19/03/2026
A FLICKER OF US โ FILM REVIEW (6.4/10)
CAST:
Bolaji Ogunmola
Oluwabamike BAM BAM Olawunmi
Ayoola Ayolola
CREW:
Story: Bolaji Ogunmola
Produced by: Bolaji Ogunmola
Directed by: Jide JโBlaze Oyegbile
LOGLINE:
After betraying her best friend by exposing a teenage pregnancy to steal her scholarship, a woman returns 15 years later seeking reconciliationโonly for a shocking secret to emerge when her husband turns out to be the boy responsible for that long-ago mistake, igniting a dangerous affair that threatens to destroy their fragile reunion and her marriage.
THEMATICS:
This story explores themes of friendship, betrayal, guilt, forgiveness, and the lasting consequences of past actions.
Lalaโs decision to expose Tiwaโs pregnancy in order to take her scholarship shatters their trust and changes the course of both their lives, showing how choices made in youth can have long-term repercussions.
Through Novaโs guilt and eventual affair with Tiwa, the narrative also highlights how unresolved remorse can lead to further moral failure rather than redemption. Ultimately, the film reflects on the complexity of forgiveness and the way the past inevitably resurfaces, while emphasizing resilience, accountability, and the fragile nature of human relationships.
RESEMBLANCE TO BIODUN STEPHENโS SISTA:
After watching for a while it became clear that Biodun Stephenโs SISTA was the inspiration for this story. They are identical on many fronts. The triangle of the man and two womenโ one, the dedicated and loving wife many years after, and the other woman, the young girl who got pregnant years ago.
Also the fact that the kids involved are two kidsโ a boy and a girl of similar age.
However, while the film strongly mirrors the structure and emotional complexities of Sista, it still manages to stand on its own. Despite the noticeable similarities, the film ultimately works because it maintains a clear artistic vision and delivers its story with intention and emotional engagement.
MY CRITIQUE
1. Okay, this started out as a classy-well thought out film. I liked the subtle classic feel and the narration is doing much to make it more appealing.
2. I liked the flash back plotting and how it juxtaposes with present day scenes. The production design, photography and lighting are so on pointโ gives me this nostalgic feeling. This feels like cinema in all fronts.
3. The young actors killed their roles. The emotions and tension are well represented and expressed. And coupled with the tonality of the scenesโ you can tell that an amazing storyteller occupies the directorโs chair. Jide JโBlaze is one storyteller I find very intentional. He has brought in his cinema touches into the YouTube industry.
4. The part where Lala wrote to the scholarship board about Tiwa pregnancy and getting the scholarship slot doesnโt sit well with me. Tiwa came first while Lala was fourth. At the disqualification of the first, the second position takes Tiwaโs slotโ not the fourth position. That is if it is even possible to write to the board and get the first person disqualified.
5. Immediately Lala returned to the suburbs to meet and reconcile with Tiwa, I predicted that Lalaโs husband was Babyโthe very young who got Tiwa pregnant 15 years ago. And few scene laterโ it was revealed so. Having watched Nollywood for decades now, I know how a typical Nollywood drama unfolds. And from here onwards I can easily predict that Tiwa would revenge the heist Lala perpetrated by taking Baby away from her.
6. I loved that frame where Nova goes into the kitchen to get ice for Tiwaโs ankle and the camera positioned in the kitchen captures Tiwa sitting in the living room staring at Nova who was at the kitchen. It a frame within a frame composition and itโs such a beautiful camera decision. Sweet.
7. I liked the kissing scene at Tiwaโs apartment. I liked it even more because the Director tried to match it up with the flash back kissing scene 15 years ago. The similarities in tone and mood became clearer and it felt good.
8. I also enjoyed the confrontational scene between Nova, Tiwa and Lala. It was intense and fun. But I donโt think Tiwaโs expression of incredulity when she realized that Nova is the father of her kids was commensurate to the heat of the moment. It felt underwhelming. This is the man you have searching for and dreaming about for 15 solid yearsโ the man who rewrote your destiny in just one night. The man who can make your kids and yourself a complete family. It was the very moment the audience was waiting for. I expected a lot more.
9. I think it ended well. The marriage wasnโt broken, the relationship between Nova and Tiwa was severedโ itโs a win-win for everyone.
REPORT SHEET:
1. STORY CREDIBILITY and ORIGINALITY (Believability, societal impact and theme relevance) Not a new story. Narrative plot is punchy and intentional. Suspenseful and engaging narrative plot. Well motivated plot points. Great but recycled themes. โ 13/20
2. STORYTELLING and CREATIVITY (Styling, Directing, plotting, pacing, emotional depth etc) The pacing is good. Average Cinematic and artistic framing. Predictive twist and reveals detected. No style or concept recorded. โ 12/20
3. PRODUCTION VALUE (Cinematography, Production Design, Sound/Audio Quality, Editing, Continuity & VFX) Nothing spectacular. Good Production Design(especially for the flash back scenes) and cinematography. โ 12/20
4. CASTING and PERFORMANCE The casting and performance was good. โ 15/20
5. MARKET VALUE (Marketability and Sales) This film has a descent sales on streaming platforms. โ12/20
-VERDICT
64/100 = 6.4/10
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, this film stands as a commendable effort that blends classical storytelling sensibilities with the accessibility of the YouTube film space. The nostalgic visual tone, thoughtful use of flashbacks, and strong performancesโespecially from the younger castโreflect the intentional hand of director Jide JโBlaze, whose storytelling instincts shine through in several beautifully crafted moments. While the narrative occasionally falls into familiar Nollywood patterns and introduces a few logical inconsistencies that make some plot turns predictable, it still manages to sustain emotional engagement and deliver a satisfying resolution.
Ultimately, the film may not break new thematic ground, but its confident pacing, heartfelt performances, and pockets of cinematic finesse make it an enjoyable watch. With a final score of 6.4/10, it is a solid, well-made drama that proves once again that thoughtful direction and committed performances can elevate even the most familiar stories.
