‘Better Half’ movie review: an unusual yet intriguing love story.

Love they say can develop from unusual places. But what will happen if that love is characterized with lies and deceit? This is the question the movie Better Half is trying to answer.

Directed by Nwosu Abagana Richard, Better Half follows the story of Kanye (Chuli Dike) a student who is madly in love with his teacher. Kanye acknowledged the fact that the age difference between him and his teacher will be a problem when he approaches her directly, he then decided to come out with a plan to win his teacher’s heart. Kanye is a successful young man who assists his uncle in managing a multi-million dollar company. So the money to carry out his plan is not a problem.

Sia played by the amazing Uche Montana, is a teacher who is in love with a man she only knows as Kennedy. How they met is something we don’t know. And that is one of the flagrant disregard for characterization and backstory that can be traced out through the movie. Sia can’t sleep when Kennedy doesn’t call. Their love appears to be deep even though they have never met face to face.

The audience are aware that, the Kennedy Sia is madly in love with is Kanye. Sia and her friend and family are left in the dark, they don’t actually know the identity of Kennedy. This kind of storytelling puts the audience on the edge of their seats. They are eager to know when and how Sia will find out that her love Kennedy is her student Kanye. Though Sia had some suspicions anytime Kanye is around her, she can’t look pass her love for Kennedy to believe her intuitions. Love they say is blind indeed.

The theme of the story is perfectly stated in the movie, however, a more substantial writing and bold directing would have contributed immensely to the success of the movie. There were blocking issues here and there. The setting, especially the interior scenes could have made use of better blocking. The editing in the area of the scene cutting, audio matching and color grading could also be improved.

As outstanding as Uche Montana is, it is understandable how she delivers her lines effortlessly. The emotions and seriousness she attaches to her performance draws the audience in naturally. Also the gentility with which Chuli Dike acts makes his performance a delight to watch. The bland characterization contributed to the low performance by some actors. Another area that needs commendation is the sound scoring and music choice.

Better Half is a movie that is full with suspense as it navigates through love, faithfulness, judgements and perception. Though I was expecting a dramatic ending that can create room for a sequel, the ending satisfies the movie as it is.

Better Half is currently streaming on RuthKadiri247 on YouTube. The movie merits the time you will spend to watch it.