You know that warm, fuzzy feeling? The butterflies in your belly, the sheepish smile you can’t wipe off your face, that flutter when your crush looks your way? Yeah, that thing we call love — or something that looks like it. Nollywood has a reputation for trying to bottle that magic, and this time, they tried it with “A Lagos Love Story”, directed by Naz Onuzo and written by Ozzy Etomi and Naz Onuzo. This April release promised the sweetness of love with a sprinkle of Lagos drama. As a certified nollywood girl, I was definitely in the mood for something soft—something romantic that would make me say “awwwn” over and over again. But did this movie actually pull it off?
The Plot: Big Festival, Big Feelings
The plot is simple but interesting. Promise, played by Jemima Osunde, is a hardworking young woman hired to act as a personal concierge to King Kator, a flashy Afrobeats superstar, just to keep him happy enough to show up and fulfill the contract What she doesn’t plan for, though, is falling in love with King Kator. The idea of a soft girl falling for a loud, dramatic pop star? Not my favorite trope. But I kept an open mind.
First Impressions: Slow Start, Weak Build
The first fifteen minutes didn’t grip me. The direction felt unsure, and the storyline was just… there. You could tell the story had potential, but it wasn’t executed properly. The characters weren’t introduced in a way that made you care about them. No strong backstories. No emotional hooks. For instance, what exactly was going on with Promise’s father?
It felt like the film was rushing into the love story without building a proper foundation.
Chemistry or Confusion?
Some viewers have said there was no spark between Jemima Osunde (Promise) and Mike Afolarin (King Kator). I disagree — I think there was chemistry, but it never really found room to breathe. Maybe it was the script, maybe the acting. Jemima Osunde isn’t a bad actress, but her range felt limited here. Whether she was happy, heartbroken, or furious, it all looked and sounded the same. That soft voice and lack of varied facial expressions made her performance feel flat at times.
As for Mike Afolarin, he tried. His performance had some bright moments, but it was dragged down by predictable scenes. You know that hospital scene? Yes, the one where King Kator is lying unconscious, and just as Promise is accused of collecting money to fake the whole love thing, bam!—he miraculously wakes up! Why be say na exactly that time he wake up?
As the film progressed, it started to grow on me. The latter half delivered more heart, more connection, and finally a bit of that spark I was craving.
What Worked: Costumes, Cinematography, and Side Characters
Now let’s talk about the good stuff.
The cinematography? Clean and modern. Lagos looked beautiful, colorful, chaotic, just the way we love it. The costumes were stylish and appropriate, making the characters feel real and current.
I have to give flowers to Chimezie Imo, whose expressive face added flavor to every scene he was in. And Susan Pwajok, who played Favour? She nailed that carefree sister vibe. Her storyline had a lesson too — not every offer is golden, some are just traps.
Final Thoughts: A Nice Try, But Not Quite It
Look, “A Lagos Love Story” isn’t a bad film. It’s just not unforgettable. It’s the kind of movie you enjoy on a slow Sunday afternoon with snacks, knowing you’ll say “awwwn” a couple of times and then move on with your life.
The romance didn’t shake my soul, the script didn’t carry the weight it needed to, and the characters weren’t fully baked. But the aesthetics, cast effort, and romantic ambition deserve some credit.
Would I recommend it? Yeah, if you’re in the mood for soft love, pretty Lagos visuals, and a story that tries.
