Where Is Mr Right? addresses the age-long notion that marriage, whether subtly or loudly, remains a cultural yardstick used to define the social acceptability and respect accorded to women in Africa.
The film, produced by Funke Akindele, reflects a culturally relatable desperation for love, which often leads to unthinkable choices, but its execution does not entirely land.
At its heart, Where Is Mr Right? asks how a woman can know who is romantically right for her. Through Bunmi’s character played by Omowunmi Dada, the film shows the audience that finding Mr Right should go beyond a fantasized checklist and unrealistic expectations.
Bunmi, the CEO of Big Surprises is a successful and financially independent event planner. She is dedicated to her job. She can afford to have anything but not the ‘right’ man. As the eldest sister to two married younger sisters, Bunmi is under pressure to find a man by all means.
Despite the fact that her father supports her dreams and encourages her to wait on God, she is impatient and just wants her own man and her family. She finds a model couple Bridget (Bisola Aiyeola) and Femi (Nosa Rex). Following her relationship with them, what began as a desperation for marriage eventually turns into a deadly journey that almost ruined her life and career.
As a reflection of society, Where Is Mr Right? does well to depict the familiar scenarios of what being desperate for marriage looks like. Suddenly, a red flag screams green because for a woman in such a dilemma, the idea of being married is more important than doing a background check on the man.
The film shows this with Bunmi’s reaction to Dexy’s advances. She believes everything at face value with no interrogation because the whole point of meeting a man at that stage is to get married not ask questions. Oh, the real question for Bunmi is: “Where is the man?”
With the scarcity of ‘husbands,’ for her, it is better to grab what one has (including an ex-convict) than have nothing. After all, a bird in hand is better than many in the bush. This is the reality of many women and the film aptly captures it.
Ejiro Onojaife as Sade, marking her second collaboration with Akindele after Behind the Scenes, becomes the voice of reason, reminding women of their whole essence with or without marriage. Through her confident and open-minded character, marriage itself is positioned as an added advantage whenever it comes. A woman must first find herself and live out her dreams without pressure.
The Funke Akindele project starts off as a romantic comedy with all the lovey-dovey and ‘God when’ moments before spiraling into a murder mystery with Femi’s death. Such risk-taking and unpredictability are commendable but at what cost? Only for the film to end up as a dream?
This is where the confusion begins. There wasn’t a clear distinction between what was real or a dream. What triggered Bunmi’s dream? At what point did Bunmi start to dream? The dream as a resolution felt like an afterthought to avoid the further details of the film's murder mystery twist. It felt unsatisfying.
Another noticeable pitfall in the film is also the heavy dialogue. Characters seem to be overexplaining scenes and actions despite their meaning being clear. For example, Dexy (Blossom Chukwujekwu) and Bunmi’s first meeting in the dream was cute. Bridget had brought him (Dexy) to see Bunmi for his 50th birthday plan.
When Dexy and Bunmi shake hands, he gently brushes a finger over her hand. That is affection right there. In another scene, they are both eating a cake. The attraction between them is intense when Dexy moves his hands to touch Bunmi’s lips. Again, that is ‘love’ without saying a word.
Then Dexy goes “I really like you” and she replies “I like you too.” There was absolutely no need. The audience already knows this. Saying it just diluted the intensity of their moments. Sometimes, there is more power in what is not said than what is said, and that is a missed subtext opportunity in Where Is Mr Right?.
For performance, all actors portray their familiar performances on screen, sometimes exaggerated, other times appropriate. The most memorable is Omowunmi Dada as the lead. Her performance bears a resemblance to previous bridal roles in Ada Omo Daddy and Meeting Funmi Parents.
Chukwujekwu as Dexy carries his character well. Akindele’s role in the film proves a deliberate choice to spotlight the performances of other actors.
Ultimately, the relatable message of Where Is Mr Right? is undeniably important, especially in a society where marriage is considered an achievement of some sort rather than an intentional decision that could make or mar a person's life.
The film proves that the aphorism of finding ‘Mr Right’ is an unpredictable wish in a world full of imperfect people.
Release Date: August 15, 2026
Runtime: Over 1 hour
Streaming Service: Amazon Prime Video
Directed by: Tunde Olaoye
Cast: Funke Akindele, Bisola Aiyeola, Nosa Rex (Baba Rex), Omowunmi Dada, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Ejiro Onojaife.
