The highly publicised Greg Odutayo film, Beyond Blood, held its official premiere on January 14 at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
Before the curtains opened, there were speculations in the cinemas whether the film which the director had boasted would beat any Nollywood movie’s plot is really as good as they say.
Written by Debo Oluwatuminu, Beyond Blood tells the story of Moji, a young Oxford educated woman with a passion for social justice and equality.
At the end of the Thursday premiere, the producers got a loud round of applause from the viewers while the cast got funny nicknames.
Here are eight things to watch out for in Beyond Blood
- The Suspense
Get ready to experience the shock of your life towards the end. The story has the viewer’s holding their breath and wondering what Benjy had done that was so bad Moji had to call off her wedding. Do not bother guessing what the secret is because it is something you would have never thought of.
- Ijeoma Grace Agu’s flawless delivery
Every actor in Beyond Blood did exceptionally well but Ijeoma Grace Agu brought her A-game and then some. She got the audience to connect to her as an HIV/AIDS patient which is something worth commending.
- Way too much of the good Lagos
The movie did show off a little too much of the good parts of Lagos State. The Third Mainland Bridge and Lekki toll gate were highly publicised ignoring the streets of Oshodi and the popular yellow Lagos bus (Danfo). It was like an advertisement for the Lagos State Government. But then again, it was a movie that told the story of the wealthy and influential people in the society.
- The multiple plots
One of the movie’s major selling points is that it told multiple plots. It addressed issues about HIV/AIDs in the country while also looking at human trafficking. From another point it was a story about a family with differences. Some might even call it a story of love and betrayal.
- Kehinde Bankole and Joseph Benjamin speaking French
Producers of this movie should be giving props for encouraging the actors to speak French. Although Kehinde’s favourite word was Oui (French for yes) – which became thrilling and funny to hear as the movie went on – the effort it took to learn the language should be applauded.
- Impeccable dialogue
Journey into Beyond Blood and expect dialogues that will leave you at the edge of your seat. The graceful flow into different languages by the cast, while delivering their lines is something worthy of note.
- Great photography
The movie was shot on a 4K camera which delivers a spectacular view. The camera quality was way above the day to day movie we get to watch and the director of photography made sure to capture the most important moments. Like when Moji squeezed on to her mother’s hand when she was going through trying times.
- The twists
More than once, the movie changed direction. What you expect to happen never happens. With Moji and Akin there was a surprise, with Akin and Tunji, there was another surprise. It was an evolving plot of twists and turns. But, thankfully all answers were provided at the end of the movie.
