“Unclaimed” Exposes Emotional Abuse but Trips Over Its Own Plot

Some films draw you in with a concept that promises something unsettling and layered. 

Biodun Stephen’s “Unclaimed” begins like that, dipping into psychological territory with crime, emotional abuse, and family tension. It introduces a haunting premise about a woman accused of murdering her husband and hiding the body, then gradually reveals that things aren’t what they seem. It has all the right pieces, including a restrained performance from Kunle Remi in a non-romantic role. But as the film progresses, what should be a taut psychological thriller begins to feel rushed, patched, and far too dependent on convenience.

The story centres on Mary Abioye, a woman from a wealthy Lagos family who finds herself under suspicion after her husband, Dieko, disappears without a trace. What begins as a missing person case slowly takes a darker turn. Through flashbacks, we learn that Dieko, unofficially adopted and raised by Mary’s parents  was once the picture of promise: a kind-hearted doctor and perfect son-in-law. Their marriage, however, deteriorates under the weight of Dieko’s controlling behaviour and subtle cruelty.

As the film peels back Dieko’s charming veneer, we see a disturbing portrait of emotional manipulation. He belittles Mary constantly, withholding her inhaler during an asthma attack and verbally degrading her until she questions her own sanity. Kunle Remi brings a quiet menace to the role, a departure from the romantic or supporting “good guy” parts he often plays — and it’s refreshing to see him stretch into a more psychologically complex character. He underplays the villainy, making it all the more chilling.

What’s most effective about “Unclaimed” is how it takes on the less visible forms of domestic abuse. Emotional and psychological manipulation are rarely front and centre in Nollywood’s portrayals of toxic relationships, which tend to favour overt violence. Here, the scars aren’t visible, but the damage is just as devastating. Mary’s breaking point comes when she records a confrontation with Dieko — a smart move that sadly backfires. In a desperate bid to destroy the evidence, Dieko fakes his death and disappears, framing her for murder.

It’s a strong twist, and in a tighter film, it would have hit harder. But “Unclaimed” doesn’t give its story enough breathing room. The pacing jumps too quickly from one revelation to another. Dieko’s plan;  to disappear, assume a new identity, and ultimately seize control of Mary’s family fortune,  is too far-fetched to be taken seriously. He resurfaces way too soon, showing up to a former acquaintance and blowing his cover before the tension can even build.

That’s one of several logic gaps that undercut the story. The idea that Mary’s foster brother could marry her with little protest from their parents  in a conservative Yoruba family, no less  is a stretch. Though they’re not biologically related, being raised in the same household would almost certainly present emotional and cultural barriers. More importantly, we’re expected to believe that Mary’s mother would doubt her daughter’s innocence so quickly, despite no criminal history or signs of instability. These missteps weaken the emotional core of the film.

Where the film does shine is in its tight use of characters and locations. With a small cast and mostly interior settings, it creates a sense of psychological pressure,  rooms feel like traps, and conversations carry weight. The intimacy of the setting mirrors the claustrophobia of Mary’s experience. It’s a smart production choice that aligns with the story’s tone, even when the writing doesn’t fully hold up.

There’s also the matter of backstory. Dieko’s emotional abuse is explained through hints of childhood trauma, but the film never digs deep. We’re told that he’s jealous of Mary’s privileged life and insecure about his place in the family, but we never see enough of his past to make those feelings resonate. A few carefully placed flashbacks could have helped us understand his descent into resentment and obsession, rather than simply asking us to accept it.

“Unclaimed” attempt to spotlight emotional abuse is timely and necessary. But execution matters, and here, the foundation is shaky. Scenes that should have simmered rush by, and moments that could have deepened character are skipped altogether. Even Dieko’s confession  that he sabotaged Mary’s previous relationships  is mentioned, not shown. We don’t get to see the ripple effects of his manipulation beyond the marriage.

Still, the film is not without its merits. Kunle Remi delivers one of his more subdued performances, stepping out of the romantic lead box into something more ambiguous and layered. For those familiar with his body of work, it’s an exciting shift. But even his presence can’t save a film that feels unfinished. “Unclaimed” wants to be both a social commentary and a genre thriller. It gets halfway to both, but never fully commits to either.

Release Date: June 20,2025

Runtime: Approximately 2 hours 

Streaming Service: None, Cinematic release 

Directed by: Biodun Stephen 

Cast: Kunle Remi, Jaiye Kuti, Nobert Young, Elma Mbadiwe, Teniola Aladese, and Omowunmi Dada,