Bovi Ugboma deserves commendation for directing Life and Dirt, a thriller mixed with supernatural intrigue and drama. The series features Uzor Arukwe, Shaffy Bello, Bovi Ugboma, Idia Aisien, Ric Hassani, Dorcas Shola Fapson, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Jide Kosoko.
Life and Dirt tells the story of Yo, a hustler whose life turns dark when he is lured into a mysterious supernatural fellowship led by Nene, a woman with enigmatic powers. His desire for wealth and success leads him down a dangerous path, transforming him into a billionaire at the cost of his morality and soul.
Apart from Yo’s life being the central point of the series, other themes also give the show a layer of complexity. For instance, the life of Chief Obi and his daughters, one of who struggles in an abusive marriage. Another of the daughters, Ijeoma, faces an unexpected pregnancy and a devastating betrayal.
Life and Dirt is filled with themes of betrayal, ambition and greed. It showcases twists and turns, leaving viewers glued to the screen. The character development is awesome and the writers did well by linking one character’s life to another, thereby giving the movie a rich depth and more to offer.
Bovi did well in portraying Yo’s life of wealth and the struggle he had to deal with due to his over-ambition. However, I must say he failed to woo me in terms of emotional depth. This may be because I only know him as a comedian and comic actor.
Another standout actor in the series is Dorcas Shola Fapson who starred as Ijeoma. Fapson brought a blend of strength and vulnerability to the role, particularly in her scenes with Bovi, where their chemistry shines. It was interesting watching her move from the pain of betrayal to her eventual self-empowerment,
I must commend the casting of Shaffy Bello as Nene. However, Nene’s supernatural abilities are underdeveloped, leaving much to be desired in terms of clarity and explanation.
The camera movement in the scene where Yo and Ajazi move through a crowded market is commendable. The cinematography is creative, especially with the outdoor shots which display a bustling urban setting. A moody and subtle color palette enhances the supernatural feel of the movie. Unfortunately, as a colorist, I was not impressed by it. In terms of soundtrack, Life and Dirt is nothing to write home about because of the generic nature of the sounds.
The drawback with Life and Dirt is the rushing of the later episodes. While the film has a good pacing, I thought the director ought to have allowed the story to progress in the same manner instead of having a hasty conclusion. The ending left me unsatisfied, especially how quickly the conflicts were resolved. Also, the series didn’t explore more of the supernatural aspect, leaving me to think the movie is no different from the themes we see in old Nollywood movies. Despite the few imperfections, Life and Dirt deserves a 6/10, making it a series to see.
