Released in cinemas on February 13, Love and New Notes, produced by Timini Egbuson and Kayode Kasum, arrives at a time perfectly suited to its emotional core. By choosing the Valentine’s season instead of the traditional Christmas and New Year window, the filmmakers appear to have deliberately created a niche for themselves, capitalising on the appetite for romance-driven stories in February. This strategy is not new to the duo, who have previously enjoyed success during the same period with films like Reel Love and All’s Fair in Love. Once again, their timing feels calculated, smart, and commercially sound.
However, Love and New Notes is far from a predictable Valentine’s offering. While its title suggests a gentle romantic tale, the film surprises with a layered narrative that blends romance, suspense, and subtle psychological tension. Set in 1984 Nigeria, the movie unfolds against a backdrop of economic uncertainty and emotional conflict, weaving a story that is as unsettling as it is tender.
Synopsis
The film follows Boma, a young man navigating love, ambition, and survival during a turbulent period marked by currency reforms and life-altering decisions. His journey is shaped by shifting economic realities, moral dilemmas, and the fragile bonds of love. As events unfold, Boma’s seemingly simple romantic story begins to unravel into something far more complex, pulling viewers into a world where trust, betrayal, and hidden motives coexist.
Strengths of the Film
One of the most compelling aspects of Love and New Notes is its acting ensemble, particularly the refreshing departures from typecasting. Eniola Badmus delivers a standout performance in a role that contrasts sharply with her usual screen persona. Portraying a manipulative and emotionally distant married woman, she brings nuance, restraint, and believability to the character. Her controlled expressions and subtle gestures make the role both convincing and unsettling.
Odunlade Adekola also surprises with a notably restrained performance. Known for his energetic and expressive acting style, he adopts a calmer, more measured approach here, allowing emotional depth and quiet intensity to define his character. The shift works well, giving his role a grounded presence that adds weight to the narrative.
Timini Egbuson and Sophia Alakija anchor the romantic core of the film with convincing chemistry. Their performances are layered, reflecting vulnerability, hope, and emotional conflict. Their relationship evolves naturally, making their connection feel genuine rather than forced. Kamo State injects levity into the story, skillfully balancing the heavier themes with well-timed humour that never feels excessive or misplaced.
The technical elements of the film are equally commendable. The production design, makeup, and costume departments demonstrate remarkable attention to detail, successfully recreating the atmosphere of 1980s Nigeria. From vintage vehicles and period-appropriate clothing to carefully styled hair and interior décor, every frame feels thoughtfully constructed. These details create a nostalgic environment that immerses viewers in the era without drawing attention to itself.
Cinematography is another strong point. The deliberate use of camera angles adds symbolic depth, subtly reinforcing themes of secrecy, tension, and emotional distance. Rather than relying on overt visual cues, the film allows composition and framing to guide the audience’s emotional response. Complementing this is a carefully curated soundtrack and sound design that gradually builds suspense. The music enhances the mood without overwhelming the scenes, while sound effects amplify the film’s eerie undertones.
Narratively, Love and New Notes benefits from confident direction and a tightly woven plot. The story unfolds at a measured pace, slowly drawing viewers into its layered world. While the opening moments are unhurried, the gradual build-up serves a purpose, allowing tension to simmer beneath the surface. As the narrative progresses, surprises emerge organically, maintaining intrigue without resorting to cheap twists. The seamless blending of romance, comedy, suspense, and thriller elements speaks to the film’s strong directorial vision.
Weaknesses of the Film
Despite its strengths, the film is not without shortcomings. One notable issue is the lack of sufficient background detail in certain plot areas. Some story elements are introduced but not fully explored, leaving viewers to fill in significant gaps. For instance, the source of Gbolahan’s wealth is briefly attributed to the oil business, but the film fails to adequately show how Wura comes into possession of substantial money following his death. This absence of narrative clarity weakens the emotional impact of key developments.
Similarly, Moji Afolayan’s character appears in a single scene to provide crucial exposition, yet her connection to the central storyline remains underdeveloped. The lack of context surrounding her role diminishes the significance of the information she delivers, making the moment feel somewhat abrupt.
Dialogue also presents minor inconsistencies. While the script is engaging, some expressions and slang feel too contemporary for a story set in the 1980s. This slight anachronism occasionally disrupts the authenticity of the period setting. A more era-appropriate language choice could have strengthened the film’s immersive quality.
Additionally, certain makeup choices, such as modern-style artificial eyelashes and nails, stand out as incongruent with the era. While the costume design excels in historical accuracy, these details feel out of place, subtly undermining the otherwise meticulous production design.
Final Verdict
Love and New Notes is a bold and emotionally layered film that challenges expectations. By merging romance with suspense and psychological tension, it offers a refreshing alternative to conventional Valentine’s Day releases. Strong performances, thoughtful production design, and confident direction elevate the story, even as minor narrative gaps and stylistic inconsistencies hold it back from achieving full impact.
Overall, the film delivers a compelling cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
