Blazing on viewers screens is another rom-com from the streets of Neo-Nollywood. Directed by Emem Isong, this romantic comedy stars Bukky Wright, Joseph Benjamin, Magdalen Vaughn, Robert Peters and Uche Jombo. Is Special Jollof worth the watch?
Special Jollof tells the tale of a Caucasian female journalist who is devastated after discovering her fiancé is cheating on her with a Nigerian immigrant. The up and coming journalist, Rachel Hudson, is out and about living her dreams, she has a thriving career and a loving fiancé. Her life seems perfect until this astonishing find has her picture-perfect life spiralling out of control before her eyes. These events lead to her grudge against immigrants who she holds responsible for her troubles. On her mission for revenge, Rachel is bent on exposing illegal immigrants and having them deported.
She goes undercover to serve as a waitress at “Bottom Pot”, a well-known Nigerian eatery. This turns out to be a journey full of unexpected twists and turns.
This screenplay has a standout plot because it speaks on a topic that is not often discussed in Nigeria. It sheds light on Nigerian Immigrants in the United States and their successes and challenges. It is a refreshing take on the Nigerian abroad story especially powerful because of the number of people migrating, commonly referred to as japa. It also reveals the support system Nigerians in diaspora provide for each other, tribes and ethnic groups aside. It is quite beautiful to watch.
That is pretty much all the good there is to say about Special Jollof. The entire screenplay comes off as a bit tasteless because of one too many hitches.
The lead actress, Magdalen Vaughn as Rachel Hudson had no soul. Her acting throughout the movie felt as flat as pita bread. Her character did a subpar job at taking viewers on the rollercoaster of a ride the storyline was meant to come with. Because of this flaw, the movie lacked a major effect of catharsis; it all felt emotionless. Maybe it could have been a great movie but viewers will never know because the star actress killed the vibe of the entire movie.
The title Special Jollof does not tally with the storyline. It must have been a strategy to bait viewers to check it out as the phrase “Special Jollof” was only used once when a customer ordered the meal at a Nigerian restaurant, Afro Spice. Other than this, it had absolutely no connection with the story.
Sparks never seem to fly between the couple, the chemistry is questionable between Kenny and Rachel. It feels fake and forced.
Between overly explored and new scenarios, there are a million and one good plausible ways conflict could go in a movie like this. Both conflict and conflict resolution were poorly executed.
Subplots ordinarily complement the main plot, right? Wrong, and this movie manages to be the exception. Ijeoma’s story in Special Jollof veers so off course that it is completely detached from the central story. The “chieftaincy title” subplot appears displaced, like it is in the wrong movie. It just does not fit in as the right puzzle piece, it is a generally poorly done subplot.
All in all, it is a fair movie. Looking for something to stream during lunchtime? Check Special Jollof out on Netflix.
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.
