When the trailer for In Love and Ashes was released earlier, I did not have any much expectations, I thought it was just paparazzi, as most movies turn out to be nothing close to their gargantuan trailers. But when I watched the first episode, I got hooked and didn’t want to look back.
There’s so much to love about In Love and Ashes but what has been more endearing is the fresh perspective that has been put out on the insurgency in the North East, exposing and treating the ignorance of many, especially those south and East of the country (take no offence please) and international media.
It tells a story of war without dehumanizing or victimizing those affected by it and I find that really brilliant. We see how these people project with courage and hope despite all that has happened, a part of their story that has always been exempted, especially by foreign media. This feels like a personal victory, because I have at one time tried to tell IDP stories but failed woefully at it.
All the characters played out their part so well, you’d think it’s their own absolute reality.
My favorite character was Miriam (Nafisatu Abdullahi), her wits and sometimes outright sarcasm was something I enjoyed very much. For me, she is the center of attraction, the freshness to the narrative. Time and space will fail me to talk about how I love every scene she appeared in, her acquaintance with Habiba, the way she looks at Nuhu.
Plus I liked how she effortlessly confronts Emeka with his foolishness every other time. Dude was feeling like the king of England but she was always handy to remind him of his position. Thank God they didn’t fall in love at the end or any of those Nollywood melodramas.
Another headliner for me is the scene where Yaga was retelling how he lost his colleague and friend to Verni and she said “If you lose hope, then you have nothing left”. It hasn’t left my mind and I know it will stay with me for a long time. She is also a brilliant actress, one to watch out for.
And I cried, I cried when Godiya reunited with her mum, my God! That was all shades of beautiful.
However, I can’t connect the dots of Emeka’s sudden decision to not go on with his wedding because he found new purpose, when he himself said earlier that marriage never stops anybody from doing good. I expected him to be more committed to his Fiancée Folake, after seeing all he had seen. I don’t like how his Folake was portrayed as though she was inconsiderate, it’s difficult to understand when you are miles away but there wasn’t even any benefit of doubt given to her. I’m not sure he really explained the situation as best as he could. It appears the writers of the series themselves don’t care much about her character.
And I hate that it had to end this early, I’m dabbing a handkerchief over my eyes right now, how dare them end the show in such a short time? I wanted more and more but every good thing they say, must come to an end.
The production team did excellent, K can imagine all the effort that must have gone into the making of the movie and it wasn’t a waste at all. I’m only a little bit upset with Emeka , it’s almost personal.
Ok bye!