‘Her Excellency‘, a film produced by Adebayo Salami to mark his 60th year in the entertainment industry, premiered in cinemas on July 4.
Given the veteran filmmaker’s legacy and the film’s star-studded cast, expectations were high for a memorable cinematic experience. While the plot felt somewhat predictable, the film’s stunning visuals and strong performances made it an engaging watch.
SYNOPSIS
‘Her Excellency’ tells the story of Moyeni, a deeply distrusting first lady whose relentless pursuit of power spirals into chaos, affecting both her personal life and governance.
THE STRONG POINTS OF THE FILM
The major highlight of the film was the setting, particularly the governor’s office. It looked incredibly realistic, with well-placed signage, props, and photos that made it feel like an actual government office. The space was also colourful and visually engaging, leaving no doubt about the role it was meant to portray. The houses and other locations used in the film also matched the characters perfectly, adding a layer of believability to the overall production.
The cast also did a great job. It was impressive that Sola Sobowole wasn’t left to carry the entire film or made to look like the only standout; everyone pulled their weight and delivered. Sobowole captured every layer of her character, from rage to manipulation, with striking believability. Yemi Solade complemented her performance well, portraying the confused and frustrated husband with the right amount of emotion. Each actor showed up for their role, and they all brought the movie together.
The film’s cinematography was also commendable, especially the use of lighting and camera angles. One standout moment was the final scene where the first lady was apprehended. The way the door opened, the lighting, and the camera placement all worked together to reflect the weight of her downfall. It was a powerful visual that captured the mood without needing words.
The theme of the film was another strong point. It explored the lust for power, distrust, jealousy, and greed in a way that felt relatable and grounded. These elements were woven into the story without feeling forced, and they added depth to the characters’ actions and the overall plot. It served as a subtle reminder of how jealousy at the highest level can lead to destruction on many fronts.
The plot cohesion was also impressive. Everything came together neatly in the end, from the scar on the governor’s head to the bracelet found at the crime scene. Every detail connected, and no loose ends were left hanging. The story wrapped up in a way that felt coherent and satisfying, without raising unnecessary questions.
THE WEAK POINTS OF THE FILM
The major weak point of Her Excellency is its predictability. The storyline felt too familiar, with little that set it apart or made it stand out. From the beginning, the first lady was portrayed in a certain light, making it easy to assume she was behind the chaos. As a result, the film lacked suspense or any real twist. A surprising turn or unexpected revelation would have made the experience far more engaging.
Another weak point was the film’s transition between scenes. For the most part, the cuts felt abrupt, making the flow of the story feel uneven. While a few scenes transitioned smoothly, the majority didn’t. This lack of seamless movement affected the overall viewing experience.
The crime scene could have been handled much better with stronger direction, natural audio, detailed set design, and thoughtful editing. As it was, the scene felt unrealistic, rushed, and somewhat disconnected from the rest of the film. It lacked the weight and tension it needed to leave a lasting impact.
The heavy use of the Yoruba language might also be a drawback for viewers who don’t understand it. While it adds cultural depth and authenticity, it could affect the overall experience for some people, especially those unfamiliar with the language. However, the subtitles can help bridge that gap and make the film more inclusive for non-Yoruba speakers.
FINAL VERDICT
‘Her Excellency’ gets a 6/10
Copyright 2025 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle