Love and Lies Collide in “Queen Lateefah”

In “Queen Lateefah”, we are introduced to a vibrant character who plays the ultimate balancing act—keeping her roots hidden while embracing the luxury of high-society life.

Directed by AdeOluwa Owu, the film captures the familiar yet captivating story of deception, where ambition and love go head-to-head in a Lagos setting.

The movie follows Lateefah, played brilliantly by Wumi Toriola, a streetwise woman from the slums who reinvents herself as a wealthy Lagos socialite. Her con is simple: lure a rich man, take his money, and move on.

But when she meets Jide, a man smitten by her wit and charm, her carefully crafted plan begins to unravel. The central tension in the film comes down to one question: will she choose love or money? While the setup might feel predictable, “Queen Lateefah” surprises by avoiding the clichés of a typical con artist story.

Toriola’s portrayal of Lateefah stands out, delivering a character that is both cunning and vulnerable. She embodies the internal struggle of someone who has perfected the art of lying to everyone—including herself. Toriola breaks away from her usual “Saucy” typecast roles and offers a refreshing performance that draws the audience into Lateefah’s dilemma, making her both likeable and complex.

Kunle Remi, as Jide Rhodes, adds a sense of sincerity to the romance plot. His character, a successful businessman from an affluent family, is a far cry from Lateefah’s chaotic world. Remi plays Jide with a quiet charm, making his attraction to Lateefah believable despite the secrets she harbors. His portrayal makes you root for the love story, even as the weight of Lateefah’s lies looms over them.

Supporting performances from actors like Folakemi Babatunde as Bolaji, Lateefah’s humorous and loyal sidekick, and Elvina Ibru as Madam Rhodes, Jide’s discerning mother, bring balance to the film. Folake Babatunde injects much-needed humor into the plot with her lively expressions and comic timing. Her friendship with Lateefah adds warmth to the story, grounding the main character when things get tense. Ibru, on the other hand, brings sophistication and subtle menace as the matriarch who isn’t easily fooled.

Visually, the film excels in contrasting Lateefah’s two worlds. From the stark simplicity of the slums to the opulence of Jide’s home, the production design effectively highlights the differences in class and ambition.

The costume choices play a significant role as well, with Lateefah’s sleek, high-fashion outfits underscoring her efforts to fit into a world that isn’t hers.

While the plot mostly unfolds smoothly, there are moments where it feels slightly rushed, particularly in the final act. Some twists are revealed quickly, without allowing enough buildup to create maximum impact.

That said, the film redeems itself by keeping the audience engaged with Lateefah’s moral quandary: how long can she keep up the lie before it all falls apart?

The music in “Queen Lateefah” doesn’t stand out as much as the visuals, which might be seen as a missed opportunity. A more memorable score could have amplified some of the film’s more emotional moments. However, this doesn’t detract much from the overall experience, as the film’s pacing and performances are enough to carry it forward.

The film’s takeaway is clear: no matter how clever or careful you are, living a lie will eventually catch up with you. Lateefah’s intelligence is evident, but instead of using it to better her real life, she invests it in maintaining a facade. It’s a reflection of the choices many face in life—whether to chase a superficial version of success or work toward something real and lasting.

“Queen Lateefah” offers an entertaining, character-driven story that balances drama, humor, and romance. Wumi Toriola delivers a good performance, supported by a talented cast, making this film worth watching.

Release Date: September, 27, 2024

Runtime: Approximately 2 hours

Streaming Service: None, Cinematic Release

Directed by:  AdeOluwa Owu

Cast: Wunmi Toriola, Kunle Remi, Elvina Ibru, Nancy Isime, Gbubemi Ejeye and Folakemi Babatunde