Producer: Eniola Adeoluwa
Streaming platform: YouTube
Director: Orire Nweni
Cast: Angel Unigwe, Eni Adeoluwa, Jemima Osunde, Tobe Ugeh, John Merry, Eronini Osinachim, Nimiee Ogunjebgbe, Jerry Chuks, Tomi Ojo, Priscilla Ojo
In March, Eniola Adeoluwa, known as Lipgloss Boy, announced his debut film, All of Us. The 25-year-old admitted that he felt “scared, insecure and afraid” but decided to pursue filmmaking.
Premiering on August 30, All of Us is a Nigerian high school drama series that explores the lives of ten high school students whose experiences change drastically due to a single lie.
The four-episode series addresses themes such as friendship, sexual assault and the challenges of adolescence.
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Despite being a debut production, the show features a mix of seasoned actors including Chioma Akpota, Shaffy Bello, Iyabo Ojo, Kate Henshaw and emerging talents such as Priscilla Ojo and Jemima Osunde. Directed by Orire Nwani and written by Emmanuel Mannie Oiseomaye, All of Us aims to connect with young Nigerian viewers by tackling important social issues while maintaining a captivating narrative.
Plot
The story revolves around ten students whose lives are turned upside down by a single lie. This adds suspense and depth to the narrative, making it more than just a typical teen drama, as a group of high school students throw a party that ends with the death of a teacher, upending their social lives as they try to keep the incident a secret. This complexity reflects the high-stakes dynamics often seen in young adult series like “Blood and Water” and “Elite,” adding a layer of intrigue to its local relevance here in Nigeria.
All of Us begins with the introduction of Isaac, an obnoxious know-it-all and school snitch, who is vying for the position of City View College's head boy. The story is set at the beginning of a new school year, where Ahmad, a wealthy classmate, plans a resumption party at his parents' mansion. Layla, another central character, is romantically involved with her teacher, Marcus, and though she initially refuses to attend the party, she eventually shows up. Shortly after her arrival, Marcus is found dead, marking the beginning of the series' central mystery.
Following the discovery of Marcus' body, Layla and the rest of the students conspire to hide his phone, which contains incriminating evidence about their relationship. Layla hides the phone in the library, but Ahmad later finds it. As the police investigate the incident, they unravel Marcus' connection to the students, particularly his relationship with Layla.
Isaac, the self-proclaimed snitch, unravels the events of the night of Marcus' death. The students eventually confess to him about the cover-up. Meanwhile, Elijah, a classmate juggling his football dreams and the investigation, faces pressure as the police get closer to the truth. Isaac accuses Chinasa, a new student, of being involved in Marcus' death based on her suspicious behavior.
Character analysis
The cast includes a mix of talented Nollywood actors and popular online influencers.
Isaac (Enu Adeoluwa) – The school snitch
Isaac is portrayed as an intelligent but obnoxious student with an exaggerated sense of self-importance. His role as the “snitch” places him at the center of school gossip and petty disputes. However, his supposed intelligence and reputation as a snitch seem exaggerated, as the plot frequently shows him being on the sidelines and uninformed about important events. His arrogance and disinterest are a source of comic relief in the series, while his eventual realization of the truth hints at the moral consequences of withholding information.
Elijah (Eronini Osinachi) – The preacher's son
Elijah is a central figure who balances his dual identity: the son of a strict preacher and captain of the school's football team. His moral conflict drives much of the story. Elijah's participation in the party, his relationships, and the resulting cover-up challenge his ethical boundaries. The scout's invitation to football adds another layer of pressure as he deals with his father's disapproval and the ongoing investigation.
Layla (Tomi Ojo) – The professor’s girlfriend
Layla is a complex character in the series. She is portrayed as someone who is in a forbidden relationship with her teacher, Marcus. Her story becomes intertwined with the investigation when she takes Marcus' phone to hide evidence of their affair, inadvertently becoming a key piece of the cover-up. Layla's complicated emotional state, stemming from her relationships and her guilt, adds tension to the plot as her actions increase the stakes for herself and her classmates.
Chinasa (Angel Unigwe) – The new mysterious girl
Chinasa's character is one of suspense. She is portrayed as a suspicious and reserved student who arouses suspicion among her classmates. Her quiet demeanor and vague details about her past make her the prime suspect when the investigation unfolds. Chinasa's presence in the room where Marcus's body is found further complicates her role, positioning her as a central figure in the murder mystery.
