“WHAT LIES WITHIN”

By Zizi

Drama/thriller
Rating: 4 stars.
Setting:
Place: Lagos, Nigeria
Time: Present Days.

 ‘’What Lies within’’ is set in and chronicles 24 hours in the lives of two women Fiona (Michelle Dede) and Ireti (Vanessa Nzediegwu)  they are thrust into the center of an incident that could have far reaching consequences on their lives and their loves ones.        


It had a very impressive performances from the cast members: Tope Tedela,Pat Utomi, Vanessa Nzediegwu,Michele Dede,Kiki Omeili. Vanessa Nzediegwu directed this film and she did a brilliant job in interpreting every scene with every little details right on point.

Fiona (Michelle Dede) happens to be my favorite character has she is one with an ambivert personality and has a protective nature towards her loved ones. Most of the characters in this film was well taught through has they interpreted their roles strongly and very well.

This film touched several social relevant central issues like “Domestic Violence” that has been a subject of controversy in the society. Formal techniques such has cinematography, editing, mise-en-scène, lighting, diegetic and non-diegetic sound were on point.  It has a great balance of drama, informative and a little comedy.

The critique of this film is original and brings a fresh plot that implements a subject topic that will leave viewers’ attention to the story gripping and twisted; it’s one of those story telling that the audiences has not seen before and are not used to.

Not only was the film a major upgrade in storytelling and visual effects being that this was Nzediegwu first feature film but it also showed that films can be left with an open ending and audience will still enjoyed it. Now before I rip into this film I have to admit that I enjoyed watching it because it was a break from the regular comedy we have been watching in the cinemas;and Tope Tedela role was a nice surprise in the vexatious role. Kiki Omeili and Pat Utomi were great with their roles has Fiona friend and Fiona husband. The fact that the family members never found Ireti’s husband after much search and trial was a great spin and might leave viewers’’ either giving it an applause or leaving the cinema really mad.

However I would recommend you watch it with an open mind and draw out some positive lessons about the subject topic of this film. We have seen a lot lately about ‘’blockbuster films”-the notion is that audience got so burned out watching drama is wrong has for the film proves otherwise. The indie-film sector in Nigeria is growing and it enjoying an expansive, successful season this ember month, with a healthy handful of Indies earning breakout status. We hope to see more films like these that tell the Nigerian stories and face social relevant issues that are faced in our present society.

"What lies within” is produced by the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Award winner Tope Tedela alongside Paul Utomi, Vanessa Nzediegwu, and is directed by Nzediegwu.

The film made its debut at the cinemas September 8th and is showing across cinemas nationwide.