragile line between professional ambition and personal loyalty.
As a reviewer who has watched the industry evolve from the VCD era to the crisp 4K era of streaming, I approached this film with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Does it offer something new, or is it just another "rich girl, poor girl" story wrapped in better lighting? What I found was a surprisingly layered exploration of what happens when the people who are supposed to protect us become our greatest antagonists.
Cinematography: Lighting the Path of Ambition
One of the first things that strikes you about What Makes Us is the visual upgrade. The director clearly understood that in a story about high-flying businesswomen like Winnie Fred, the environment must speak as loudly as the dialogue.
Shot Variety and Framing: The film makes excellent use of medium-close shots during the tense boardroom and office confrontations. When Winnie Fred is berating her staff or her sister, the camera lingers on her expressions, capturing every flicker of disdain. It’s a "TV-style" approach but polished to a cinematic sheen.
Color Grading: There is a distinct warmth to the interior scenes—golds and deep browns—that suggests wealth and stability, which contrasts sharply with the cooler, more frantic tones used during the viral video segments and the fallout of the defamation suit.
The "Lagos Gloss": While the film occasionally falls into the trap of over-lighting (making some night scenes feel a bit too artificial), the overall visual mood succeeds in making the world feel aspirational yet grounded.
Sound Design & The Pulse of the City
Sound is often where Nollywood films stumble, but What Makes Us handles its audio landscape with commendable care.
Dialogue Clarity: Thankfully, the days of "hissing" audio are gone here. The dialogue is crisp, allowing the nuances of the actors' Pidgin and English code-switching to shine.
Music Cues: The soundtrack is used effectively to heighten the emotional stakes. During the climax—the public apology—the music swells just enough to tug at the heartstrings without becoming melodramatic. However, there are moments where the background score is a tad too insistent during dialogue-heavy scenes, occasionally competing with the actors for the viewer's attention.
Narrative Structure: A Tale of Two Sisters
The heart of the film lies in the dichotomy between Winnie Fred (the powerhouse) and Alicia (the struggling sister). The narrative structure follows a classic "rise and fall" arc, but with a Nigerian twist.
The Hook: The Price of Disrespect
The film opens by establishing the power dynamics. Winnie Fred isn't just a boss; she’s a force of nature. The introduction of Clara—working under her sister's shadow—sets a relatable tone for anyone who has ever felt undervalued by family. The pacing in the first act is brisk, establishing the Mark-Alicia-Winnie love triangle early enough to keep the audience hooked.
The Mid-Point: The Social Media Weapon
The most culturally relevant part of the film is the use of the "viral video." In an era where "cancel culture" and Instagram call-outs are a daily reality in Nigeria, Alicia’s decision to accuse Winnie of using "charms" (juju) to get ahead is a masterstroke of relatable writing. It taps into the uniquely Nigerian intersection of modern technology and traditional superstition.
The Resolution: A Lesson in Accountability
Unlike many Nollywood films that end with a sudden spiritual intervention or a deus ex machina, What Makes Us takes a legal route. The defamation suit serves as a grounding force, reminding the audience that actions—especially online—have real-world consequences.
Character Analysis: Powerhouses and Parasites
Winnie Fred: The 'Iron Lady' with a Heart?
Winnie Fred is the standout. Her character could have easily been a one-dimensional villain, but the performance gives us glimpses of a woman who has built a wall around herself to survive in a male-dominated business world. Her ruthlessness toward Clara is hard to watch, but it makes her eventual softening feel earned rather than forced.
Alicia: The Relatable Antagonist
Alicia represents a specific type of modern desperation. Her attachment to Mark, a man who clearly views her as an ATM, is frustrating but deeply human. Her transition from a victim of love to a vengeful sister is handled with enough nuance that you almost—almost—root for her before she goes too far.
Henry and Clara: The Moral Compass
The romance between Henry and Clara serves as the film's "breather." Their chemistry is organic, and Henry’s willingness to stand up to Winnie provides some of the film’s most satisfying moments. Henry represents the "new" Nigerian man—supportive, artistic, and unafraid to challenge toxic family structures.
Cultural Relevance: The Nigerian Reality
The film shines in its commentary on:
Family vs. Business: Can you truly be a boss to your siblings? The film suggests that without clear boundaries, blood only muddies the water.
The Hustle Culture: Mark’s character is a stinging critique of the "gigolo" lifestyle—men who prey on hardworking women to fund their own lack of ambition.
The Power of Rumor: By bringing "charms" into the defamation plot, the film acknowledges how easily a reputation in Nigeria can be destroyed by leaning into ancient fears.
The Critique: Where it Falters
No film is perfect, and What Makes Us has its share of "Nollywoodisms."
Plot Gaps: Some of Mark’s motivations remain a bit murky. Is he a sociopath, or just incredibly lazy? A bit more depth into his background might have explained why two intelligent women were falling over themselves for him.
The Ending: While the reconciliation is heartwarming, it feels slightly rushed. After nearly two hours of intense legal and personal warfare, the pivot to "all is forgiven" happens in a matter of minutes. A longer denouement would have allowed the emotional weight of the apology to settle.
Production Design: Style as Substance
The wardrobe choices in this film deserve their own applause. Winnie Fred’s power suits are sharp, imposing, and perfectly tailored, contrasting beautifully with Clara’s more functional, "working-class" attire. The office sets look like actual Lagos corporate spaces—minimalist and cold—which mirrors Winnie’s personality at the start of the film.
The Verdict: Is it Worth Your Data?
"What Makes Us" is a sophisticated entry into the modern Nollywood catalog. It moves beyond the simple "good vs. evil" trope to explore the grey areas of human ambition. It asks a difficult question: If your family is the one holding you back, do you cut them off or drag them up with you?
The performances are solid, the production value is high, and the story is local enough to feel authentic but polished enough to appeal to the diaspora. It is a cautionary tale for the social media age and a love letter to the complexity of Nigerian family dynamics.
Who should watch this?
Fans of high-stakes corporate drama.
Anyone who has ever had a "complicated" relationship with a sibling.
Viewers who enjoy seeing modern Lagos life depicted with style and grit.
My Thoughts
Nollywood is growing up, and What Makes Us is proof. It doesn't rely on cheap laughs or over-the-top screaming matches. Instead, it builds tension through character and consequence. It’s a film that respects the audience's intelligence while delivering the "gbas gbos" we all secretly crave.
Watch it for the drama, stay for the lessons.
Call-to-Action: Have you seen What Makes Us yet? Did you think Winnie Fred was too harsh, or was Alicia’s betrayal unforgivable? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! If you haven't watched it, head over to YouTube and catch the full movie—you won't regret the data spent on this one.
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