Here Love Lies has so many aspects to question, and we will do just that below. After 5 years of hiatus, director Tope Oshin is back with another film but sadly didn’t pass the high expectations. The story follows a single mother trying to find forever true love but gets heartbroken all the time. When she finally believes her prince charming has been found, the plot takes a deep U-turn.
The official Netflix description of the movie reads,
“Preacher’s daughter turned single mother and travel blogger, Amanda finds more than romance when she takes a chance to meet a social media suitor in NYC.”
The main cast includes Tope Oshin as Amanda, Daniel Etim Effiong as Jide, Omowunmi Dada as Kemi, Tina Mba as Mary, Tim Shelburne as Michael, Moyo Lawal as Mabel and Sam Dede as Father Abraham, Angel Unigwe as Nora, Barbara Walsh as Liz, Ria Alexander as Isabella, Stephanie Zibili as Muna among others.
– Here Love Lies Review Contains No Spoilers –
The movie starts with a teenage Amanda getting kicked out of her home for getting pregnant. Her father demands her to abort the baby, but she feels it isn’t right. Moving on, the future Amanda is all successful in her career but a mess when it comes to relationships. When she’s out on a date, the man’s wife comes in yelling at Amanda for stealing him. Poor Amanda had no clue about the man’s married life, hence she breaks down and decides not to date anymore.
When she cries out to her close friend Kemi, the latter advises her to give the online fan of Amanda’s blog a shot. After thinking for a while, Amanda starts texting her fan Michael and they soon vibe. Days pass and the two are communicating through Facebook. Amanda then leaves for New York for a business trip and meets Michael. Now how things are going to go between them is what the movie is all about.
We also are introduced to Amanda’s past and her decision towards her family. Her daughter Nora is all grown up, and certain information about her will also be explored. Speaking of Nora’s father, he’s only shown when he was a teen; after that, he’s out of the plot. While all these above-mentioned storylines seem like decent movie plot that examines a single mother’s efforts, so many things were off.
Also Read: Liaison Episode 2 Recap and Review: Past Lovers Reconnect Amidst Chaos
Online Dating
First things first, Nigerian women, say women in general, why would you be dating and chatting with a stranger without looking into them first, especially when you have a daughter? You can’t be that careless, right? Secondly, the texts, oh Lord! When Michael and Amanda texted, they sent each other thick four to five lines of sentences; all typed within what, 2 seconds? How is that possible? I understand that such minute things aren’t going to affect the plot, but hey, I’m writing a review because I’m going to be analysing all of that.
The texts had no flow. Michael was embarrassingly flirting, and the woman went along with it. Lady, again. How careless can you be? That random pal is sending nonsense such as a “match made in heaven”, and you find it funny? That’s the same guy who has been bombarding your blog’s comment section, pleading with you to text him and not ghost him.
That’s some seriously creepy behaviour, and yet, you trust him when he hasn’t even told you anything personal about him, such as his work? Okay. Thanks to this part about online dating, the viewers will understand that folks online must be observed clearly before you trust them.
Actors, Go To Class
The Nigerian actors really did a good performance, but the rest, I laughed so hard. Even the kid Nora acted better than the white lady Liz. I’m not sorry, go to class. I laughed in the second half when detective Liz fell on the ground when the bad guy shot her. She just fell down on the floor representing the sound *boing*. I’m not joking. He shoots, and she goes *boing* on the floor. I legit gagged. The fight scene was so so fake, and the deaths, Good Lord, can’t y’all take time and die? Who dies like that? Again, *boing*.
Michael, played by Tim Shelburne, was performing well initially, but in the end, he looked pathetic. He isn’t the best fitting for the role because his face didn’t give any chills. I again only laughed when he yelled, “Amanda.” There was literally no fury on his face. Overall, Tope Oshin’s acting is the only thing that kept the movie watchable.
Also Read: Shrinking Episode 7 Recap and Review: The Aftermath of the Party
Here Love Lies Final Thoughts
A good plot that got spoiled. The movie started off so well because we got to see the Nigerian family’s customs, the women of the family being scared of the breadwinner, the single mother’s efforts to raise the child, Amanda’s dating life that actually shows how some men can look like a saint but are complete cheats, etc. That said, the director could have explored more into this theme and produced a movie that uplifts the hardships of single parents; however, the serial killer vibe that was bought in just didn’t sit right here.
Rather, a whole new movie around online dating and serial killing could have been added. Nevertheless, it’s a repeated concept. I was expecting to see more cultural aspects of Nigeria and how Amanda finds that she is all she needs in this world. The movie’s plot rushed so fast that I had to catch up with what was happening. The entire essence that the movie started with got lost in the way.
It’s a good watch, though, because you’ll witness the bad side of online dating, but it’s a known concept again. The director could have shown something new.
Here Love Lies is streaming on Netflix.
Also Read: Gulmohar Review: Broken Dreams, Secrets and Lots of Emotional Unpacking
This film showcases Nigerian production and its place in the major film industry and standards. Much better than the Nigerian movies in the 90s.
Quality, lighting, colours and casts are all well suited. I liked the twists and turns. My only issue with the film was the final scene. More about the script than the acting. She was owed apologies and should have been exonerated. The ending doesn’t do justice to the protagonist but warily perpetuates the female submission and obedience even when they are wronged. Well done guys. So proud 👍
I loved how the movie started, like everything was so nice, nice plot, great progression. Untill I saw horns and Edna in the cabin.
That was just crappy.
This movie seemed like a rom com. I like the trip to NYC. But the trip to the woods made it corny, because Amanda wouldn’t go to the woods with a man online. Especially when she didn’t trust her own family.
But why did amanda trust a white guy online??