Jade Osiberu’s ‘‘Christmas in Lagos’’Is a Beautiful Holiday Vision But Lacks depth

“Christmas in Lagos” sets out to be a festive romantic comedy that showcases the magic and chaos of the holiday season in the city. However, while it has all the right ingredients—glamorous costumes, stunning cinematography, and a vibrant setting—the film struggles to deliver on its emotional promise. The multiple storylines, despite their potential, end up feeling underdeveloped, and the film’s attempts to build tension or conflict often fall flat, leaving the audience with a sense of emptiness.

The plot follows Fiyin (Teniola Aladese), a young woman who is determined to confess her love to her best friend Elozonam (Shalom C. Obiago) while picking up her cousin Ivie (Rayxia Ojo) and her best friend Elo at the airport. But when Elo announces his intention to propose to his girlfriend, Yagazie (Angel Anosike), Fiyin is thrown into turmoil. Unwilling to let go of her feelings, she convinces herself that she can still win Elo’s heart. At the same time, Fiyin’s mother, Gbemi (Shaffy Bello), is faced with a love triangle of her own, as she has to decide between her current lover Toye (Wale Ojo) and her old flame, billionaire Zachariah Dozie (Richard Mofe-Damijo). Meanwhile, Ivie finds herself caught up in a romance with Ajani (Ladipoe), a delivery man with a  musical talent, and Chisom (Obinna Okenwa) is pursuing a relationship with Ladi (Tris Udeh), a maid working for Gbemi.

Set against the backdrop of Lagos during the Christmas season, the film seeks to explore the chaos of the city, the romance that fills the air during the holidays, and the intricate dynamics of family and love. However, while “Christmas in Lagos” has the potential to be a charming holiday movie, it often struggles to capture the heart of the season.

Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. The cinematography does an excellent job of capturing the energy and vibrancy of Lagos, from the bustling streets to the lavish parties and weddings. The costume design and production values are also top-notch, with the colorful and festive outfits reflecting the high-energy spirit of the city. There are moments when the visuals take center stage, such as the intimate scene between Ivie and Ajani, where the camera swirls around them in a way that emphasizes the romantic connection between the two. These moments of visual brilliance are some of the film’s strongest points.

But beyond the surface, the film’s narrative fails to live up to the expectations set by its premise. The primary issue lies in the lack of emotional depth and conflict. A romantic comedy relies heavily on the tension between characters, but here, the stakes are never high enough to make the audience care about the outcomes. Fiyin’s internal struggle—whether to sabotage Elozonam’s relationship or move on—is supposed to be the emotional core of the story, but we never get enough insight into her emotions to invest in her journey. The film tells us that Fiyin has to grow and learn about personal development, but this doesn’t feel earned because it’s not properly set up or communicated throughout the film.

Similarly, Ivie’s romantic journey with Ajani feels forced and lacks the necessary tension. At first, Ivie claims she’s not interested in romance, but a simple guitar solo changes her mind. While this could be an interesting twist, the film doesn’t develop this relationship enough for it to feel meaningful. There’s no real conflict between Ivie and Ajani, and we never worry that their romance might not work out. Their storyline is devoid of emotional complexity, and this lack of conflict prevents it from resonating with the audience.

The love triangle involving Fiyin’s mother, Gbemi, and her two suitors, Zachariah and Toye, offers a more compelling dynamic. Shaffy Bello, as Gbemi, is a standout performance. She brings a quiet strength to her role, conveying a woman caught between two very different men. Richard Mofe-Damijo plays Zachariah as the type of man who won’t take no for an answer, and while his character is charming, he doesn’t offer the emotional depth that Gbemi needs. Wale Ojo, on the other hand, plays Toye with a gentleness and vulnerability that makes him a more sympathetic figure. Their dynamic, though intriguing, isn’t given enough screen time to fully develop. Still, these performances add some weight to the film’s emotional beats, even if they aren’t fully explored.

Another issue with the film is the overwhelming number of storylines. With so many characters and relationships to juggle, it’s difficult for any of them to be given the time and attention they deserve. The theme of grief and the impact it has on families during the holiday season is introduced, but it feels underdeveloped. This subplot has the potential to add emotional depth to the film, especially given the context of Christmas, a time when families are supposed to come together. But because it’s not given enough focus, it feels out of place and disconnected from the rest of the narrative.

Despite these flaws, the performances of the veteran actors help elevate the film. Shaffy Bello, in particular, stands out as Gbemi, a woman navigating her own romantic struggles while also looking out for her daughter. Her scenes with Wale Ojo are among the most compelling in the film, with the chemistry between them adding layers to the narrative. Richard Mofe-Damijo also brings his usual charisma to the role of Zachariah, though his character remains somewhat one-dimensional.

The younger cast members, unfortunately, don’t fare as well. Shalom C. Obiago’s portrayal of Elozonam lacks the necessary chemistry with Fiyin, making their potential romance unconvincing. Similarly, Ladipoe’s portrayal of Ajani feels flat, and there’s little emotional depth to his relationship with Ivie. The film also struggles with its dialogue, which at times feels clunky and unnatural, detracting from the performances.

“Christmas in Lagos” ultimately leaves much to be desired. While it dazzles with its visuals and performances from the more seasoned actors, it falls short in terms of emotional resonance and storytelling. The film tries to juggle too many storylines, none of which are given the space to truly develop. The lack of conflict and emotional depth means that by the end, we are left with a pretty picture but little substance to savor.

Indeed “Christmas in Lagos” may appeal to those looking for a visually stunning holiday film, but for anyone hoping for a romantic comedy that tugs at the heartstrings, it falls short of the mark. The glitzy production and promising premise are overshadowed by a lack of emotional investment, making it difficult to truly connect with the characters and their journeys.

Release Date: December 25, 2024

Runtime: 2 hours, 21 seconds

Streaming Service: Prime Video

Directed by: Jade Osiberu

Cast: Shaffy Bello, Wale Ojo Richard Mofe-Damijo, Teniola Aladese, Obinna Okenwa and Shalom C. Obiago.

TNR SCORECARD: 2/5