A Ghetto Love Story is a film that would resonate with audiences as it portrays love in perhaps the most raw form Nollywood has seen in recent times.
By Joseph Jonathan
People often say that love is the greatest emotion or feeling because it has the power to transform, inspire, and connect humanity in a way that transcends all other emotions. It was probably for this reason that Roman poet, Virgil, made the now famous quote: “love conquers all” in his Eclogue X, line 69.
In the Daniel Oriahi-directed film, A Ghetto Love Story, we are introduced to ‘trenches’ love, a term Nigerians use to describe ghetto love, which refers to a deep, and often unconventional love that blossoms in challenging situations or rough environments.
Written by Bright Okpocha (Basketmouth) and Victoria Eze, A Ghetto Love Story follows the story of Stella (Beverly Osu) and Obinna (Akah Nnani), whose relationship is put to the test by the pressures of societal expectations, family conflicts, and personal ambitions.
One thing which strikes me about A Ghetto Love Story is how simple and relatable the story is. It’s a testament to the power of focused storytelling, where the narrative doesn’t try to do too much, but instead, delivers a commendable execution. While the film gleans from a few pages of familiar tropes reminiscent of old Nollywood, it offers a refreshed perspective that breathes new life into these timeless themes.
For one, there is the way A Ghetto Love Story explores the complexities of Stella and Obinna’s relationship. When Stella leaves for university, her transformation from a seemingly wholesome and devoted girlfriend to a more liberated and reckless individual raises questions about identity, peer pressure, and the challenges of maintaining long-distance relationships.
This character arc cleverly takes a page from the ‘good girl gone bad’ trope, adding a layer of complexity to Stella’s character and creating tension in her relationship with Obinna. However, the story doesn’t lean too heavily on these tropes, as the plot progresses.
Furthermore, the characters are well written in such a way that audiences can understand their motivations and empathise with their actions. Being that the film is titled A Ghetto Love Story, various characters represent different demographics of an actual ghetto.
These characters are relatable as they mirror the lifestyle of actual people that we experience in our society. Characters like Livinus (Okpocha), Festus (Romeo Horsfall) and Folake (Dorathy Bachor) represent the entrepreneurial (hustling) spirit of the ghetto, showcasing the hustle and resilience that define this environment.
In contrast, Engr. Ndubuisi (Bethel Njoku) and his wife, Madam Chasis (Chioma Chukwuka) represent the respected individuals whom the young ones look to for advice.
Giving authenticity to these characters is the brilliant acting performances from the ensemble cast. Osu and Nnani truly shine in the lead roles as Stella and Obinna. They both portray their characters, evoking emotions in the audience as they experience the highs and lows of their journey. One can’t help but feel their happiness when they’re excited, and their pain when they’re frustrated or in despair.
Okpocha and Horsfall bring their comedic experience to the table, infusing the narrative with much-needed comic relief. Their hilarious quips and facial expressions provide a welcome respite from the drama, adding depth and balance to the story.
The major surprise, for me, was Bachor’s performance as Folake. She delivers a standout portrayal that surpasses her previous work, showcasing her growth as an actress.
Soundtrack and sound design are equally impressive. The music is expertly woven into the narrative, swelling at just the right moments to amplify the emotional resonance of different scenes. The music incorporates a range of genres and styles to reflect the film’s diverse settings and characters.
From upbeat, energetic rhythms to show the bustling of the ghetto to the more subdued, introspective melodies of the romantic moments, the music is always perfectly pitched to enhance the emotional impact of each scene.
The film’s aesthetic is also undeniably captivating, with meticulous attention to detail in its cinematography. The camera angles are thoughtful and well-executed, while the colour grading adds a rich, vibrant texture to the narrative which makes the film a treat for the eyes.
Overall, A Ghetto Love Story is a film that would resonate with audiences as it portrays love in perhaps the most raw form Nollywood has seen in recent times. It doesn’t paint love to be all rosy and fun, but it also shows how love could make people act irrationally and become the demons they fear.
It is an impressive film, much like a well-prepared meal, where every element comes together in harmony to leave the audience with a profound sense of satisfaction. And as the credits roll, A Ghetto Love Story leaves us with a lingering question that echoes long after we leave the cinema: how far would you go for the one you love?
Rating: 2.9/5
Joseph Jonathan is a historian who seeks to understand how film shapes our cultural identity as a people. He believes that history is more about the future than the past. When he’s not writing about film, you can catch him listening to music or discussing politics. He tweets @JosieJp3.