Isoken (2017)

Poster via imdb.com

Dakore Akande stars as Isoken, a 34 year old woman who has a very successful career and a beautiful family but the fact that she doesn't have a husband or even a boyfriend is a cause for concern for some of her family members, especially her mother. At her younger sister's wedding, her mother introduces her to Osaze (Joseph Benjamin). He's successful, comes from a good family and is an Edo man which makes him a good candidate for Isoken, especially in the eyes of her mother. Isoken meets Kevin (Marc Rhys) in a very embarrassing way and she begins to fall in love with him. He's everything she wants but she knows her family, especially her mother would not be happy with the fact that he's not an Edo man and Caucasian. She's left with the choice of following her heart or pleasing her family. 

Image via nigerianmovienetwork.com

In our society today, especially here in Nigeria, no matter how successful a woman is, the fact that she doesn't have a husband or children becomes an issue for a lot of people. To some, the ultimate goal in life for a woman (and sometimes a man) is to get married and have kids. Isoken plays out these scenarios perfectly. I loved the soundtrack of the film was on point from Kent Edunjobi to a host of other talented artists, the stylist also did a really good job with the outfits of the actors which looked amazing. I loved how well rounded the cast was, each actor didn't fail to deliver. Isoken, Joke (Damilola Attoh), Kukua (Lydia Forson) and Agnes (Funke Akindele) had such a beautiful friendship which looked so real. Kukua was definitely my favorite character, she was so fun to watch. Kevin and Isoken had undeniable chemistry, Rhys and Akande brought so much life to these characters.

Image via plive.com

This Romantic Drama is funny without trying too hard, although it's not funny to the point where tears roll down your cheeks from laughing too hard, it does a great job at passing across the message. I loved the way they represented the Edo Culture and how the actors tried to talk like them. Tina Mba and Patrick Doyle did a good job with this. Although there was a tiny error during the kitchen scene with Dakore where she leaves the pot on the gas to get the door but when she comes back, a rag is on the gas and on fire. I couldn't help but notice this tiny glitch, but this doesn't make the movie any less funny. The movie explores the theme of friendship, love, self confidence, family and maybe a bit of tribalism. Isoken is such a feel good movie and even though it was very predictable,  I enjoyed watching.

DIRECTOR Jadesola Osiberu

WRITER Jadesola Osiberu 

STARRING Dakore Akande, Joseph Benjamin, Marc Rhys, Funke Akindele, Damilola Attoh, Tina Mba, Lydia Forson, Patrick Doyle

RELEASE DATE June 16, 2017

RUNNING TIME 1hr 40mins