Lekki Wives: The Reunion brings back the lives and tangled relationships of women from Lagos’ elite neighbourhood. The sequel to the 2013 hit Lekki Wives, this film once again delves into its characters’ high-stakes drama and personal struggles, though it stumbles in its execution.
The ensemble cast includes Darlene Benson Cobham, David Eyo, Bobby Michaels, Joselyn Dumas, Samuel Asa’ah, Adaora Ukoh, Anthony Monjaro, Seun Akindele, Katherine Obiang, and Chinonso Young. Notably, Keira Hewatch shines with her performance, reaffirming her talent and potential for leading roles in Nollywood.
Rita Dominic’s portrayal is a standout. Initially unrecognizable, she seamlessly transforms into her character, showcasing a remarkable range and versatility. Her role breaks the mould of the expected “beautiful extra friend,” adding depth to the film.
However, the film’s dialogue and script are its Achilles’ heel. Despite a storyline ripe for exploring feminist themes and societal issues, the conversations lack vitality. The attempt to address sexual politics falls short, feeling underdeveloped and superficial.
Visually, the film disappoints. The cinematography and direction feel dated, lacking the creative flair that could have elevated the storytelling. The music fails to enhance the viewing experience as it lacks modernity.
The male characters, a critical element in a romantic drama, lack charisma and conventional appeal. This absence is glaring in a genre that typically thrives on attractive leads. Moreover, the plot’s progression often feels rushed and implausible. The rapid escalation of conflicts and resolutions, such as Peace’s sudden marital discontent, undermines the narrative’s credibility.
Recurring tropes, like pastors married to “bad girl” characters, become tiresome without offering new insights or lessons. The individual stories of the women, while promising, are marred by uninspired execution. The film misses opportunities to delve deeper into their lives, leaving potential unexplored.
The film also needs to catch up in capturing the glamorous lifestyle it aims to portray. The costumes, makeup, and overall aesthetics fail to reflect opulence, detracting from the film’s intended allure.
Despite its shortcomings, the film’s intentions are clear. It seeks to provide a window into the complexities of modern Nigerian women’s lives, though the translation from script to screen is uneven.
Director Blessing Effiom Egbe’s vision, while ambitious, doesn’t quite coalesce into a cohesive narrative. The characters have rich backstories with the potential for compelling drama, but the film often feels disjointed and lacking in depth.
Miranda, married to a man with a disability, represses her sexuality while becoming her family’s saviour. Cleopatra, married off to a wealthy but elderly chief, finds herself in loveless luxury, leading to infidelity. Loveth’s material desperation drives her to ruin her marriage through a reckless affair. Peace’s religious piety alienates her husband, pushing him towards Loveth. Uju, striving to maintain her “Lekki babe” image, struggles with the facade of success. Abike, a loyal friend and street-smart character, adds a fresh dynamic with her unpretentious authenticity.
Lekki Wives: The Reunion promises drama with its diverse cast and intricate character arcs, especially with the introduction of Abike. However, it ultimately falls short of its potential, offering glimpses of compelling stories without fully delivering on them. For fans of the original, it’s a mixed bag that revisits familiar territory but fails to elevate it. The series gets a 5/10 from me; it’s not as good as the 2013 edition.
