The Bling Lagosians

The Bling Lagosians is a 2019 Nigerian drama film set in the heart of Nigeria's bustling economic hub, Lagos. This film encapsulates the flamboyant lifestyle of a high society family dealing with financial challenges, secrets, and the ultimate quest to maintain their social status against all odds.

Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, the film is anchored by an ensemble cast featuring Gbenga Titiloye, Elvina Ibru, and Osas Ighodaro in key roles. The Bling Lagosians springs forth from the niche of rich Nigerian films, blending elements of family drama, societal status rivalry, and the relentless drive of human ambition in an engaging and thematically vibrant narrative.

Gbenga Titiloye plays the role of Akin Holloway, the patriarch of the Holloway family. Akin is under immense pressure to secure a loan to finance a failing business, showcasing the universal narrative of economic stress, regardless of social status. The portrayal of the character by Titiloye is profound, as he connects philosophy with the real-life experience of an upper-class African businessman navigating financial crises.

Elvina Ibru's portrayal of his wife, Mopelola Holloway, is equally impressive. Mopelola is eager to celebrate her 51st birthday in an extravagant fashion, to maintain appearances and reaffirm her social standing in Lagos society. The character embodies the themes of social vanity and materialism, which are central themes to the film. The Bling Lagosians explores how these factors can influence the actions and decisions of individuals caught in the web of societal expectations and reputational status.

Osas Ighodaro, playing the role of Demidun Holloway, presents the fragile balance of a young woman torn between love and family duty, facing pressure to marry into wealth to upkeep her family's high society status. This aspect of the Bling Lagosians uncovers issues of classism, societal pressures and the unrelenting expectations of wealth preservation in families of high social standing.

The screenplay is rich in subplot. While the main story revolves around the Holloway family's struggle to maintain their extravagant lifestyle amidst financial crisis, an interesting subplot follows rival high-society family matriarch, Mrs. Tade-Williams. She is preying on the Holloway's vulnerability to upend them and claim the title of Lagos's number one society family. This subplot adds another layer to the unfolding drama, weaving a web of jealousy, backstabbing, and social climbing inherent in the wealthy circles of Lagosian society.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Bling Lagosians is its depictive portrayal of Lagos's high society. The film showcases the flamboyant lifestyle of these so-called Bling Lagosians with opulent scenes filled with extravagant clothes, luxurious homes, high-end cars, and lavish parties. Austen-Peters spares no effort in driving the point home that the characters in this film live in a world where the pursuit of wealth, success, and social recognition is paramount.

However, underneath all the glitz and glamour, there is a clear critique and commentary on Lagos's wealthy society's extravagance. While the film's focus is on this elite class, it does not shy away from subtly highlighting stark differences between the privileged few and common Lagosians. In showing these disparities, The Bling Lagosians not only entertains but poses serious questions about the inequality and superficiality that exist in modern society.

Bolanle Austen-Peters’s film incorporates a wave of comedic relief, underlining the ridiculousness of excessive display of wealth in places it does not belong. Comedic elements only add to the theatrical dimension that Austen-Peters is known for, ensuring that serious themes are balanced with entertaining moments.

In conclusion, The Bling Lagosians is a visually striking film that takes the audience deep into the heart of high society Lagos, highlighting the cost of maintaining status, wealth, and extravagance, irrespective of the consequences. Themes of vanity, classism, societal pressure, and gender roles are explored on a backdrop of sparkling opulence and ostentation. Flawlessly acted with powerful performances and peppered with comedic moments, The Bling Lagosians is not just a film about the rich in Lagos; it's a film about the human condition, ambition, and societal expectations in the eyes of wealth.