”Farmer’s Bride” Revitalizes the Clash Between Personal Desire and Tradition

Having Tobi Bakare and Femi Branch—two of Nollywood’s well-known faces of masculinity and brutality—in a film titled “Farmer’s Bride” might catch anyone off guard. The Nigerian audience, eager to discover what these two alpha males are doing in a love and betrayal-themed drama, is in for quite a ride.

Produced by FilmOne and directed by Jack’enneth Opukeme and Adebayo Tijani, “Farmer’s Bride” delves into the intricate conspiracy between a young bride, Funmi (Gbugbemi Ejeye), and her love interest, Ishola (Tobi Bakare), as they plot against her wealthy, older husband, Odun (Femi Branch), whom she was forced to marry.

Genre-wise, “Farmer’s Bride” is not so straightforward; it straddles the line between drama and thriller. While it features the usual themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal, it also incorporates suspense and scheming—attributes typical of thrillers. What is crystal clear, however, is that this film presents a more grounded take on the discourse around customs and tradition—perhaps only slightly less firm than Daniel Oriahi’s “The Weekend.”

The first surprise is witnessing Bakare and Branch succumb to love’s trance. Bakare, known for his action-hero persona in films like “Brotherhood” (2022) and “Gangs of Lagos” (2023), takes on a different role, challenging Timini Egbuson for the title of “Nollywood Loverboy D’or” of 2024.

On the performance front, Bakare delivers an exceptional portrayal of Ishola, the nephew of farmer Odun, who is lost both in career and love. His commitment to the role is evident as he invests every part of his soul into it .

Equally surprising is Femi Branch’s transformation. Fresh from portraying a ruthless ambitious general in “House of Ga’a” (2024), Branch softens in “Farmer’s Bride,” embodying the rich farmer and lover with a heart of gold—qualities that starkly contrast his past villainous roles.

Despite the fuss surrounding Branch’s and Bakare’s portrayals, it is the lead actress, Gbugbemi Ejeye, who drives this emotional two-hour narrative.

From being a lonely damsel trapped in the dichotomy of duty and desire—married against her will—to plotting and oscillating between moments of regret and conniving, Ejeye’s Funmi showcases an impressive range for her first major lead role.

Unfortunately, the buzz tends to center on Bakare’s abs (ab lovers will be in for a treat) and Mercy Aigbe’s dramatic flair, overshadowing the rising star who anchors the film.

Speaking of Aigbe, her theatrical prowess never disappoints. As Ishola’s mother and matron of the home, her proactivity rivals that of Funmi in protecting what she holds dear. Aigbe’s character carries a questionable past and mysterious intentions, remaining unnamed throughout much of the film, known only by titles such as “healer,” “guardian of customs,” and Ishola’s mother. Ironically, while she serves as a healer for others, her own family appears to suffer under the weight of her influence.

As mentioned earlier, “Farmer’s Bride” is not solely about love gone awry; it also offers a deeper exploration of the clash between personal desires and societal customs. The film prompts viewers to consider the extent to which the liability of customs and traditions contributes to societal vices, ultimately reaching no definitive conclusion.

Aigbe’s character personifies the paradoxes of tradition: oppressive—the darkness of forced marriages and veiled threats against illegitimate children and their mothers; restorative—calming Funmi’s pregnancy pains; and extra-judicial—exemplified by the “karma” these customs eventually bring.

In a narrative where no character is wholly perfect or imperfect, and where selfishness prevails, the themes of accountability and the often-overlooked dish of “consequences” are served—cold. Not everyone receives what they deserve, or deserves what they get.

The filmmakers aimed to make this movie as relatable as possible, with dialogue steeped in Yoruba family dynamics and familiar household settings serving as evidence. Although set in the 1980s, the film’s opulent set design and costume choices could easily place it in the contemporary world of wealthy Ibadan families.

Unfortunately, the film follows a predictable trajectory, offering few surprises. At times, it feels as though two hours have passed, with two more left to endure. Nonetheless, it stands as a solid entry into the “grass isn’t always greener on the other side” territory.

“Farmer’s Bride” invites viewers to ponder a profound question: Who bears the true burden of the misfortunes that unfold? Is it tradition, embodied by Odun and the families of Ishola and Funmi? Is it Funmi, grappling with her ethical dilemmas? Or is it Ishola, whose impulsive choices lead to chaos?

Perhaps it is the capricious nature of love itself, which often blinds us to the consequences of our desires. Ultimately, the film leaves the audience to grapple with these complexities, encouraging reflection on the delicate balance between personal aspirations and societal expectations.

Release Date: September 27, 2024

Runtime: 1 hour and 50 minutes

Streaming Service: No, Cinematic Release

Directors: Jack’enneth Opukeme and Adebayo Tijani

Cast:  Tobi Bakare, Femi Branch, Gbugbemi Ejeye, Mercy Aigbe, Efe Irele, Wunmi Toriola, Shaffy Bello,