With Love, Hazel Review: Does This Nollywood Redemption Story Actually Deliver?
Hey Nollywood lovers, if you're craving a fresh dose of Lagos hustle, family wahala, and that slow-burn workplace romance that keeps you glued to your screen, With Love, Hazel (2026) delivers it all in spades. This 1-hour-37-minute gem from Bolaji Ogunmola TV, dropped on January 16, 2026, stars heartthrob Deyemi Okanlawon as the brooding boss, alongside Teniola Aladeshe, Bolaji Okanmola himself, Osarehia Oronsaye, Michael Ejoor, Ezinne Ugorji, and Imotunde Adeyemo.
Written by the sharp Anwuri Ijenebe, it's rating a solid 8.7/10 – proper Naija vibes with empowerment arcs, laugh-out-loud mix-ups, and enough emotional depth to rival your favorite Nollywood romances. Stream it now on YouTube and thank me later!
Nollywood has a long-standing love affair with the "bad
girl turned good" trope, but rarely do we see it handled with the
psychological nuance found in With Love, Hazel. Directed with a keen eye
for emotional stakes, this is more than just a workplace romance. It is a
gritty, sometimes uncomfortable exploration of how our past mistakes can haunt
our pursuit of a better future.
In this review, we’re breaking down why With Love, Hazel
is trending, whether the "redemption" is truly earned, and if the
chemistry between the leads is enough to carry the weight of its heavy themes.
The Plot: A Masterclass in the "Redemption"
Trope
The story centers on Hazel Balo (Ogunmola), a
brilliant but ethically compromised business strategist. When we meet Hazel,
she isn’t the typical "damsel in distress." She is a woman who has
burned every professional bridge in Lagos. Her reputation is in tatters, not
because of a lack of skill, but because of a lack of integrity.
The inciting incident—her roommate Sami’s ultimatum—forces
Hazel into the orbit of Omari Bori (Okanlawon), the stoic, grieving
widower and new CEO of Charm Services. What follows is a slow-burn narrative
that shifts from a "fake it till you make it" office comedy into a
high-stakes emotional drama.
Character Deep Dive: The Anatomy of Hazel and Omari
Hazel Balo: The Strategist in Hiding
Bolaji Ogunmola delivers a career-defining performance here.
In the first act, Hazel is almost unlikable. She attempts to manipulate Omari
using her sexuality, dressing inappropriately and leaning into the "party
girl" persona she uses as armor.
However, the beauty of the script lies in the transition. We
see Hazel’s internal shift not when she falls for the boss, but when she
connects with his work and his daughter. Her redemption isn't just about
finding a man; it’s about rediscovering the "qualified strategist"
she buried under years of bad decisions.
Omari Bori: The Grieving Architect
Deyemi Okanlawon plays Omari with a restrained intensity. He
represents the "Protective Father" archetype, but with a layer of
vulnerability. His grief for his late wife isn't just a plot point; it’s his
primary motivation. Every decision he makes—from hiring Hazel to eventually
firing her—is filtered through the lens of: "Is this safe for my
daughter?"
Scene-by-Scene Breakdown: The Turning Points
1. The Office Entrance (Act 1)
The early scenes at Charm Services establish the power
dynamic. Hazel’s attempt to "charm" her way through the PA role is
met with Omari’s icy professionalism. This creates a fantastic friction that
keeps the audience engaged. The writing here highlights the cultural
expectations of office decorum in Nigeria, making Hazel’s
"unprofessional" behavior feel genuinely risky.
2. The Sariah Connection (Act 2)
The film finds its heart in the scenes between Hazel and
Omari’s daughter, Sariah. Sariah is the film's moral compass. When Hazel
helps Sariah navigate her grief, we see the first cracks in Hazel’s hardened
exterior. This isn't just a plot device to get Omari’s attention; it’s the
moment Hazel realizes she is capable of being a positive influence.
3. The Wedding Altar Reveal (The Climax)
The tension peaks when Omari’s friend, Alex, enters the
frame. The revelation that Hazel left Alex at the altar after multiple
infidelities is the "bomb" the story needed. It forces the audience
to ask: Can a person truly outrun a history of betrayal? The
confrontation scene is raw, with Okanlawon’s silent disappointment hitting
harder than any shouted argument
Thematic Analysis: Accountability vs. Reputation
With Love, Hazel tackles a difficult question: Does
an apology erase the debt of the past?
The film argues that while reputation is what others think
of you, integrity is what you do when the world is watching. Hazel’s journey to
seek out Alex and offer a sincere, non-manipulative apology is the most
important part of her arc. It proves that her change isn't a performance for
Omari—it’s a personal evolution.
Technical Merits: Direction and Cinematography
The visual language of the film shifts as Hazel changes.
- Early
Scenes: Bright, high-contrast, and chaotic, reflecting Hazel’s
"party girl" facade.
- Late
Scenes: Softer, warmer lighting, especially during the intimate
moments at Omari’s home, signaling a sense of belonging and peace.
The chemistry between Ogunmola and Okanlawon is electric.
They master the "unspoken word," using glances and body language to
convey a longing that the dialogue (which is occasionally a bit on the nose)
doesn't always capture.
Critical Verdict: Is it a Must-Watch?
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Exceptional Acting: Ogunmola and Okanlawon are a
powerhouse duo. |
Pacing Issues: The middle of the second act drags
slightly. |
|
Realistic Stakes: The conflict isn't just
"misunderstanding"; it's based on real character flaws. |
Dialogue: Some of the "business speak"
feels a bit scripted and stiff. |
|
Strong Supporting Cast: Sariah and Sami are fully
realized characters. |
Predictable Ending: While satisfying, it follows
the genre beats closely. |
Quality Score: 8.5/10
Conclusion: Why You Should Stream This Tonight
With Love, Hazel succeeds because it doesn't let its
protagonist off the hook easily. It demands that she face her past before she
can claim her future. It’s a sophisticated Nollywood drama that balances the
"rom" and the "com" with a heavy dose of reality.
If you’re looking for a film that offers more than just a
"happily ever after"—one that explores the messy, painful process of
becoming a better person—this is it.
Ready to see Hazel’s transformation for yourself? Watch "WITH LOVE,
HAZEL" on YouTube now!
#NollywoodTimes
#WithLoveHazel
#DeyemiOkanlawon
#NollywoodRomance2026
#BolajiOgunmolaMovies
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