Ahmad (Tobe Ugeh) – The wealthy party host
Ahmad's wealthy background is emphasized, and he is seen hosting the party that leads to Marcus's death. His character represents privilege and entitlement, and his actions are sometimes illogical, such as taking Layla's phone under the pretense of “helping.” Ahmad's involvement in the plot highlights the confusion and poor decision-making that complicates cover-up efforts.
Victoria (Ifeoluwanimi Ogunjebe): Isaac's friend and accomplice
Victory is part of the conspiracy and a close friend of Isaac's. She helps cover up the incident at the party and is indirectly responsible for some of the critical events that drive the investigation. Her involvement deepens the tension as her actions (such as hiding incriminating photos of Marcus) complicate efforts to evade the police.
Marcus (Saga Deolu) – The NYSC teacher
Marcus is central to the mystery, as his death catalyzes the plot. His inappropriate romantic relationship with Layla is a crucial subplot that becomes central to the investigation. Marcus is portrayed as a flawed character whose decisions affect his own life and drag his students into a dangerous web of lies and deceit.
Analysis of the film
The concept of All of Us stands out as a fresh and engaging take on the high school drama genre in Nigerian cinema. At its core, the show delves into the complexities of teenage relationships, marked by moments of friendship, betrayal, suspense, and the emotional turmoil that accompanies growing up.
The series’ willingness to address these issues from the perspective of high school students offers a nuanced reflection of the pressures and dangers facing young people in Nigerian society today. Adeoluwa’s approach is to entertain and encourage dialogue around these critical issues, which is commendable. This type of storytelling brings educational value to entertainment, encouraging young viewers to reflect on these sensitive issues in their own lives.
The show’s cast is another strong point. Featuring leading Nollywood stars like Kate Henshaw and Iyabo Ojo alongside younger actors like Jemima Osunde and Priscilla Ojo, the series combines experience with youthful energy. This mix enhances the quality of acting and creates a bridge between older and younger audiences, making for a more inclusive viewing experience. By casting well-known actors, the show adds credibility and appeals to fans of these Nollywood veterans, while also giving a platform to newer talent.
However, the series runs the risk of falling into the trap of overused school drama tropes such as love triangles, peer pressure, and misunderstandings, which can feel predictably repetitive. While the concept of a single lie unravelling the characters' lives is enthralling, the show needs to work to differentiate itself from other series in this genre by offering unexpected twists and deeper character development.
Critical defects
All of Us suffers from several critical flaws, which are understandable for a debut production. One of the main problems is its predictable plot. While the central plot, which revolves around a group of students affected by a lie, is engaging, it follows the well-trodden paths of teen dramas. The lack of innovative twists makes the narrative feel somewhat formulaic.
Another major flaw is the lack of depth in character development. Many of them fall into stereotypical roles typical of high school dramas, making it difficult for audiences to make meaningful connections. As for production quality, while the video is commendable for a first-time producer, the cinematography and direction leave room for improvement. The editing feels rushed, with major inconsistencies in color grading, especially when certain scenes seem to have been skipped entirely. Additionally, the overwhelming red tones at intervals in the color grading give the show a dated, YouTube feel that detracts from the viewing experience.
The predictable plot points reveal too much early on, making it easy to predict who is responsible for Marcus' death. Despite these issues, however, the show maintains enough intrigue to keep viewers curious about how the mystery will play out. The series is riddled with inconsistencies, starting with its failure to maintain a consistent name for the school, which switches between “City View College,” “City View High,” and “high school.” Layla's storyline involving her relationship with Marcus features several plot holes, such as the unexplained reason for Marcus' attendance at the party and the unrealistic way in which the students dispose of his body without anyone noticing.
In short, All Of Us suffers from editing issues, unconvincing (as in, clumsy) performances, and lacks subtlety in the script. Still, the premise has enough potential to keep audiences interested in how the show resolves its mounting plot complications. While the series is a YouTube production on a shoestring budget, it could have benefited from a more concise narrative and more attention to technical details.
Despite these flaws, it is essential to acknowledge that these shortcomings are permissible because this is a debut production. The producer displays ambition and a clear vision, which overshadows technical and narrative issues. With time and experience, the production team has the potential to hone their craft, creating more cohesive and engaging stories in the future. All of Us offers a promising start for Adeoluwa as a producer, tackling entertaining and socially relevant themes.
We rate 'All of Us' 6.5/10.