‘Osamede‘, the epic drama produced by Lilian Olubi and directed by James Omokwe, has finally arrived in cinemas across Nigeria following its screening at the Cannes Film Market.
After watching the film, its international selection is easily understood. ‘Osamede’ is deeply rooted in Bini culture, evident not only in its story and costumes but, most notably, in its consistent and confident use of the Bini language without reverting to English. This cultural commitment gives the film a distinct identity and makes it a remarkable, one-of-a-kind effort in the industry, even with its imperfections.
SYNOPSIS
‘Osamede’ follows a young orphan girl who discovers she possesses superpowers linked to the mythical Aruosa stone, a sacred relic of the Benin people. She must embrace her destiny to fight against the British occupation and a powerful rival who seeks the stone for his own gain.
THE STRENGTHS OF THE FILM
The film’s greatest strength is its cultural authenticity. ‘Osamede’ wears its Benin identity with pride from the very first frame. Every element—from the costumes and jewellery to the mud-hut structures and blacksmith scenes—feels intentionally rooted in the culture it represents. The language is another standout feature; every character who was meant to speak Bini did so fluently without a single switch to English, a commitment that makes the film refreshing to watch. Beyond its visuals and language, the narrative stays true to Benin history, touching on the British invasion and the subsequent resistance, while weaving in elements of myth and spirituality to enrich the plot.
The performances further enhance the film’s authenticity. The lead actors, especially Ivie Okujaye, William Benson, and Lexan Aisosa Peters, deliver solid work. Ivie carries the story with intensity; her expressions of fear, pain, and strength feel raw and believable, making Osamede a relatable character. William Benson gives Iyase the intimidating presence the role demands, while Lexan Peters plays a convincing, supportive figure in Osamede’s journey. Also commendable is Osagie Elegbe, who portrays Iyase’s right-hand man with a powerful sense of loyalty and conviction. His dedication is striking and makes every scene he appears in feel charged with tension.
The cinematography, soundtrack, and makeup are also noteworthy. While the visuals are simple, the makeup—particularly the detailed and convincing wounds—is a standout element.
THE WEAKNESSES OF THE FILM
A notable weakness is the film’s pacing. Although the story is told in a simple, straightforward manner, the pacing occasionally feels slow, which affects engagement. There are moments where the film drags, diminishing anticipation and making the viewer wait too long for the next significant plot point.
The use of flashbacks, particularly the repetition of scenes already shown, exacerbates this issue. These repeated moments were unnecessary and could have been cut. Tighter editing would have maintained a stronger hold on the audience’s attention.
While the lead actors are convincing, a few supporting cast members do not match their level of realism. Some extras appear self-conscious, occasionally breaking immersion with visible smiles. The British characters also feel less grounded, as their dialogue and delivery lack naturalism, slightly undermining the overall experience.
Finally, the fight scenes fall a little short. They often feel overly choreographed, lacking the raw intensity needed to make them truly gripping. Some movements appear too calculated, which undercuts the tension these moments are meant to build.
FINAL VERDICT
‘Osamede’ earns a 7/10.
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