Breaded Life is a movie directed by Biodun Stephen. It is a sequel to the 2016 romantic comedy, Picture Perfect; though the movie is not a continuation of Picture Perfect, it features some of its characters.
This rom-com follows the story of Sunmisola (Timini Egbuson), an unreliable, rich, young brat who grew up having it all but never learnt to act right. The movie follows a sequence of arguments between Sunmisola and his mother (Tina Mba) and her constant disapproval of his wild behaviour. On a mysterious day, things take a quick turn for Sunmisola, he wakes up and realises he has been ostracised by everyone except a bread seller, Todowede (Bimbo Ademoye). The reality of life hits him hard and ultimately dawns on him.
Here is a Nollywood rom-com that delivers on both acting and plot. This storyline is quite popular in the Nollywood scene but it is done with such panache and stellar acting, that it seems completely novel. It is one of the rare completely enjoyable Nollywood fares that doesn’t seek to be “deeper” or more than what it presents. What it offers is excellent.
The acting is one of its strong points. Breaded Life opens with strong acting and maintains that level of acting all through. It keeps you hooked from start to finish with a near-perfect role-playing performance.
Bimbo Ademoye’s acting particularly stands out. She embraced her role as a typical Egun lady. She speaks the dialect fluently and her facial expressions in every scene are nearly flawless. Not to mention Todo, is endearing and adorable.
Timini’s acting also stands out. His rapid switch from ajebutter to ajekpako comes is sleek. Frankly, Nollywood might be doing him a disservice by typecasting him in playboy roles alone because he showcases an impressive range that has been previously hidden.
Lateef Adedimeji, playing Jugunu, a bakery owner who doubles as a thug is hilarious on-screen. He is smart, slick, and a ladies’ man. The local champion we have come to expect from slums in Nigeria.
The screenwriter’s attention to detail is admirable, and the choice of words and the timing in using certain phrases stood out overall. He manages to deliver witty humour as opposed to the more predictable slapstick style humour.
The visuals did a good job depicting the slums and posh areas in Lagos, the struggles of citizens in the lower reaches of the demographic ladder, and the vast differences between the group and the well-heeled were accurately showcased. It makes the movie relatable to viewers. The opulence is that much more dazzling. The slums are showcased without romanticism. It is simply the reality of life.
This movie feels as though it falls short in some areas. There are some loopholes in the storyline, which are left unexplained. The plot feels a little unoriginal; it’s a story that has been told one too many times – a spoiled brat from a rich family whose life teaches a lesson. In the aspect of scene-timing, some scenes go on longer than they should have.
Regardless of the flaws here and there (which, indeed, can be overlooked), this Nigerian rom-com will tug at your heartstrings. It is well done overall and actually one of the better movies Netflix has given viewers.
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.
