“143” is a Solid Exploration of Love, Abuse, and a Hopeful Escape

At first glance, the premise of “143” may seem like just another entry in the sea of romantic dramas flooding Nollywood this year.

A married woman in her thirties, trapped in an abusive union, finds solace in the arms of a young photographer. She must navigate her newfound love while dealing with the wrath of her wealthy, volatile husband. Familiar territory, right?

But thankfully , the trio of Diana Child—who doubles as actor and producer—Baaj Adebule, and Obinna Okenwa, “143” manages not to bore the audience with a well-worn trope by delivering a satisfying two-hour journey with a heartfelt, happy-ending romance.

The film’s protagonist, Christiana (Chris), played by Diana Child, is the epitome of a woman struggling in a toxic relationship. Her portrayal of a vulnerable, love-starved woman is convincing and deeply sympathetic, pulling the audience into her painful world. Chris’ silent desperation becomes palpable as the audience yearns for her to find love and a sense of belonging—something she finally discovers in the form of Kachi, the family photographer.

Obinna Okenwa’s Kachi is not your quintessential romantic hero. At 26, he has the love but not the age Chris expects. But as all romance story goes, his open and loving persona—a stark contrast to her husband’s cold and brutal brawn—is no match for her “initial gra gra.” Grounded in mutual respect and understanding rather than the usual idealized, picture-perfect romance, their chemistry is cooked so well that it could be mistaken for one between peers. It only bolsters the saying that age is but figures.

Baaj Adebule’s portrayal of Ken, the abusive husband, is both terrifying and compelling. Weirdly, there’s a strange magnetism to his character—one that makes you want more of him, not necessarily to dish out beatings, but as a reminder of the high stakes Chris faces. Speaking of beatings, the movie expertly cuts between moments of tenderness and scenes of Ken’s violent outbursts—hands battering and face fuming—lording over Chris’ blood-stained body.

It makes the audience ask uncomfortable questions such as “Why doesn’t she just leave?” or “Where are her friends and family?” But if the assaults—which include sexual—are not enough proof of how dangerous a man her husband, his doings at the end reminds us why everyone fears Ken. Such is his infamy that even divorce lawyers such as Uzor Arukwe’s character refuse to take up Chris’ divorce plea.

On the sidelines stands Tina Mba’s Aunty Agnes, and she does so for most of the film. While she plays a pivotal role in the film’s final resolution, it’s hard not to tag her character as anything but a deux ex machina, one whose only purpose is to bail the characters out of a hopeless situation. It could have been more. She could have offered motherly advice, act as a spy for Chris, actively aid her in covering her whereabouts or save her ass at different points during the film. Most painfully, it’s a waste of Tina Mba’s character, and one doesn’t just relegate the veteran actress to saving the day at the very end.

Another unresolved element of the film is the question of why Chris and Ken never had children in their 12 years of marriage. A “why” or “how” would have sufficed, other than leaving viewers on a sort of cliff-hanger. Although the movie does hint at a past miscarriage resulting from Ken’s abuse, a poignant and heartbreaking detail, but it leaves the audience wanting more. Explaining the impact of the abuse on Chris’ ability to conceive would have strengthened the emotional stakes.

Director Jide “JBLAZE” Oyegbile does a commendable job with “143,” balancing themes of love, lust, and emotional resilience. While the film adheres to the classic narrative of love conquering all, some may argue that Chris’ portrayal as a “damsel in distress” feels somewhat outdated, especially in today’s climate of strong female empowerment. Nevertheless, for those in search of a good ol’ tale of “love always wins,” “143” is your film.

Oh, and the looming question: What does such a title have to do in a romance movie? Well, think of a universally recognized expression of affection. Yes, that one!

Release Date: November 22, 2024

Runtime: Approximately 2 hours

Streaming Service: No, Cinematic Release

Director: Jide “JBLAZE” Oyegbile

Cast: Diana Childs, Baak Adebule, Obinna Okenwa, Tina Mba, Uzor Arukwe, Blessing Onwukwe, Daniel Abua, Roseanne Chikwendu, Chy Nwakanma, Tomiwa Tegbe, Brutus Richard, Bryan Okoye, and Lolade Okusanya.