Summer Rain is tender in its nostalgia but weak in its second chance at love

The idea of rekindled love is often a fascinating one—an exploration of what could have been, what still is, and what has irreversibly changed.

“Summer Rain” leans into this theme, telling the story of childhood best friends who become lovers, part ways, and find their way back to each other years later. It’s a film that thrives in its depiction of youthful romance but falters when it shifts to adulthood, struggling to recapture the same depth of emotion it builds so well in its early moments.

At the heart of the story are Murewa and Adim, whose bond is evident from the start. Their younger versions, played by Genoveva Umeh and Kayode Ojuolape Jnr, radiate an effortless chemistry that makes their journey from friendship to love feel natural. There’s an innocence to their interactions, an intensity that comes with first love—the kind where even the smallest of moments carry weight. However, circumstances pull them apart, leading to years of separation filled with unresolved emotions and unspoken truths.

When they meet again, life has reshaped them in different ways. Murewa, now a single mother is reluctant to let Adim back into her world, but a shocking revelation about her daughter’s paternity forces her to confront everything she tried to leave behind. The film oscillates between past and present, drawing a contrast between the youthful naivety of their early love and the complicated, sometimes weary, reality of their adulthood.

The first half of “Summer Rain” is easily its strongest. It captures the kind of romance that feels pure and untainted by the weight of responsibility. The cinematography in these scenes plays a crucial role—warm tones, intimate framing, and a soft visual language that makes the love story feel personal and immersive. The performances from Umeh and Ojuolape bring an authenticity that elevates the material. Their characters don’t just say they love each other; they show it in the way they laugh, in the silences they share, and in the stolen glances that speak louder than words.

However, as the film transitions to its present-day timeline, cracks begin to show. The chemistry that felt so organic in the past struggles to find its footing in adulthood. Bolaji Ogunmola and Daniel Etim Effiong take over as Murewa and Adim, and while both are strong actors in their own right, their dynamic feels more restrained, lacking the effortless connection that defined their younger counterparts. The script leans heavily on dialogue to push the story forward, often spelling out emotions rather than allowing them to unfold naturally. Scenes that should carry emotional weight sometimes feel like mere conversations, reducing the impact of their reunion.

One of the film’s biggest missteps is how it handles conflict. While the core story revolves around lost love and second chances, it introduces additional subplots—financial struggles, betrayal, and a sudden storyline involving sexual violence—that dilute the emotional impact rather than enhance it. These elements feel like last-minute additions rather than organic extensions of the narrative, making the latter half of the film feel overstuffed. Instead of deepening the emotional core, they distract from it.

Casting also poses a challenge. While it’s not uncommon for films to use different actors for younger and older versions of characters, the lack of resemblance between them makes it difficult to seamlessly connect both timelines. The audience is left bridging the gap themselves, which weakens the emotional continuity of the film.

Despite its shortcomings, “Summer Rain” isn’t without merit. There are moments of beauty in its storytelling, particularly in how it captures the intensity of young love. The first half is compelling enough to make the audience invest in Murewa and Adim’s relationship, even if the second half doesn’t quite live up to the promise. Kanaga Emmanuel Eme stands out in his role as Tofe, Murewa’s manipulative suitor, bringing a mix of charm and menace that adds tension to the story.

Technically, the film shines in some aspects while faltering in others. The cinematography in the early sequences is visually striking, but the present-day scenes lack the same artistry, often falling into a more conventional style that doesn’t fully capture the emotional weight of the characters’ journey. The soundtrack does its job in complementing key moments but doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

In the end, “Summer Rain” is a film of two halves—one that feels alive with sincerity and one that struggles to maintain the same emotional depth. It starts off with promise, offering a romance that feels genuine and deeply felt, but it loses momentum as it moves into its second act. The film’s strengths lie in its ability to capture the magic of first love, but its weaknesses become apparent when it tries to translate that same magic into adulthood.

For those who enjoy romantic dramas, “Summer Rain” offers moments of warmth and nostalgia. But as much as it wants to tell a story of enduring love, it ultimately struggles to sustain the depth it establishes in its opening act. It’s tender in its nostalgia but weaker in its second chance at love.

Release Date: February 7, 2025

Streaming Service: None, Cinematic Release

Runtime: Approximately 2 hours

Directed by: Adenike Adebayo-Esho

Cast: Bolaji Ogunmola, Daniel Etim Effiong, Genova Umeh, Kanaga jnr, Kachi Nnochiri, Kayode Ojuolape and Tina MBA

TNR Scorecard