Unplanned pregnancies have the tendency of ruining ones plans for the future. It is therefore not for fun when parents and guardians do everything possible to raise responsible children. However, as children grow they become curious, coupled with their youthful exuberance, they will want to have a taste of everything. Their actions normally result in unwanted consequences that their parents or guardians will have to deal with.
‘Within Me’ portrayed this phenomenon in a dramatic and thrilling manner. Directed by Morgan Ukaegbu, ‘Within Me’ sends chills down your spine as the events unfold. Dreams are put on hold, families are divided, spectacular performances put you at the edge of your seat. Morgan Ukaegbu employees a different strategy and style to tell a story that has been told over and over gain. And by so doing, ‘Within Me’ stands out in the midst of the many movies following the same plot.
‘Within Me’ opens with Craig played by Chidi Dike receiving a send off party from his friends as he prepares to continue his education in Canada. Craig will have to put his dream of continuing his education in Canada on hold and take up responsibility for his actions. Ella (Stephania Bassey) is ushered into Craig’s home by her mother to have a word with the man who got his daughter pregnant. Craig cannot just watch his dreams and plans go down the drain, he has to come up with something very fast. And he knows very well that his mother Roseline (Oby Titus) will stand by him.
Ella will have to face the music after what happened. Her mother drives her out of the house, after she refused to go for an abortion. One person however believes Ella and her story. Felix (Ejike Ibedilo) is Craig’s father and his compassion and empathy can win him the ‘Father of the Year Award.’ However, Roseline will not sit aloof and watch his beloved son miss his opportunity to continue his education in Canada. Felix will also not allow his title as the head of the family to be overlooked.
The actors put up incredible performances though the script had nothing much to push them harder. Stephania represented her character to perfection as the struggles unfold. Her display of emotions are classic and at the same time sorrowful to watch. Don’t blame yourself if you drop a tear of two, she has the ability of igniting your emotions with her performance. Chidi Dike as usual followed his calm delivery approach, drawing the audience in at his own pace.
With an outstanding performance, Ejike’s character will remain in the minds of audience for sometime as he uses every opportunity to deliver a life changing counseling session. The third act of the movie was flat to watch. If felt more like seeing your children to school on a day everyone is happy in the family. The movie probably ended with the end of the second act, and the director decided to add a couple of scenes to make up the time.
Yes, ‘Within Me’ is a delight to watch considering its dramatic nature. It evokes motions that will make you recollect some mistakes you did in the past. Despite its thrilling sequences, a more confident directing and writing would have gained the movie a 5 star rating.
‘Within Me’ is currently streaming on RuthKadiri247 on YouTube.
