Entertainment
Love Unplanned: Believable story line garnished by brilliant cast
Movie Title: Love Unplanned
Running Time: 88 Minutes
Director: Biodun Stephen
Cast: Bimbo Ademoye, Kiekie, Bobby Ekpe, others
If one were to employ a single epithet or phrase to describe this film, it would have to be ‘mysteriously intriguing.’ The linearity of the plot added verve to the intriguing nature of the film. It can be described as a classic example of ‘beauty is in the eyes of the beholder or another one’s poison is another man’s meat’, this 88-minute movie tells the meandering, twisted nature of love, which can be sweet today and tomorrow becomes sour.
The director, Biodun Stephens, goes for audacious, daring choices, whether through the film’s story, cast, or cinematography, which breathes life and zest into this familiar and relatable storyline.
This interesting movie is innovative in style and presentation as it explores the complexities of love and relationships in all their nuances and appearances, giving a total picture of the fluidity of the emotions that go with love and relationships.
Plot
Bimbo Ademoye plays the role of Adetola, a woman, who is in an unfortunate, unrequited relationship with an insensitive, uncaring man, who wants nothing else but her stagnation. He does everything humanly possible to frustrate her, treating his wife like a chattel with no values and at the same time, he audaciously brings in women into the home they both rent. His intentions are to create emotional turmoil for her that can lead to a nervous breakdown.
His extreme narcissism and unbridled egotism and nonchalance almost cost her an opportunity for an exacting new job. Amidst the chaos of her life and frustration, comes Bianca (Kie Kie), a character whose journey many can relate with, as she shares positive value.
Bianca suddenly takes a liking to Adetola, who has been asked to leave the interview room earlier because she arrived late. This spurs Bianca to get Adetola’s CV, and to later meeting with her. Their fondness for each other grows into a beautiful friendship. Bianca accommodates Adetola in her apartment.
Then comes Amir (Bobby Ekpe) with love – something beautiful and unconventional compared to what she has earlier experienced. Though it is difficult for her to accept his love, with Bianca’s help and Amir’s intentionality, Adetola’s love for Amir grows, and soon, they get engaged and married. Their emotional journey will resonate with many.
Blessed with a beautiful daughter and thriving careers, Amir and Adetola live their dreams. Amir was working his dream job with the biggest real estate in Africa, but this fulfilment soon broke their marriage. Amir was always travelling, which differed from the life Adeola envisaged. Soon, this void became a clash and grew into resentment as Adeola began bad-mouthing her husband’s boss and accused her of coming after her husband, thereby accusing him of infidelity.
Amir tried to make her understand that he had never cheated on her and had no such relationship with his boss, but she had decided to leave, saddled with the premise of taking a break. She travelled for the break and cut off communication with him. Bianca tried her best to discuss things with her, but that only crushed their friendship.
All efforts to monitor her turned abortive. A few years later, she had fully moved on and was getting married to another man.
This got Amir depressed, and he only found solace and a rekindled friendship with Bianca. This consistent friendship spun into intimacy, and soon, Amir asked Bianca to marry him.
Married and happy, Adeola shows up at her ex-husband’s home uninvited. He accuses her of snatching his wife and always being interested in him.
This movie found a way of creating Nollywood’s new besties, Adetola (Bimbo and KieKie), and a new love character for Bimbo. Time and again, we’ve seen the love duo Bimbo and Timini, and this has sparked conversations about whether they (Timini and Bimbo) are an item in reality; however, ‘Love Unplanned’ makes you admire Bimbo’s acting, especially her role interpretation and her love interest Bobby’s acting.
In 88 minutes, Love Unplanned will make you fall in love and teach you the beauty of contentment as it emphasizes the power of fixing things.
It also addresses the long-term repercussions of making decisions based on emotions while highlighting that love should not be taken for granted; no matter how strong and genuine, love will not always wait.
While the film is highly entertaining, it isn’t without its flaws
In the scene, Amir walks into Bianca’s room to tell her his plans to engage her. Bianca had a man in bed with her as they were engaging in adult stuff. She had her wig on. No one wears that wig during intercourse at home, an oversight by the Continuity Director.
The lessons learned from the characters’ experiences will leave you feeling enlightened.
Although the storyline is all too familiar, the screenplay is very engaging; the climax could be a significant plus to the film while the screenplay is at its best.