Two weeks in Lagos is a romance drama movie, that somehow manages to include kidnapping, corruption, bitterness and self preservation. Popular themes in the Nigerian daily reality, however, from the perspective of the privileged. In this movie, Mawuli Gavor plays Ejikeme; the investment banker who comes home with his best friend, Charles, to invest in Nigerian businesses. While Beverly Naya plays his love interest, Lola; his best friends’ sister who he meets on a trip back to Lagos.
The two meet at Charles’ house. Immediately Ejikeme sees her, he is captivated by her. He follows her outside to speak to her when she steps out to receive a phone call. Lola originally rejects his advances; not understanding why he assumes she’d be interested. However, over time she eventually becomes smitten for him. Charles is not upset by their union, because he trusts his friend and sees him as an upstanding guy.
Ejikeme’s father, wants to be the running mate to Otunba Ayodeji. Otunba is a politician who is most likely to be the next president as he has a lot of power. Ejikeme’s mum, Kemi, is supporting her husband heavily because of her egotistical plans to become first lady. Both Ejikemes’ parents are hell bent on trying to advance their capital and influence in the country. However, their master plan to make sure they achieve the support of Otunba, is by making Ejikeme marry his daughter. They had planned to introduce them subtly, then let him know that they would like for him to pursue a relationship with her.
While this is happening, Ejikeme is falling in love with Lola and spending a lot of time with her. Taking absolutely no interest in Otunba’s daughter when his mother introduces them. Kemi finally discovers what is going on and is thoroughly upset. She tries to convince Ejikeme, along with his father, to marry the girl for the benefit of the family. Ejikeme refuses and shuts down the idea totally, stating he has already fallen in love with someone and does not want to lose her.
Ejikeme’s parents are not pleased about this, so they sabotage their relationship. Ejikeme brings Lola to a huge political family function to introduce her to his parents, as he said he would. At this same function, Ejikeme’s parents formally announce that Otunba’s daughter is Ejikeme’s fiancé to everyone at the party. Leaving Lola completely embarrassed and heartbroken. She flees from the event with Charles and Ejikeme close behind her. Charles is furious at Ejikeme as he cannot believe he would treat his sister this way.
Chaos ensues; Ejikeme has to convince Lola and her family that he loves her and no one else. Ejikeme refuses Otunba’s daughter and continues seeing Lola. Finally drying out the last ounce of patience Kemi had. Kemi has Lola kidnapped, and it’s up to Ejikeme and her family to find her.
The movie touches on the selfish nature of politicians; their general thirst for power and what they will do for it. It speaks on real prominent themes across Nigeria; to obey your parents and not cause upset in the family. However, just like a lot of the other popular movies in this current age of cinematography, it speaks from the perspective of the privileged. Showcasing stories only them can really relate to and tapping into a particular cliche that falls around issues of love, money, politics, and marriage.
I give the movie a 7/10. I do think it was a good watch, something semi lighthearted with some good laughs. Also filled with twists to make the watcher perk up in confusion. However, the storyline feels overdone and repetitive. There are thousands of ‘my mother-in-law does not like the woman I love,’ movies in Nollywood, the only exception was instead of using witchcraft, the MIL here used kidnapping.
I would like to see a bit more diversity in Nollywood script writing, movie themes and the actors playing the characters too.
All photos are copywrited by Netflix and IMDb.
