REVIEW: ‘The Switch’ is a compelling film with some missed opportunities

‘The Switch,’ a movie produced by Sandra Okunzuwa and directed by Okey Ifeanyi, premiered on Prime Video in January 2025.

The film, centered around domestic violence, was a compelling watch with thought-provoking themes. While there were some pitfalls here and there, the themes and cast performances make it a compelling watch. This movie could have been even more impactful with tighter pacing and attention to detail.

SYNOPSIS 

Two couples agree to switch partners for a month, but discover that the grass isn’t always greener.

THE STRONG POINT OF THE FILM

The most intriguing aspect of the movie was its themes. While domestic violence has been explored in films before, ‘The Switch’ stands out in raising awareness of the issue while weaving in other compelling themes. Love, regret, self-esteem, self-worth, friendship, and betrayal were deeply explored, making the story relatable. At some point, I found myself murmuring, ‘You never know the value of what you have until you lose it,’ because the film captured that sentiment so well. The thought-provoking themes strengthened the movie.

The actors knew their craft and delivered their roles flawlessly. Despite the cast being fewer than ten, their performances carried the story effortlessly. Their expressions, dialogue, and delivery made the emotions feel real. For instance, in the scene where Stephanie confronted Pablo, cursing him out, the pain and regret in her voice and expression were palpable. It was one of those moments that truly resonated. The cast brought their A-game.

The cinematography of the movie was also decent. While it was not groundbreaking, it effectively complemented the story, capturing the emotions and intensity of each scene.

THE WEAK POINTS OF THE FILM 

However, the movie was not without its flaws. The storyline was quite predictable from the moment the switch was suggested, and the outcome felt obvious. Beyond that, the premise did not seem plausible, especially within the Nigerian setting. The idea that someone would willingly swap partners with a friend just for the sake of “exploring” felt far-fetched.

Additionally, the makeup in the movie was noticeably inconsistent. While the bruises from the beatings were well done initially, they were not applied with continuity in mind. In some scenes, they appeared darker, in others, lighter, and at times, they were completely absent.

The film’s slow pacing was another weak point. Some scenes felt unnecessarily dragged out, making the runtime of over two hours feel longer than needed for the storyline. The plot could have been tighter with better pacing, ensuring the story remained engaging without losing momentum.

FINAL VERDICT

‘The Switch’ gets a 6/10.