In an age where Nollywood movies are defying stereotypes, Kayode Kasum’s film “One Too Many” attempts to break free but falls short of contemporary standards. Kasum’s direction leaves the movie riddled with rough edges and an unfinished feel, detracting from its potential. The narrative follows Adesuwa (Dakore Akande) and her son Otas (Chimezie Imo), highlighting police brutality across three generations of their family. Despite touching on important themes like family bonds and delusion, the film’s lacklustre direction and uninspired script coordination undermine its impact.
The film shines in its choice of locations and settings, capturing the essence of each scene with pictorial excellence. From the exterior to the interior of Amos’s (Ikpomwosa Gold’s) modest one-room apartment, the portrayal of the family’s struggling life is strikingly authentic. Adesuwa’s apartment realistically depicts lower-middle-class housing, while Senator Sodiku’s (Jide Kosoko’s) duplex reflects a humble and non-extravagant lifestyle. Tonia’s house setting reflects her uncouth nature, while the prison yard, courtroom, and police station settings are impeccably portrayed.
The film “One Too Many” boasts rich dialogue that stands out, particularly through characters like Adesuwa, Otas, Senator Sodiku, and DSP Lekan, leaving a lasting impact on viewers. The cinematography impresses with well-captured scenes and high-quality visuals. However, the sound is generally satisfactory, though the song selection during exposition prioritizes tone over lyrics.
Despite perceived shortcomings in script organization and character development, the actors, notably Chimezie Imo and Dakore Akande, infuse vitality and energy into their roles. Special mention goes to Funsho Adeolu and Joshua Richard for their commendable performances, marked by genuine facial expressions and emotional depth that are sustained throughout the film. However, Pelumi Shittu- Tonia, falls short in comparison. It is evident that Pelumi lacks depth and connection to her character, failing to convincingly portray her role.
The Condemnable Aspects
Certain scenes in the film prompt questions about the script’s editing quality. One such scene involves Otas searching for a phone in the car, leading to an unrealistically clear video recording of events on the road, given the angle. Additionally, the video presented in court seems edited with cut-and-join elements, which is unexpected from an experienced director like Kayode Kasum. This oversight detracts from the film’s overall quality, making it mediocre.
Furthermore, One Too Many suffers from a significant inconsistency regarding the timeline, particularly from the perspective of the reporter. Following Adesuwa’s revelation, the reporter’s voiceover states, “…Eric’s murder case takes a new turn as we await the next sitting in two weeks.” The tone and delivery are more suited to that of a narrator rather than a reporter. Moreover, despite the case being dropped and Otas moving on to launch his project (which logically should be more than two weeks after Adesuwa’s video release), the reporter still claims, “It’s barely 24 hours since the mother of the young man who was wrongly accused of murder…” This discrepancy is a glaring oversight in One Too Many.
Another critique is the movie’s pacing. After Otas is incarcerated, the film rushes through events with a sense of urgency, leaving many details unresolved. Senator Sodiku’s swift actions, such as requesting the exhumation and examination of his son’s body, seem hasty. Barrister Aminu also prematurely dropped the case without thoroughly investigating the authenticity of the video evidence or forming a defence based on procedural errors. This rushed approach leaves room for other shortcomings to emerge in the film.
Furthermore, Officer Nwafor’s portrayal by an actor with a noticeable Yoruba accent is a mismatch for the character’s supposed Igbo identity. Additionally, the recurring mantra about the toughness of the streets feels out of place in a movie which lacks focus on street life. This repeated saying would be more fitting in Gang of Lagos (2023)
Despite these issues, One Too Many stands out for its cinematography, setting, picture quality, and dialogue. However, viewers should not expect much from the plot and its development. The movie can be rated 5 out of 10. It is not the best in Kayode Kasum’s directorial repertoire. Sugar Rush (2019), This Lady Called Life (2020), Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards (2020), Obara ‘M (2022), and others surpass the movie in quality.
Leave a Reply