“Wives on Strike: The Uprising” — A Stirring Tale of Loss, Sisterhood, and Defiance

The “Wives on Strike” franchise, which began with a humorous approach to marital issues and activism, reaches an intense, emotional apex with “The Uprising.”

This time around,  Omoni Oboli has traded comedic satire for gritty, heart-wrenching drama, delivering an unforgettable addition that resonates as much as it entertains.

At the heart of “The Uprising” is Ebiere, played masterfully by Hilda Dokubo, whose character is as layered as the movie itself. A widowed butcher who works tirelessly to provide for her family, Ebiere’s world shatters when her son, Ayo, a bright-eyed university graduate, is kidnapped and brutally killed.

Her transformation from a mother gripped by inconsolable grief to a woman driven by an unbreakable resolve to slaughter her son’s killers is where the film finds its power. The character’s arc is superbly crafted, with Dokubo bringing a rawness to her role that’s hard to forget.

The journey is not hers alone, though. Mama Ngozi (played by Oboli herself) is once again at the forefront, this time leading not just her market women but rallying against a system that weaponizes fear against them. Her family, too, bears scars—her son Emeka (Tomiwa Wategbe) has become a constant reminder of how children can unknowingly carry the weight of their parents’ battles, sometimes becoming both the motivation and the weapon fashioned against them.

With these two mothers embodying personal and collective loss, “The Uprising” digs deeper than the earlier films. Here, the stakes are high, and the anger is evident. The plot unfolds like a slow-burning fuse; every decision the women make, every stance they take, inches them closer to a hard-fought battle.

Unlike previous installments where the women withheld intimacy as protest, this time their weapon is themselves—their sheer, unstoppable force as they confront a society that forces them into silence.

The chemistry of the ensemble cast is undeniable, each player bringing a piece of the story’s social satire to life. Uche Jombo, reprising her role as Madam 12:30, adds depth with her down-to-earth realism, while Julius Agwu brings humor that feels almost bittersweet given the stakes.

Oboli’s directing has matured in “The Uprising”, balancing humor, tension, and social commentary without relying on gimmicks. The technical aspects are clean, with cinematography that complements the film’s tone without distracting the viewer. Ebiere’s butchery scene is especially effective, showing the grit of her daily life with just the right amount of realism.

The colors,cool and muted yet intense, mirror the grim reality of their lives while injecting just enough vibrancy to remind us of the life they’re fighting for.

“Wives on Strike: The Uprising” isn’t without its familiar Nollywood quirks—there are moments when the comedy dips into excess, like with Kiekie’s portrayal of Iya Bola. ( At this juncture, she’s the female version of Broda Shaggy)

Yet these moments feel earned, a much-needed balance to the film’s weightier themes. And the story, while occasionally leaning into predictability, brings a twist that’s sure to surprise even the most seasoned viewer.

At its core, “Wives on Strike: The Uprising” isn’t just a story about a group of women demanding justice. It’s a meditation on community, strength, and the lengths people go to for those they love. Oboli asks her audience to reflect: When does the pursuit of justice blur with vengeance, and at what cost?

Nonetheless, Oboli’s latest addition is a rare win for Nollywood, where sequels often struggle to live up to the original’s impact.

Release Date: October 18, 2024

Runtime: Approximately 2 hours

Streaming Service: None, Cinematic Release

Director: Omoni Oboli

Cast: Omoni Oboli, Hilda Dokubi, Uche Jimbo, Segun Arinze, May Edochie, Chioma Akpotha, Ufuoma McDermott, and Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (KieKie),