 |
| Image: Facebook |
Nollywood has long been known for its rich storytelling rooted in African culture, often blending elements of witchcraft, folklore, and supernatural intrigue. With Alive Till Dawn, director Sulaiman Omotola Ogegbe attempts something different: a zombie horror movie set in a modern Nigerian city. Starring Chisom Agoawuike, Micheal Dappa, Sani Muazu, Shine Rosman, and Uzor Arukwe, the film seeks to offer an African take on a genre dominated by Hollywood and Asian cinema. While the ambition is notable, the final product is uneven, leaving viewers torn between admiration for its concept and frustration with its execution.
Plot Overview: Survival Against the Odds
The movie is set during a sudden zombie outbreak that throws a city into chaos. A police officer, an ex-convict, and a stranded young woman must navigate their way through abandoned buildings and deserted streets, working together to survive until dawn. The film focuses on their struggle to trust one another while fending off the relentless zombies, testing their courage and instincts.
Unfortunately, despite this promising setup, the story often loses focus. Instead of exploring the broader chaos and fear that a zombie invasion would naturally create, the narrative revolves heavily around Alex, played by Shine Rosman, the daughter of the police officer. Her personal drama takes precedence over the survival narrative, diluting the tension and making the story feel less like a horror film and more like a personal melodrama.
A Missed Opportunity for Genuine Horror
Zombies are a globally recognized element of horror, but the undead in Alive Till Dawn lack the menace and speed needed to create real suspense. Compared to international titles like World War Z or South Korea’s All of Us Are Dead, these creatures appear slow and unthreatening, reminiscent of zombie films from decades past. The horror sequences rarely escalate, leaving the audience with moments of mild tension rather than true fear.
This is where Nollywood’s strength could have been leveraged. Traditional Nigerian horror thrives on stories of witchcraft, spirits, and mysterious cults. Films like Koto Aiye captivated audiences in the 1990s and early 2000s, often lingering in memory long after the credits rolled. By attempting a Western-style zombie story, the filmmakers missed an opportunity to create something uniquely terrifying and culturally resonant. African audiences—and even international viewers unfamiliar with the culture—might find these supernatural themes far more compelling than slow-moving zombies.
Visuals and Technical Efforts
Despite the narrative flaws, the film succeeds in certain visual aspects. Scenes featuring empty streets, abandoned cars, and chaotic urban environments effectively convey a city in crisis. Particular attention is drawn to a polluted water scene, which stands out for its grim realism. Aerial shots of helicopters hovering above smoke-filled skies add a cinematic quality that is rarely seen in typical Nollywood productions. While some of the fire and smoke effects are digital, the sequences still show ambition and an understanding of cinematic spectacle.
However, the film’s technical limitations are apparent. The CGI lacks the polish required to fully immerse viewers in the story. This highlights a broader challenge for Nollywood: venturing into visually ambitious genres without the resources needed for high-quality execution. It’s a reminder that creativity must be matched with the means to realize it convincingly.
Atmosphere and Colour Grading
The filmmakers made a conscious effort to create a dark, foreboding atmosphere through colour grading. Shadow-heavy scenes, muted tones, and low-light sequences contribute to a mood that aligns with horror. While the grading does not fully achieve the chilling effect intended, it represents progress in Nollywood’s visual storytelling. Compared to films that rely on bright, flat lighting, this attempt at mood-setting shows an awareness of how visuals can enhance the narrative.
Verdict: Ambition Without Full Execution
Alive Till Dawn is a bold experiment, demonstrating that Nollywood is willing to explore genres outside its traditional comfort zone. Its premise is interesting, and the visual sequences show flashes of creativity and technical skill. Yet the film falls short of delivering a truly gripping horror experience, hampered by a narrow narrative focus, slow-moving zombies, and technical limitations.
For viewers seeking chills and suspense, the movie may disappoint. But for those curious about Nollywood’s attempts at genre expansion, it is worth watching. Alive Till Dawn earns points for daring to try something unconventional, even if it does not fully succeed.
Rating: 6/10
The film’s strength lies in ambition and experimentation, but there remains a gap between concept and execution. For Nollywood to truly make a mark in horror, future films should balance cultural authenticity with technical finesse, ensuring scares that are both unique and effective.
Watch trailer…
#NollywoodHorror #AliveTillDawn #ZombieMoviesNigeria
No comments:
Post a Comment