“Finding Me” is Another Familiar Nollywood Marital Drama That Misses Its Own Message

Funke Akindele’s “Finding Me” joins Nollywood’s growing catalog of films about women trapped in toxic marriages and struggling to reclaim their sense of self.

But while it sets out to be a tale of personal transformation, it ultimately stumbles into the same old formula: a privileged woman loses herself in marriage, finds solace in another man, and rediscovers her worth through romance rather than real self-actualization.

The film follows Atinuke Phillips (Funke Akindele), a wealthy CEO stifled in a controlling marriage to Kola (Joseph Benjamin). Her father (Dele Odule) and brother (Femi Adebayo) add to the pressure, treating her more like an extension of the family’s wealth than an individual with her own aspirations. Atinuke tries to maintain the illusion of a perfect life, but it’s clear she’s suffocating.

Then we are introduced to Anthony (Efa Iwara), a struggling entrepreneur with whom she forms a business partnership that quickly turns personal. But as she gets tangled in yet another man’s orbit, her quest for self-discovery becomes less about independence and more about swapping one relationship for another.

Atinuke’s story follows the same blueprint as many Nollywood marital dramas; so much so that the film often feels like a remix of “Mr. and Mrs.” and “The Women”. Even Joseph Benjamin, in yet another emotionally abusive husband role, feels like a direct callback to his “Mr. and Mrs.” character. His performance is convincing, but at this point, his casting in these roles is almost predictable.  This recurring casting choice, much like Benjamin’s previous role, reinforces Nollywood’s tendency to recycle actors into nearly identical roles across different projects. It’s a decision that makes “Finding Me” feel even more like a retread of existing films rather than something fresh.

At its core, “Finding Me” wants to tell a story about a woman rediscovering her identity. But it fails to allow Atinuke to truly stand on her own. Her journey remains tethered to the men in her life, from a husband who seeks to control her to a love interest who becomes a supposed escape.

While the film momentarily explores her passion for business, it never fully commits to showing her as an independent woman outside of these relationships. The resolution, instead of reinforcing her personal growth, leans into the idea that love is the key to freedom undermining its own feminist undertones.

It’s also worth noting how the pregnancy subplot shifts the focus away from Atinuke’s self-discovery and back into family melodrama. Rather than her arc resulting  in a personal breakthrough, the film pivots toward typical Nollywood emotional beats,  dramatic revelations, confrontations, and a resolution that feels more about tying up loose ends than delivering a meaningful transformation.

Akindele delivers a subdued performance, and while she convincingly portrays Atinuke’s internal struggle, the script doesn’t give her enough room to explore deeper emotional layers. Efa Iwara’s chemistry with her is lacking, making their romance feel more like a plot necessity than an organic connection. Joseph Benjamin is solid as the antagonistic husband, though, again, it’s a role he has played before. Femi Adebayo, in his limited screen time, is effective as the self-serving brother, while Dele Odule leans into the archetype of a strict, overbearing father.

Technically, the film is polished, with clean cinematography and decent production design. However, the pacing drags, especially in the first hour, where Atinuke’s struggles are established without much narrative momentum. The dialogue is often stilted, relying on expository conversations rather than natural exchanges.

“Finding Me” had the potential to be a powerful story of personal evolution, but instead, it falls into familiar Nollywood tropes. It presents the illusion of a strong, independent protagonist but ultimately ties her growth to romance, failing to give her a journey that truly feels her own. With recycled character archetypes, predictable conflicts, and a resolution that contradicts its supposed themes, the film adds little to the conversation on women’s empowerment in Nollywood storytelling.

For audiences who enjoy the classic Nollywood marital drama formula, “Finding Me” delivers exactly that. But for those seeking a more  refreshing take on female self-discovery, it might not be the transformative experience it claims to be.

“Finding Me” is still streaming on Prime Video.

Release date: March 16, 2025

Runtime: 2 hours, 34 minutes and 32 seconds

Streaming Service: Netflix

Directed by: Funke Akindele and Isioma Osaje

Cast: Dele Odule, Shaffy Bello, Funke Akindele, Joseph Benjamin, Omoni Oboli, Sharon Ooja, Femi Adebayo and Efa Iwara

TNR Scorecard