MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Farmer’s Bride’ is a creatively different love story

‘Farmer’s Bride‘, the highly anticipated tragic love drama, hit cinemas on September 27, exceeding expectations. Produced by Kene Okwuosa and written by Jack’enneth Opukeme, this film masterfully weaves emotions and depth into a unique storyline.

The captivating trailer hinted at a compelling narrative, but the movie delivers even more. With its emotional resonance and creative distinction, ‘Farmer’s Bride’ leaves a lasting impression.

This tragic love drama stands out with its original plot, expertly crafted by Opukeme. The film’s emotional intensity is matched only by its thought-provoking themes.

SYNOPSIS

Set in 1980s Ibadan, ‘Farmer’s Bride’ is a poignant tale of Odun, a wealthy farmer, and his young bride, Funmi. Their union is tested by challenges, prompting Funmi to embark on a forbidden affair with Odun’s nephew. The consequences of their actions lead to a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and the supernatural.

THE STRONG POINTS OF THE FILM

The major highlight of this film is its distinctive plot. While romance and love are staples of Nollywood, how it was portrayed in ‘Farmer’s Bride’ feels refreshingly unique. The film’s unpredictability, heightened by the well-crafted suspense makes it engaging. The unexpected twists and turns add depth, making the story even more captivating. ‘Farmer’s Bride’ presents love in a way that has not been explored in the genre, giving it a fresh perspective that stands out from other Nollywood films.

The cast delivered outstanding performances, with each actor skillfully bringing their characters to life. The cast was portrayed in a new light, showing different sides of their talents. Tobi Bakare, typically known for playing gangster roles, demonstrated remarkable versatility in this film, delivering a performance that showed a broad range of emotions. It was refreshing to see him break away from his usual gangster roles. Gbubemi Ejeye also beautifully embodied her character, using her body language and facial expressions to great effect. Efe Irele, Mercy Aigbe, Wunmi Toriola, and Femi Branch were equally exceptional, each delivering memorable performances.

Another impressive aspect of the movie is the set design and costumes. The costumes, especially Funmi’s dresses, clearly showed that thorough research and attention were given to this element. Her outfits and hairstyles perfectly captured the vintage aesthetic, enhancing the film’s authenticity. Odun’s house was also well-designed, evoking the feel of an affluent household in the 80s, with its furniture, tableware, and cassette tapes reflecting the era.

Visual elements, camera angles, and effects were exceptionally well done.

THE WEAK POINTS OF THE FILM

Despite the distinct plot, the film felt rushed toward the end. While the storyline was clear from the beginning, there were moments where the pacing caused uncertainty, leaving me asking, “When did that happen?” For instance, the sudden shift in Femi’s attitude toward Funmi wasn’t fully explained, making the development under-explored.

Another area that could have been improved was the use of language. While the mix of English and Yoruba brought authenticity to the film, not all actors seemed comfortable with Yoruba. Gbubemi Ejeye, for instance, made a commendable effort despite not being Yoruba, but her delivery of certain lines could have been better.

There were also some unanswered questions in the film. It was established that the potion Funmi collected from the herbalist was a love potion, so how did it suddenly become poisonous when added to Femi’s food? A love potion isn’t supposed to kill? Additionally, Funmi mentioned that she only completed secondary school, yet her fluency in English was surprisingly strong, leaving some inconsistencies unexplained.

FINAL VERDICT 

‘Farmer’s Bride’ gets a 8/10