Couple of Days

Couple of Days, a Nigerian movie directed by Tolu Awobiyi and released in 2016, offers an invigorating take on love, relationships, and marriage, set in the vibrant and bustling hub of Lagos, Nigeria. The movie draws the audience into the intricately woven lives of three couples with its spellbinding story and a stellar cast that includes Ademola Adedoyin, Unoaku Anyadike, Lilian Esoro, and others.

At the heart of Couple of Days is the story of Jude and Judi, a much-beloved married couple portrayed by Lilian Esoro and Ademola Adedoyin respectively. The couple decides to embark on a short vacation on the outskirts of the city for their third wedding anniversary.

In order to add a burst of excitement and a touch of unpredictability to the trip, Jude and Judi invite their closest friends along. Made up of Lance and Cynthia (portrayed by Enyinna Nwigwe and Kiki Omeili) and Ima and Lanre (played by Okey Uzoeshi and Adesua Etomi), these two other couples each have unique stories and individual struggles that add layers of complexity to the plot.

As the plot of Couple of Days unfolds, the film presents all three couples with a series of life-altering situations. Each couple's interaction and reactions to these anticipated, and some not-so-anticipated, turn of events, form the crux of the narrative. The movie is a perfect blend of romance, drama, laughter, and doom that mirrors the uncertainties, joys, and challenges of sustaining relationships in a contemporary world.

Ademola Adedoyin's performance as Jude is particularly outstanding. As a committed husband, enjoying his marriage, and trying to strike a balance between love and career, Adedoyin skillfully brings depth and strength to his character. Lilian Esoro, portraying his wife, Judi, manages to create a perfect blend of emotions, demonstrating her character's strength, vulnerability, and unwavering love for her husband beautifully. Their chemistry on-screen is vibrant and palpable, thereby creating an enjoyable dynamic for viewers.

Unoaku Anyadike, the former beauty queen, makes her debut on the big screen and adds an attractive blend of freshness and charm to the ensemble cast. She adds flair to the movie with her admirable portrayal of relationship dynamics, adding a sense of relatability and authenticity. The performances by Enyinna Nwingwe and Kiki Omeili, as well as Okey Uzoeshi and Adesua Etomi, further elevate the narrative, as their characters navigate their relational challenges in their own distinct ways.

The panoramic shots of Lagos done with meticulous precision give the audience an exquisite and thorough view of the city's bustling life and beautiful landscapes. The beauty of the outdoor locations is presented in stark contrast with the confining city landscape, providing a symbolic backdrop to the narrative’s unfolding complexity.

Couple of Days provides an intelligent introspection of modern relationships through the spectrum of varied challenges faced by its characters. The film goes beyond the clichés of the genre, delving deeply into the intricacies of human relationships and the various trials faced by couples. The writing is nuanced, the narrative layered, and the characters are well-defined, with their individual personalities shining through.

Viewers are allowed personal insights into each couple's relationship. With the adept use of humor, heartwarming moments, and unexpected twists, the film skillfully sets up an emotional rollercoaster that keeps the audience constantly engaged. It integrates thematic elements of love, faithfulness, sacrifice, and endurance seamlessly throughout the plot, making it relatable to a wide audience.

In essence, Couple of Days brilliantly showcases Nigerian cinema to a global audience with a universal tale of love and relationships. It is a film that promises romance, drama, and comedy, yet goes beyond these elements, rising to the challenge of presenting a rich tapestry of life’s complexities through its compelling narrative and well-etched characters. The movie charms viewers with its captivating storyline, skillful performances, and clear, relatable message on the meaning and complexities of love and relationships in the modern world.