Osato, the latest cinema release, produced by Mary Remi Njoku, directed by Charles Uwagbai, and written by Etinosa Idemudia and Prisca Okeke, didn’t elicit high expectations from our visit to the cinema.
The ensemble cast, featuring actors like Shawn Faqua, Mercy Aigbe, Etinosa Idemudia, and others, delivered commendable performances, yet the overall experience left us neither intrigued nor disappointed.
The movie boasts a diverse cast, including actors such as Shawn Faqua, Mercy Aigbe, Etinosa Idemudia, Deyemi Okanlawon, Femi Branch, Angela Eguavoen, Osagie Elegbe, Caz Chidiebere, Phyna Otabor, Johnson Ibeh-Awurumibe, Destiny Agbai, Raymond Okafor, Emmanuel Elogosa, and more.
The storyline revolves around Osato, portrayed by Phyna, a prostitute caught between the harsh realities of her profession and the criminal web spun by her abusive lover, Jungle, played by Shawn Faqua. The characters effectively portrayed their roles, using mostly Pidgin English and the Bini language, fitting for the movie’s setting in Benin City.
While the movie’s storyline and unexpected twist at the end are commendable, it falls short of the cinematic standard one might anticipate, resembling more of a streaming platform release. Some scenes, notably the shooting sequences, raised eyebrows, with laughable gunshot sounds and puzzling moments, like Officer Enuwa firing a shot in the scene titled ‘Trade by Barter’ without any subsequent action or consequence.
The film delves into the themes of abuse and corrupt practices, both within the government, portrayed through the actions of politicians, and within the police force, exemplified by the activities of the D.P.O.
The theme of abuse is vividly portrayed through Jungle’s treatment of Osato, where she endures emotional, verbal, and physical abuse yet opts to remain with her abusive partner. The movie delves into the complexities of such relationships, illustrating the excuses victims provide and shedding light on the heartbreaking dynamics between abusers and the abused.
Furthermore, the narrative explores the corrupt practices prevalent among politicians, including activities such as embezzlement, orchestrating violence through thugs, and promoting oppression. The film depicts the complicity of corrupt police who carry out the bidding of these politicians, exemplified by the D.P.O.’s handling of Osato’s case with the chief.
The cinematography, while not exceptional, captures essential elements of the movie with well-chosen angles. However, the overall impact is not extraordinary.
From us at Kemi Filani, it’s 5/10 for Osato.
