“Roses and Ivy” Reminds Us That Life Doesn’t Follow a Moral Script

Biodun Stephen is a storyteller who rarely wastes characters. Every person in her film has something to do, a purpose that pushes the narrative forward. It’s a skill that has defined her work, making her one of Nollywood’s most consistent filmmakers. “Roses and Ivy” is no exception.

Despite keeping the film in my archives for months, I finally got around to it—and as expected, Stephen’s storytelling prowess remains intact. But what’s also evident is that this story proves, yet again, that the universe is not fair, not even to the faithful.

At its core, “Roses and Ivy” is a story about two sisters—Roselyn (Uche Montana) and Evelyn (Munachi Abii)—who, despite their shared bloodline, walk completely different paths in life. Evelyn is the golden child, the ambitious one who does everything right, yet fate has little mercy for her. Roselyn, on the other hand, makes selfish decisions, but somehow, the universe continues to favour her. Their relationship is a ticking time bomb, fuelled by betrayal, sacrifice, and an unspoken competition that neither of them truly wins.

The film’s premise is compelling, and Stephen ensures that every moment unfolds with precision. From the sisters’ early years to the inevitable confrontations that define their adult lives, the story is gripping, unpredictable, and, at times, deeply frustrating. It’s a film that challenges the audience’s moral compass—are we supposed to root for Roselyn, who takes what she wants without consequences, or Evelyn, whose sacrifices seem endless?

Stephen’s direction is deliberate. The film doesn’t rely on flashy storytelling tricks. Instead, it moves at a pace that allows emotions to simmer, revealing the complexities of human relationships. And just as you think you’ve figured out where the story is headed, it shifts. The unpredictability works in its favour, making it difficult to look away.

What “Roses and Ivy” does well is capture the sheer unpredictability of life. There is no fairness, no clear reward for doing the right thing, no punishment for betrayal. Evelyn, despite her devotion to her family, loses everything she holds dear. Roselyn, whose choices should have led to ruin, ends up with everything. It’s frustrating, but it’s also an honest reflection of reality.

Uche Montana and Munachi Abii deliver solid performances. Montana, in particular, plays Roselyn with a subtle charm that makes her actions all the more infuriating. She is not a villain in the traditional sense; she simply does what benefits her, regardless of the consequences for others. Abii’s Evelyn, in contrast, is restrained, carrying the weight of her sacrifices on her shoulders. There are moments when you expect her to explode, to finally demand what she deserves, but she never does. And that’s what makes her character all the more tragic.

The supporting cast, including Kalu Ikeagwu, Taye Arimoro, and Jaiye Kuti, adds depth to the narrative, ensuring that every relationship feels lived-in and authentic. Stephen’s knack for selecting the right actors for her stories is evident, and it’s one of the reasons “Roses and Ivy” works as well as it does.

Visually, the film highlights Stephen’s growth as a director. The cinematography is crisp, the lighting intentional, and the framing of each scene heightens the emotional tension. The use of muted colours enhances the film’s melancholic tone, while the score seamlessly blends into the storytelling, elevating key moments without feeling overbearing.

But for all its strengths, “Roses and Ivy” isn’t without flaws. The pacing, while steady, occasionally lingers too long on certain scenes. There are moments when the film could have benefited from tighter editing, particularly in its latter half. And then there’s the ending—a conclusion that feels almost too neat given the chaos that precedes it. After all the betrayals, all the sacrifices, all the emotional turmoil, it almost feels like the film is too eager to wrap things up.

Yet, perhaps that’s the point. Life doesn’t always offer grand resolutions. Sometimes, people get away with things they shouldn’t. Sometimes, the ones who suffer the most never get the justice they deserve. “Roses and Ivy” may not be the story everyone wants to hear, but it’s an honest one.

Biodun Stephen continues to cement herself as one of Nollywood’s finest storytellers. She understands human emotions, the weight of relationships, and the unpredictable nature of life. “Roses and Ivy” is a frustrating, heartbreaking, and beautifully told story that lingers long after the credits roll. Because at the end of the day, the universe is not fair—not even to the faithful.

Release date: December 13, 2024

Streaming Service: Prime Video

Episodes: 4(Mini series)

Runtime: Approximately 40 minutes per episode

Directed by: Biodun Stephen

Cast : Uche Montana, Munachi Abii, Kalu Ikeagwu, Taye Arimoro, and Jaiye Kuti.

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