Movie Review: Àjosepò

Àjosepò is a beautiful movie that will make you laugh out loud. Don’t take it seriously because it doesn’t take itself seriously.

Àjosepò is the story of a dysfunctional family as they navigate their dynamics concerning old relationships and set the foundations for new ones.

It is a story of love in its purest form, a story of human behaviour, a story of forgiveness, and a beautiful showcase of the Yoruba tradition with a touch of modernity.

Synopsis

Dapo and Tani are getting married. But there is a hitch.

Dapo’s family lives in Lagos, and the wedding is happening in Ibadan. Tani’s conservative father throws open his house for the in-laws, believing that he is joining in holy matrimony with a Christian family. But there is a problem.

Dapo’s parents are divorced, and his father is a philandering SOB who chases anything and everything in a skirt.

Dapo’s father reconnects with an old flame who is also the bride’s uncle’s wife. He is struck by Magun, the deadly thunderbolt, and the adulterers are bound together. Dapo, his brother Jide, the bride Tani, the Chief bridesmaid Mary, and the best man James must race against time to undo the thunderbolt and restore everything to normal before the wedding, while telling as few people as possible.

It can only be chaos from here.

Thoughts

This movie effectively conveys the love and emotional attachment associated with family. Jide and Dapo do not see eye to eye. Jide feels that Dapo had it easy, hoarding all the love and attention from their mother, while Dapo feels so bad that his brother did not come back for him when he left to look for their father.

They had mutually resented each other for so long that when they finally spoke, they decided to be a team regardless of what their parents thought. Kayode Kasum is saying that for couples and families, communication is key.

If only families communicated more…

The movie had many good scenes. I laughed hysterically in some parts and shed one or two tears in other parts, too. Timini gave a good performance in this movie, but Michael Afolarin delivered an equally compelling act.

I, however, cannot say the same for Tomike Adeoye, who wore her face like spoiled beans all through the movie. Michael carried the movie as much as possible; Tomike did not fall in. This lack of chemistry between the two leads made everything fall flat.

Many cast members gave it their all, the ‘old takers’ with Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Yemi Solade, Muyiwa Ademola, Mercy Aigbe, and Ibrahim ‘Itele’ Yekini. And the ‘new takers’ Bisola Ayeola, Deyemi Okanlawon, Kanaga Jr, Lizzy Jay, and Bolaji Ogunmola (three words: Bahd, Badoo, Baddest) gave hysterical laughter and the necessary drama needed for a movie like this.

In the costuming department, I especially liked the yellow and red outfits the mother of the groom and her friends wore; I also appreciated the ‘Owambe Extravaganza’ they all put on at the party. They showcased a proper wedding party. I enjoyed the minimal use of special effects and film tricks, as they allowed the movie to flow on its own.

Verdict

Àjosepò is a beautiful movie that will make you laugh out loud. Don’t take it seriously because it doesn’t take itself seriously.