Finding Hubby

Finding Hubby is a Nigerian romantic comedy drama film released in 2020. This captivating movie stars the talented trio of Rosemary Abazie, Munachi Abii, and Omobola Akinde who bring their characters to life in vibrant color and emotion.

Directed by the accomplished Femi Ogunsanwo, the film unfolds with a freshness and dynamic that showcases some of the very best elements of Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry. Fusing a blend of humor, wit, and romance, Finding Hubby continues the tradition of telling authentic African narratives via popular media in a way that resonates with viewers both locally and abroad.

The story revolves around three friends, Oyin Clegg (played by Ade Laoye), Ejiro (Munachi Abii) and Terae (Kehinde Bankole). As single women at the cusp of their thirties, they each grapple with the societal and personal pressures to find "Mr. Right" and settle down. The title, Finding Hubby, is indicative of this narrative thread, placing the protagonist's search for a life partner at the core of the storyline.

Oyin Clegg is a successful career woman, functioning in a society where her job position - Digital Newspaper editor - is not enough to deter societal expectations of marriage. Urged by her friends, she joins a dating website and begins her quest for love. This sparks a series of events and encounters that explore the complexity of modern relationships. Her friends, Ejiro and Terae, are likewise seeking their own paths in the world of love, relationships, and marriage.

As the story unravels, viewers are taken on a relatable journey that humorously captures the ups and downs that come with finding a significant other, while highlighting the joys, vulnerabilities, and strength of sisterhood. At its core, Finding Hubby is a women’s tale, an empowering narrative of female friendship portrayed against the backdrop of societal and personal expectations.

The character development and contrast between the three women is worth noting. Oyin Clegg, Ejiro, and Terae each have their own unique personalities and perspectives on love, relationships, and success, which adds to the depth and richness of the narrative.

Ade Laoye, who plays the protagonist, Oyin, brilliantly captures her character’s strength, ambition, humor, and vulnerability. She’s matched by Munachi Abii’s Ejiro, who brings warmth, innocence, and depth to her character. While Kehinde Bankole excels as Terae, the most private of the three friends, revealing layers of complexity and resilience.

Visually, the film beautifully captures the vibrancy and allure of Lagos city with its bustling streets, colorful markets, and high-rise buildings. This imagery serves as a remarkable backdrop to the urban, contemporary narrative explored in Finding Hubby.

The film’s soundtrack blends local Afro-pop and Afrobeat sounds, complementing the cinematic joy ride that is Finding Hubby while ensuring an audio-visual experience that highlights the contemporary African storytelling landscape.

The film is not just a simple perpetuation of the chase for marital bliss, but it sincerely highlights the importance of friendship, self-discovery, and growth within the context of societal expectations. It provides a stepping stone for important conversations around what a 'happy ending' looks like for modern African women, and invites viewers to reevaluate societal pressures often projected onto women in their personal and professional pursuits.

Finding Hubby also tackles some serious issues such as betrayal, heartbreak, and the societal pressure on women to marry which are prevalent in many African societies. However, it does so with humor and wit that prevent the movie from becoming gloomy, maintaining a light-hearted and entertaining narrative throughout the movie.

In conclusion, Finding Hubby is a brilliantly crafted film that shows the complexities of relationships, the pressure of societal expectations, the bond of solid friendships and the path to self-discovery. It serves viewers a palatable dish of laughter, tears, and lessons perfectly seasoned with the vibrancy of Lagos city and the richness of African culture. It is a testament to the growing capacity of Nollywood for producing high-quality films with global appeal. This is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a hearty dose of African cinema laced with humor, friendship, and a touch of romance.