The Price

The Price is a gripping and tantalizing drama movie released in 2017, directed by the talented Anthony Onah. The enchanting storyline meticulously weaves together themes of ambition, morality, and the complexity of the human condition. The 117-minute film stars Lucy Griffiths, Michael Hyatt, and Bill Sage, who deliver compelling performances, making the viewers immerse into the character's lives and resist the urge to predict the story's twists and turns.

The narrative unfolds around the dynamic life of Seyi Ogunde, brilliantly portrayed by Aml Ameen, a young Nigerian-American working in a prestigious investment bank in New York City. The film takes us through the journey of this young Wall Street prodigy who grapples with love, family and a prescription drug dependency all while trying to maintain his high-stakes career.

Lucy Griffiths impeccably plays the character of Liz Sloane, Seyi's ambitious girlfriend who is acutely cognizant of the world around her. Griffiths' intense performance delivers a character perfectly demonstrating the phenomenal complexity of desires and dreams every individual carries within.

Michael Hyatt masterfully assumes the character of Ife Ogunde, Seyi's profoundly religious mother whose fervent faith continually reminds Seyi of his heritage and the principles that his Nigerian family embodies. Ife Ogunde's character is a critical component of the storyline, constantly presenting the ethical and moral crossroads Seyi has to face.

Bill Sage is John Kocher, the formidable boss who seems to stand in the way of Seyi's career progression. Kocher is a hard-nose, wise, and slightly discriminating superior who pushes Seyi on a path of either gaining his acceptance and rising ranks or raising his resistance leading to potential ruin.

The strong mix of characters symbolizes a deeper paradigm of personal conflicts, the duality of ambitions, and the dynamics of the professional world, setting the film apart as a genuinely smart movie.

Set across the backdrop of vibrant NYC, the city contributes massively to the film's ambiance. Its hustle-bustle, towering skyscrapers, and the visceral blend of cultures provide the perfect scenery for Seyi's turbulent life. You will be taken from the world of high-pressure trading floors in lower Manhattan to the intimate but straightforward households in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where Seyi finds his roots and values being tested.

At its core, The Price is an examination of a young adult facing the challenges that come hand-in-hand with the pursuit of success. It's a dynamic look at the price one pays for success, the ethical and personal dilemmas attached to it, the burden of familial expectations, and the cultural binds that can sometimes seem unbreakable. The film dedicates itself to portraying raw human emotions as the protagonist navigates through a sea of struggles to discover his identity, beliefs, and the true cost of success.

The movie's intensity is sure to engross you right from the start, with its flawless direction and engaging storyline. It takes you deep into the psyche of an "overachiever" and leaves you contemplating your understanding of success and the compromises it often demands.

Director Onah's brilliance ensues through the well-parsed storyline, unraveling every twist in its time, keeping viewers at the edge of their seats. He infuses the narrative with subtle cultural nuances that further solidify the roots of the tale, making it all the more relatable.

In a nutshell, The Price is a superbly crafted drama that will leave an indelible impact on the viewer. It's a film that brilliantly investigates the complex intersection of family, tradition, personal ambition, love, and the price one pays when these worlds collide. Not only does the movie boast outstanding performances by the ensemble, but it's also endowed with a compelling script and masterful direction. The Price is undoubtedly a film that brilliant encapsulates the very essence of the modern immigrant's experience — a highly recommended watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema.