Something Wicked

Something Wicked is a 2017 Nigerian psychological thriller film directed by Yemi Morafa and produced by Okey Uzoeshi. The terrific cast includes renowned actor Gabriel Afolayan, Big Brother Naija fame Bisola Aiyeola, and the captivating Omowunmi Dada. A medley of manifold emotional shades, this film offers a compelling narrative that dives profoundly into the idiosyncrasies of family dynamics and digs into the sinister crevices of our innermost fears.

Set against the urban backdrop of Lagos, Nigeria, Something Wicked scrutinizes relationships, loss, and the human psyche's latent darkness. The film opens with an ordinary Nigerian family going about their daily life, unsuspecting of the malevolent storm in their midst, about to wreak havoc on their peace stability. The family, having recently lost their mother, reeling under her loss, comes across Gabriel Afolayan's character, who reintroduces himself into their lives under the pretext of a long-lost familial connection.

Bisola Aiyeola, a young, dynamic office-goer, is portrayed initially as a sceptical character of Gabriel's intentions but gradually succumbs to his polite demeanor and seemingly harmless facade. The character dynamics quickly evolve as Omowunmi Dada's role as the matriarch of the family begins to harbor speculations. The film captures the essence of how facades influence our judgments and how appearances can be deceptive, navigating through the complex web of emotions, suspicion and fear.

The director, Yemi Morafa, proficiently transports the audience into a world where hope, despair, love, fear, suspicion, and an impending doom coexist, making the narrative strikingly relatable. The plot progression is subtly articulated to ring the psychological suspense from the get-go, keeping the audience on edge. The film employs an effective atmospheric tension that hovers throughout the screen-time, and the storyline keeps the audience guessing, providing twists and turns at the most unexpected junctures.

The film treats its characters like pawns of a meticulously arranged chessboard, and each moves contributes to the overall build-up. Gabriel Afolayan's performance stands out as the suspicious yet charming relative who, under the veil of kinship, enters the family's life and stirs the calm sea. He masterfully juggles his character's ambiguous nature, which further amplifies the psychological suspense.

Bisola Aiyeola is sublime as she displays an array of conflicting emotions. She juggles her character's personal loss, unsuspected love interest, and innate suspicions spectacularly. Omowunmi Dada, as the protective elder sister and the new family head, adds another layer of complexity to the unraveling narrative.

With its proverbial title, Something Wicked, this movie delves into the perturbing narrative of affliction disguised as affection. It is a story that underscores the eternal dichotomy of good and evil within human nature, holding up a mirror to our innermost fears and vulnerabilities.

The film’s cinematography is praiseworthy, where each frame resonates with the narrative's pulse, almost making the cityscape of Lagos an additional character in the story. The use of engaging background music enhances the overall eerie feel of the movie, thereby maintaining the suspenseful undertone.

Something Wicked, with its riveting storyline, formidable performances, and adept direction, offers an exhilarating ride into the abyss of human psyche. It not only excels as a standalone psychological thriller but also ingeniously stirs a dialogue about relevant societal issues such as trust, familial relations, and the power dynamics exercised thereof. This film's eerie demeanour, infused with an intense air of suspense, creates an unforgettable cinematic experience for lovers of the foreign psychological thriller genre.

In a nutshell, Something Wicked is a testament to the evolution of Nigerian cinema, merging the universally relatable themes of love, fear, and suspicion with the quintessentially Nigerian familial dynamics and urban life. This film intertwines the macabre horror elements with the intricately woven emotional web, acting as a grim reminder that sometimes, the most unnerving horrors are concealed behind the mundane facade of everyday life. A must-watch for its suspenseful narrative, commendable performances, and remarkable storytelling.