“Something Like Gold” Shines as a Feel-Good Romance, but Lacks Depth to Stand Out

February may be behind us, but Netflix keeps the love alive with its latest Nigerian romance, “Something Like Gold”. Initially Released in the cinema in 2023, the film offers a fresh take on the classic “grace-to-grass” narrative, with a city girl falling for a village boy. However, while it delivers on charm, it falls short of standing out in a crowded genre.

Set in the affluent corridors of Lagos, Nigeria, the film opens with a lavish wedding in the works—a union so grand that “Ovation” magazine is set to make it front-page news. The couple in question? Demola Benks (Timini Egbuson), heir to Benks Oil & Gas, and Tamara Jola-Scott (Sandra Okunzuwa), daughter of a high-powered CEO.

Tamara is over the moon about her upcoming nuptials, but she displays her excitement in less-than-appealing ways—berating her domestic staff, belittling her bridesmaids, and flaunting her wealth at every turn. Her behavior screams the stereotypical “Nigerian spoilt rich brat,” as she’s enabled by her aunts and her father (Patrick Doyle), who seem to orbit around her every whim.

But her world comes crashing down when her father is arrested for fraud, his assets are frozen, the wedding is called off, and Tamara is forced into hiding in a slum that’s worlds away from her usual luxury. A former maid, Aunty Mayowa (Mercy Johnson), offers her refuge, per her father’s instructions.

In the heart of the slum, she meets Tunde (Kunle Remi), a hardworking carpenter with dreams bigger than his surroundings. As their unlikely bond deepens into romance, Tamara is confronted with a shocking revelation: Aunty Mayowa, the woman who raised her, is actually her birth mother. The truth stings, but it also paves the way for a new, genuine bond between them. The film concludes with Tamara and Tunde still in love, navigating the highs and lows of their relationship.

“Something Like Gold” earns high marks for its stunning cinematography, particularly its authentic depiction of a typical Nigerian slum—dusty, unkempt roads, “face-me-I-slap-you” apartments, corrugated roofs on the brink of collapse, children playing freely in open spaces, and the ubiquitous presence of “Okadas” and “keke napep”. The costume design also stands out, showcasing the beauty of Nigerian culture through the use of traditional “adire” (tie-and-dye) fabrics—an uncommon yet welcome sight in modern Nigerian films.

Sandra Okunzuwa, as the film’s leading lady, is a revelation. A relatively new face in Nollywood, she brings Tamara to life with such intensity that you might find yourself disliking her character in the beginning. Her portrayal of the spoiled heiress is spot-on, only to shift gears completely when her character undergoes a transformation. Watching Okunzuwa’s performance feels like witnessing a caterpillar turn into a butterfly—a brilliant display of her acting range.

Kunle Remi and Timini Egbuson, however, find themselves typecast once again—the former as the charming lover boy and the latter as the troubled bad boy with daddy issues. Meanwhile, Broda Shaggi adds some much-needed humor to the plot, playing the familiar role of the area boy, which isn’t much of a departure from his online skits.

Despite these strong performances, the romance in “Something Like Gold” feels flat. Tamara and Tunde’s relationship lacks the development needed to make their love story believable. Much of the screentime is devoted to Tamara’s complaints about her new living conditions, leaving little room for the two leads to build a convincing connection. Their relationship feels rushed, missing the depth and emotional beats that make a romance truly resonate.

Moreover, the film leaves several key questions unanswered. There’s no real explanation for Tamara’s father’s infidelity, and his lack of accountability is frustrating. The scene where Tamara confronts him about his betrayal is cut short, robbing the audience of a potentially powerful moment. The resolution between Tamara and her father remains unclear, leaving viewers to wonder whether she ever forgave him or introduced Tunde to him.

“Something Like Gold” has its moments of laughter and light-hearted romance, but it falls short of being a film with lasting impact. It’s enjoyable for a single viewing, but lacks the substance that would make it worth revisiting.

Release Date: September 29, 2023 (theatrical release), August 16, 2024 (Netflix)

Runtime: 1 hour and 46 minutes

Streaming Service: Netflix

Director: Kayode Kasum

Cast: Kunle Remi, Sandra Okunzuwa, Temilola Aladese, Segun Arinze, Patrick Doyle, Timini

Egbunson, Mercy Johnson Okojie, Broda Shaggi, Tope Olowoniyan, Ebere Doris Okorie, and Waliu Fagbemi