Director – Moses Inyang
Writer – Moses Inyang
Cast – Sharon Ooja, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, Nkem Owoh, Deyemi Okanlawon, Funny Mallam, and Emem Inyang
Streaming on – Showmax
Year – 2024
In a cinematic landscape saturated with slapstick antics and exaggerated gags, “Dead Serious” emerges as a chip off the old block, maintaining my opinion that Nigerian humor must rely solely on physical comedy to entertain. Produced and Directed by the visionary Moses Inwang, “Dead Serious” was streamed to a select few of Nollywood’s favourites on Friday, February 9, 2024, as part of the official launch of the new Showmax.
The movie was obtained by the streaming platform and is a Showmax original and would premiere on the 14th of February, Valetine’s Day. As Netflix had ‘Lion Heart’ and Prime Video had ‘Gangs of Lagos’, I was slightly taken aback by Showmax going with the production as its ‘IT’ project, to launch its ‘new slate of content but if this project moves loyal fans of Sabinus to download the app, pay and watch the movie, then it is a win win for everyone so I should basically go and suck a lemon!
But I can’t 😊
At its core, “Dead Serious” follows the journey of John, portrayed with endearing warmth by Sabinus aka Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, as he navigates the complexities of romance amidst the bustling streets of Lagos. Smitten with Amara, played with grace by Sharon Ooja, John embarks on a quest to win her heart, despite the teasing skepticism of his sister Vero (Tomama) and friend Pato (NasBoi). Their budding romance forms the emotional heart of the film.
Nothing sets “Dead Serious” apart, not the writing, not the acting, not the camera angles, script or even effects, but I need to hand it to the cast and crew for coming to work and ensure the production sees the light of day. The film explores the intricacies of human relationships and what a man will go through for his woman, while the woman stands her ground on who she wants to be with. Relatable to us, off course, refreshing new or different, not at all. And both characters do nothing to impress on us that this was going to be different.
The ensemble cast, including the talents of Nkem Owoh, Deyemi Okanlawon, Funny Mallam, and Emem Inyang, deliver their performances as expected but nothing screams, I should spend 2 hours watching this. Which brings me to editing? This movie could have done with a lot of that and made two hours into an hour twenty minutes, but I am being generous. The movie shouldn’t have lasted longer than 45 minutes (sue me).
Having watched ‘Blood Vessel’ (read my review here), I was totally in awe of the story and the cinematography (both of which aren’t his focus through) but Moses Inwang (writer and director) just made me bleed watching ‘Dead Serious’. There was no skilful direction or deft pacing, and if this film resonates on multiple levels, to audiences, then maybe I am not the actual target of this movie.
I have always been a driver that slapstick humour shouldn’t be the norm in Nigerian comedy, the script/story also needs to be funny, to ensure that the audience gets a healthy dose of entertainment.
However, “Dead Serious” stands as a bold reminder that there is room for nuance and sophistication in redefining the boundaries of humour in modern cinematic comedy. By eschewing the tired tropes of physical comedy in favour of genuine emotion and wit, there is no limit to exploring the genre.
Dead Serious earns a 2.5/10 from Xplore.
Will you be checking out “Dead Serious” on Showmax, tell us what you think in here.
