Movie Title: A Matter of Choice
Director: Vincent De Anointed
Cast: Mercy Johnson, Liz Benson, Gift Famous, Mike Godson, Ifeanyi Oleka and child actors Henry and Angel Johnson.
Marital crisis has become a recurring theme in most Nollywood movies. Despite its frequent use, it continues to captivate audiences and remains in the news.
But while this overused theme and Nollywood seem to remain a couple in the same capsule, Mercy Johnson announced the return of Nollywood veteran Liz Benson in her new movie, which premiered on her YouTube channel.
Benson's return attracted a lot of attention and the film racked up more than a million views in less than three weeks.
Benson hasn't lost her touch and gives a captivating performance that breathes new life into the familiar story.
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The film opens with Treasure (played by Mercy Johnson) facing a marital crisis, as her husband Joseph (played by Mike Godson) becomes an absent father and an abusive partner.
Treasure, Ruth's beloved daughter (played by Liz Benson), is raised as a devout Christian. Despite having many suitors, including her pastor, she falls in love with Joseph, who wins her heart by persistently attending church services and pursuing her despite his mother's warnings.
Their marriage produced two sons, Favour and Daniel (played by Henry and Favour Johnson), but Joseph's abusive behaviour makes him a terrible father. He frequently criticises Treasure's devotion and even hits her in front of the children, causing them to resent him.
Joseph finds solace in an affair with Cynthia, neglecting his family and caring instead for Cynthia's needs.
Exhausted by her marital problems, Treasure seeks her mother's advice. Ruth decides to move in with her daughter and grandchildren, and together they engage in intense prayer and fasting. Will their efforts bring about the change they hope for?
Character analysis
The film features a modest cast, including Mercy Johnson, Liz Benson, Gift Famous, Mike Godson, Ifeanyi Oleka and child actors Henry and Angel Johnson, who are Mercy Johnson's pupils.
Treasure, played by Mercy Johnson, is a devout Christian raised by her mother, Ruth, to be God-fearing and morally upright. Despite having many suitors, she chooses Joseph, seeing something in him that others, including her cautious mother, do not. Mercy Johnson portrays Treasure as a patient and persevering wife and mother, who faces abuse and abandonment while trying to keep her family together.
Joseph, played by Mike Godson, starts out as a charming suitor who wins Treasure's heart through his persistence and a facade of devotion. However, after marriage, he reveals his true colors, becoming abusive and neglectful. He fails as a husband and father, resorting to violence and seeking solace in an extramarital affair. Mike Godson's performance captures the contradictions of a man who appears dedicated but struggles with inner demons and irresponsibility.
Benson portrays Ruth as a wise and devoted Christian mother who raises Treasure with strong moral values. She is protective of her daughter and skeptical of Joseph from the beginning. Ruth's decision to move in with Treasure and support her with intensive prayers and fasting highlights her deep faith and commitment to the well-being of her family. Liz Benson's portrayal of Ruth is an outstanding performance, embodying the character with poise and grace.
Analysis of the film
The central theme of the film is the long-running narrative of marriage and marital crisis, which has pervaded most of the recent Nollywood films, but what stands out in this film is the religious and solemn approach that this narrative takes.
The film tackles the difficult terrain of domestic abuse, faith and resilience. Treasure's journey from a hopeful young bride to a woman struggling to maintain the stability of her family is gripping and emotional.
At its core, the film is a powerful exploration of faith and perseverance. It highlights the importance of seeking help and support in times of crisis, and shows that resilience and faith can lead to redemption.
The moral lessons about the dangers of ignoring warning signs in relationships and the strength found in family and faith are moving and thought-provoking.
The narrative effectively portrays the complexities of love and commitment, underlined by the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
'A Matters of Choice' features an intriguing story and an excellent cast that tells the story effortlessly and in an interesting manner, so much so that the audience can deeply relate to the story.
Johnson's choice to include her two sons in the film makes the on-screen bond between mother and sons flow seamlessly.
For a YouTube movie, the film works well. The direction and cinematography of the film are commendable. The modest cast allows for a focused and intimate portrayal of the characters' lives.
The use of lighting and camera angles effectively convey the mood and tone of the story, from the warmth of family moments to the darkness of abuse and despair. The editing is fluid and maintains a steady pace that keeps the viewer engaged in the unfolding drama.
Verdict
7/10