Today’s review dissects a Kayode Kasum-directed romance drama, which is nothing short of a diamond in the rough. This Lady Called Life is a charming romance-drama that highlights the issues that spring from the idea of generational curses and childhood parental abuse.
Deserted by her family, Aiyetide or “Aiye” (Bisola Aiyeola), a young, single mum struggles financially to make ends meet while remaining unwearied in her dream of becoming an elite chef. The question is, will she be able to achieve this dream amongst life’s battles?
Big shout out to Tina Mba for reminding viewers just how awesome she is every time she graces the screens. Tina Mba as “Mummy” was a true natural, as it is always the case with her. It felt as though she was always meant to play that role.
Kudos to Bisola Aiyeola as “Aiye”, playing the timid and ever so malleable daughter, which is quite the contrast from the strong personality viewers know her to be. She is by far the runaway star of the show. Her emotions translate so well on screen that the viewer buys into her struggles.
This movie does not give viewers a happily-ever-after ending. This makes the entire plot and storyline feel real; life doesn’t always line the ducks neatly in a row and this makes it all feel more relatable to viewers.
Efe Iwara’s (Obinna) relationship with Aiye is, perhaps, one of the most engaging parts of this screenplay’s general plot. Their story is one that takes viewers on a voyage of unexpected smiles and ear-to-ear grins and in the most heart-warming of sensations. Not forgetting Efe Iwara’s stellar performance, of course, kudos to him for bringing the adorable character of Obinna to life.
It is beautiful how the script is not centred on forceful comedy. Of course, there are dialogues that elicit genuine laughs but this is not necessarily the backbone of every conversation. It is a breath of fresh air and a trend that other scriptwriters should follow. Big ups to Toluwani Obayan for getting it right.
This lady called life has such cosy aesthetics, the kind that gives viewers all the right kind of warm, fuzzy feelings and oh! Those vivid colours that give the screenplay its classy tip-top quality. From the locations to the lighting, colours and scenery, it is all simply artistic eye candy.
The only question mark lies in how the unresolved issues between Aiye and Mummy were settled. It feels as though the director picked just one of the sources of their squabbles to settle rather than tabling the matter that has always been the major source of Aiye’s resentment. Honestly, it feels a tad bit disappointing having all that potential and downplaying the conflict resolution. It is a huge missed opportunity to actually have a honest representation of how fraught and misunderstood African parent-children relationships can be.
That might have been the only let-down of the film but it is a very big one. It leaves viewers feeling deeply unsatisfied.
This lady called life is one of the good ones, possessing all the high notes that set it apart from most romance dramas. It is 100 per cent worth the screen time.
Watch it on Netflix today.
Didi Dan-Asisah is an art enthusiast and critic. She lives in Lagos.
Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.
