Same old story saved by good casting

Movie Title: Different Strokes
Running Time: 1 hour 51 minutes
Director: Biodun Stephen

Cast: Mercy Johnson, Mosun Filani Oduoye, Lilian Esoro, and Blessing Jessica,

Nollywood has a rich history of delving into the diverse plights of women within society, from single motherhood to abusive marriages, with movies like Sista, Wildflower, and The Wait.

“Different Strokes,” directed by Biodun Stephen, joins this narrative tradition, offering a compelling exploration of marriage and the pursuit of happiness through the intertwined stories of four friends: Lydia, Dunni, Onyinye, and Manila.

Portrayed by a talented ensemble cast, including Mercy Johnson, Mosun Filani Oduoye, Lilian Esoro, and Blessing Jessica, the film delves deep into the complexities of marital life, highlighting the challenges and uncertainties accompanying the quest for marital bliss.

Each character’s journey offers a unique perspective on the intricacies of love, sacrifice, and resilience in adversity.

While the strength of “Different Strokes” lies in its stellar cast and relatable storyline, the film fails to offer any significant new perspective on the struggles of Nigerian women.

Despite the compelling performances of actors like Mercy Johnson and Jim Iyke, the movie treads familiar ground, telling a story that has been explored in previous Nollywood flicks without adding any fresh insight or perspective.

Released in March 2023, “Different Strokes” debuted on Amazon Prime Video’s streaming platform on 8 March.

“Different Strokes” may not break new ground in its storytelling. Still, it is a compelling and relatable film that offers valuable insights into the complexities of marriage and the human experience.

Plot

The movie tells the story of four friends: Lydia, Dunni, Onyinye, and Manila. They are portrayed by Mercy Johnson, Mosun Filani Oduoye, Lilian Esoro, and Blessing Jessica, and their several marriages.

The first revolves around Lydia, married to Alex Cole (portrayed by Jim Iyke), battling infertility while enduring mockery from her mother-in-law, Shaffy Bello, and sister-in-law, Mosun (portrayed by Kie Kie).

Amidst the humiliation, Lydia finds herself caught between societal pressures regarding her fertility struggles and her unfaithful husband, whom she consistently paints in a positive light to her inner circle.

The second storyline delves into Dunni’s journey, married to Olayemi (portrayed by Deyemi Okanlawon). Initially, they strike a deal where she puts her career on hold to take care of the home and kids while he handles the finances.

However, tensions escalate when Olayemi loses his job, blaming Dunni for not being supportive as he bears the financial weight alone. Struggling with mounting pressures, Olayemi’s frustration boils over, leading to emotional and physical abuse towards his wife as his family’s demands take precedence over their relationship.

The third tale traces Onyinye’s journey alongside Khalid (portrayed by Daniel Etim Effiong), who becomes increasingly distant due to work overload after a promotion.

As Khalid’s professional responsibilities grow, Onyinye’s high sexual drive clashes with his exhaustion, placing immense strain on their marriage as they struggle to balance work and intimacy. Faced with unmet needs, Onyinye finds herself seeking fulfilment outside her marriage, engaging in frivolous encounters with none other than Alex Cole, her friend’s husband.

In the fourth storyline, we embark on Manila’s journey, wedded to Tade (portrayed by Lateef Adedimeji). Manila’s challenges escalate when she loses her pre-pregnancy physique, causing Tade to lose interest and seek solace in infidelity.

It ignites a fire within Manila, propelling her to reclaim her physical form and care for her ailing child. However, her journey is fraught with obstacles, exacerbated by her unsupportive husband, who hurls verbal abuse at her relentlessly.

Amidst these trials and tribulations, the question lingers: Will these resilient women defy societal norms and carve out their destinies, or will they succumb to the weight of their struggles?

Character Analysis

In “Different Strokes,” the seasoned actors elevate the film with their impeccable performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their respective characters despite the familiarity of the storyline.

Mercy Johnson’s portrayal of Lydia is nothing short of exceptional. Her ability to convey the emotional turmoil of a woman facing infertility and familial pressure is captivating, immersing viewers in Lydia’s journey from the beginning.

Her performance draws audiences into the complexities of Lydia’s struggle, making her a character to root for throughout the film.

However, the decision to exclude a scene where Lydia receives justified recognition undermines the audience’s satisfaction, leaving a lingering sense of missed opportunity.

Lillian Esoro and Mosun Filani also deliver standout performances, bringing believability to their characters, Dunni and Onyinye, respectively.

Lilian’s portrayal of Dunni’s resilience in the face of financial hardship resonates with viewers, while Filani’s adeptness in delivering Yoruba parables adds depth to Onyinye’s character.

Both actresses breathe life into their roles, making them relatable and compelling.

Lateef’s portrayal, however, needs to include a distinct impression. While his performance as Tade is competent, it needs more depth and nuance, as seen in his co-stars’ interpretations.

On the other hand, Daniel Etim, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Jim Iyke embody their characters convincingly, adding layers of complexity to the film’s ensemble cast.

Overall, the performances in “Different Strokes” are a testament to the talent and skill of the actors involved. Despite the predictability of the storyline, their delivery is top-notch, drawing viewers into the intricacies of love, marriage, and the pursuit of happiness.

Movie Analysis

The film’s narrative structure combines four storylines seamlessly, offering a multifaceted exploration of the myriad challenges faced by modern couples.

From issues of infertility and financial strain to marital infidelity and societal expectations, “Different Strokes” tackles a wide range of themes with sensitivity.

However, while the film excels in character development, it occasionally needs to improve its execution of specific plot points.

Some scenes feel contrived, and specific motivations may seem unrealistic or underdeveloped. Additionally, the film’s pacing may leave some viewers wanting more as it needs to maintain momentum throughout its runtime.

There were several flat emotional scenes and subplots that needed coherence.

In the story, some parts feel off. For example, when Manila goes to a party without her husband’s car but suddenly needs it to rush her sick child to the hospital, it doesn’t quite add up.

And then there’s this scene between Manila and Tade after their son dies. You’d expect a lot of emotion, but it falls flat. The acting feels forced as if they’re going through the motions.

Plus, the chemistry between Blessing Jessica and Lateef Adedimeji could have hit better. And why did Blessing’s character have to speak pidgin English? It distracts from what’s going on.

Also, Manila being portrayed as a martyr feels a bit cliché. Do women have to suffer so much to be seen as valuable? Strangely, there’s no scene where Kie Kie and Shaffy Bello’s characters admit they were wrong about Lydia. That could’ve been a decisive moment in the film.

However, away from the shortcomings, the movie captures the experiences of women’s struggle in contemporary times, intriguing with emotions and very didactic, which Mercy Johnson, Jim Iyke and Lillian Esoro brought their best game on, which saved the movie.

“Different Strokes” ultimately delivers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant exploration of the complexities of marriage. Through its richly drawn characters, the film offers a story of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.

Verdict:

6/10

Different Strokes is streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Different Strokes – Official Trailer – YouTube