Power (ASE) Movie Review: Wumi Toriola and Mr. Latin Shine in a Masterclass of Yoruba Family Drama
Introduction: When “Ase” Becomes a Weapon
In Yoruba culture, “ase” is more than a word; it is spoken power, authority, the spiritual seal that makes words and decisions manifest. In POWER (ASE), now streaming on Okiki Tv+, that sacred concept is dragged into the messy arena of family, ego, betrayal and survival. Across its 2 hours and 34 minutes, the film stages a relentless tussle over who truly controls the home, the money, and the narrative – the husband, the wife, the extended family, or unseen spiritual forces. With Wumi Toriola, Wunmi Ajiboye, Peju Ogunmola, Bolaji Amusan and Kolawole Ajeyemi at the centre, POWER (ASE) positions itself as a full-length Yoruba drama that blends domestic conflict, emotional breakdowns and hints of the supernatural into a slow-burning, tension-filled family saga.
The 2026 Yoruba cinematic landscape has just been hit with a tidal wave of emotion, spiritual tension, and domestic warfare. "POWER (ASE)", is not just a movie; it is an exploration of the thin line between maternal love and toxic control. This film dives deep into the heart of a home divided.
But does it live up to the hype? Let’s peel back the layers of this intense drama.
Narrative Architecture: A House Built on Shifting Sand
At its core, POWER (ASE) is a study of influence—specifically, who holds the "Ase" (the authority) within the domestic sphere. The plot doesn't just meander; it builds a slow-burn tension that mirrors the real-life complexities of Nigerian family dynamics.
The narrative focuses on a young couple trying to navigate the treacherous waters of an overbearing mother-in-law. This isn't your "typical" Nollywood trope, however. The script cleverly weaves the concept of Ase (the power of the word/command) into the dialogue. When the mother speaks, it isn't just a suggestion—it is a decree that threatens to dismantle her daughter’s happiness.
The Breakdown of the Domestic Front
Around the [00:11:16] mark, we see one of the most pivotal scenes in the first act. The daughter, exhausted by the constant friction, finally confronts her mother, pleading with her to "leave my husband alone." This scene sets the architectural foundation for the rest of the film. It establishes that the "Power" mentioned in the title isn't just a spiritual force, but a psychological one.
Performance Analysis: Wumi Toriola’s Emotional Tour de Force
If there was ever a doubt that Wumi Toriola is one of the most versatile actresses of her generation, POWER (ASE) puts those doubts to rest.
• Wumi Toriola: She carries the emotional burden of the film. Her ability to transition from a dutiful daughter to a woman pushed to the brink of insanity is breathtaking. You feel her suffocating under the weight of her mother’s expectations.
• Peju Ogunmola: Playing the matriarch, Ogunmola delivers a performance that is chillingly realistic. She doesn't play a "villain" in the cartoonish sense; she plays a woman who genuinely believes her interference is a form of protection.
• Bolaji Amusan (Mr. Latin): Known primarily for comedy, Amusan reminds us here that he has incredible dramatic range. His presence provides the necessary groundedness that the high-stakes drama requires.
Thematic Depth: The Weight of "Ase"
In Yoruba culture, Ase is the power to make things happen. The film brilliantly explores how this power is misused in modern family life.
Traditional Authority vs. Modern Independence
The movie asks a difficult question: Does a parent’s authority ever truly end? Through intense dialogue and spiritual undertones, POWER (ASE) suggests that when the "Power" of the tongue is used to curse rather than bless, the entire family structure collapses. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of tradition and the need for boundaries in a marriage.
Pacing and Stakes: The Deadly Race Against Time
While the first half of the film is a psychological drama, the second half shifts gears into a high-stakes thriller.
The pacing hits a fever pitch during the climax. At [02:29:11], the narrative takes a dark turn with the revelation of a poisoning. A doctor informs the characters that they have a mere seven days to reverse the effects of a liquid poison (suspected to be in wine or water).
This transition could have felt disjointed in the hands of a lesser director, but here it feels earned. The "poison" is a physical manifestation of the toxicity that has been brewing in the household for the past two hours. The stakes are no longer just the survival of a marriage, but the survival of life itself.
Technical Merit and Direction
Visually, the film captures the intimacy of the Nigerian home. The camera work is often tight and claustrophobic during arguments, making the viewer feel trapped in the room with the characters.
• Soundtrack: The music is used effectively to punctuate the moments of spiritual tension, though at times it leans a bit heavy on the melodrama.
• Editing: With a runtime of over 150 minutes, the film is a commitment. However, the scene-by-scene breakdown shows that every confrontation serves a purpose in building toward the final medical emergency at [02:30:32].
Scene-by-Scene Analysis: Three Key Moments
1. The Confrontation: The "I'm tired of this" speech. This is the heart of the movie, where the daughter chooses her husband over her mother's manipulation.
2. The Spiritual Stand-off: A moment where external spiritual authorities (pastors/apostles) are brought in, highlighting how Nigerian families often outsource their private conflicts to religious leaders.
3. The Diagnosis: The chilling moment the doctor says, "After 7 days, you are gone." This shifts the movie from a family drama into a "ticking clock" thriller.
The Verdict: Is "POWER (ASE)" Worth Your Time?
POWER (ASE) is a heavyweight entry into the 2026 Yoruba film catalog. While its length might be daunting for some, the performances—particularly by Wumi Toriola—make it a must-watch. It successfully balances the loud, expressive nature of Yoruba drama with quiet, haunting moments of psychological realism.
Rating: 8.5/10
Who Should Watch This?
• Fans of high-stakes family dramas.
• Viewers who appreciate the cultural nuances of Yoruba traditions.
• Anyone who loves a "ticking clock" thriller with a supernatural or conspiratorial edge.
Don't wait for the spoilers to hit social media—go watch the full story of betrayal and redemption right now!
Watch POWER (ASE) now on YouTube
What do you think of the mother’s actions in the film? Was she a protector or a predator? Let us know in the comments below!
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