Movie Title: The Betrayed
Director: Zulumoke Oyibo
Writers: Tosan Anyafulu and Chinaza Onuzo
Run Time: 1:49:54
The Inkblot production The Betrayed tells the story of Amarachi (Uche Montana), who is determined to uncover the truth behind the crime her husband, Bala (Gabriel Afolayan), is accused of. Bala believes he killed Candy/ Seun Muyiwa (Aderonke Onuoha), and throughout his time in prison, his friend and Baobab Tech Company co-founder, Batista (Ibrahim Suleiman), pledges his unwavering support to Bala’s family. Amarachi’s friend, Tolu (Jemima Osunde), stands by her, providing strong, reliable support.
Although Amarachi’s relentless quest to clear her husband’s name has brutal and fatal consequences, she gets to discover another betrayal.
Where the Movie Excels
The Betrayed shines in its casting, with actors perfectly chosen to bring authenticity to their characters. Uche Montana delivers a standout performance. One can feel the happiness she expresses before the fall of Bala; she paints the image of a troubled and confused wife on her way to the station; she displays the picture of betrayal while talking to Bala in prison. Yet, one can read the sacred writings of forgiveness all over her when Bala returns home. In pursuit of the truth, Uche’s actions scream desperation and determination while staying cultured.
Vine Olugu is a brilliant actor to watch; like Timini Egbuson, he is another actor who balances seriousness and humour seamlessly. Though his scenes are limited but they leave a lasting impression for his viewers. Jemima Osunde and Ibrahim Suleiman execute their roles effectively; it will be cliché to talk about how Gabriel Afolayan killed his role. The screenwriters help the viewers understand and connect with the characters. The writers know when to tell and when to show.
The movie’s technical aspects are impressive, with excellent video quality and sound. Notably, the song selection, makeup, and wardrobe design are meticulously time-sensitive. The flashbacks effectively convey the passage of time, with the soundtrack, makeup, and wardrobe perfectly complementing the film’s ambiance without being overly flashy. Uche Montana and Ibrahim Suleiman, thanks to their wardrobe styling, could pass for supermodels.
Where the Movie Falls Short
However, the film has a few weaknesses. The plot is somewhat predictable, lacking a major twist, which diminishes its impact and makes it feel more like a regular Nollywood movie. The title gave away the suspense.
Additionally, Batista’s story at the dining table early in the film is meant as foreshadowing, but the director does not emphasize this enough, causing it to potentially go unnoticed by viewers.
Tolu treats the way things went down with her cousin, Kunle (Vine Olugu) with triviality. Built as a blunt, unbending and realistic character, her decision and reaction to the ordeal fall out of line, detracting from her believability.
Finally, the last conversation between Amara and Batista muddies the clarity of the well-developed dialogue throughout the film. Questions arise, such as “What has Batista sacrificed?” and “Is he the father of Amara’s children?” A flashback might have clarified these points, avoiding unnecessary ambiguity; but it leaves the viewers begging for explicitness.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Zulumoke Oyibo’s directorial debut The Betrayed is an enjoyable drama with thriller elements, deserving a rating of 5/10. The movie is currently streaming on Prime Video.
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