Behind the Scenes, co-directed by Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, arrived on Netflix with the kind of anticipation that has become standard for Funke Akindele’s projects. Her films often generate conversation before and after release, driven by strategic promotion and a loyal audience base.
From the outside, the film presents itself as a deeply emotional thriller that should leave a lasting impression. In reality, it leans more into familiar Nollywood storytelling, delivering moments of impact without fully escaping predictability.
The Plot: A Story Rooted in Reality
At its core, Behind the Scenes explores the life of a young widow navigating the pressures that come with loss, wealth, and expectation. Surrounded by family friends and associates who begin to reveal their true intentions, the film highlights the harsh reality of black tax and emotional betrayal.
The central message is clear. The people who appear supportive while someone is alive may not maintain that loyalty when circumstances change. It is a story that speaks directly to African social structures, where financial obligation to extended family often becomes a burden.
The Hits: Where the Film Works
Funke Akindele Steps Back
One of the film’s most refreshing decisions is Funke Akindele stepping away from the spotlight as the central character. Instead, the film places its emotional weight on Scarlet Gomez, who plays the lead role.
Scarlet Gomez brings a controlled and believable performance, building on the screen presence she displayed in Wura. Her portrayal of a grieving and pressured woman feels grounded, allowing the audience to connect with the character’s internal struggles rather than exaggerated expressions.
A More Controlled Opening
Unlike many of Funke Akindele’s previous films, this project avoids an overly chaotic opening. The storytelling takes a more measured approach, gradually building tension instead of forcing attention through loud or exaggerated early scenes.
This shift can be linked to the collaborative effort with Tunde Olaoye. The film feels more restrained in its structure, suggesting a deliberate attempt to move away from formula.
Emotional Relatability
The strongest aspect of the film lies in its relatability. The theme of black tax, family entitlement, and betrayal resonates deeply within the Nigerian and broader African context. Many viewers will see reflections of real life situations in the story, which helps sustain engagement even when the narrative becomes predictable.
The Flaws: Where It Falls Short
A Familiar and Predictable Story
While the theme of black tax is relevant, it is not new. The film does little to reinvent this narrative, relying on well known story beats without introducing fresh perspective or complexity.
The inclusion of a dramatic twist meant to test loyalty feels expected rather than shocking. This reduces the long term impact of the story, especially for viewers familiar with similar Nollywood plots.
Weak Character Development
Some supporting characters lack depth, making their presence feel unnecessary. Their contributions to the main story are minimal, and as a result, the emotional payoff in the final act feels incomplete.
A stronger focus on character development would have elevated the tension and made the resolution more satisfying.
Inconsistent Visual Tone
The film struggles with visual consistency. The colour grading does not effectively support the emotional weight of the story, leaving certain scenes feeling disconnected from the intended mood.
For a film that relies heavily on emotional storytelling, visual tone should reinforce the narrative. Here, it feels uneven and at times forgettable.
Forced Comedy Moments
Although the film attempts to balance its heavy themes with humor, some comedic scenes fall flat. Iyabo Ojo, in particular, delivers moments that feel overly dramatized.
Instead of providing relief, these scenes disrupt the flow of the story. The exaggerated delivery makes the humor feel forced rather than organic.
Final Verdict: Strong Performances, Limited Innovation
Behind the Scenes is a film that thrives on performance and relatability rather than originality. It succeeds in drawing emotional reactions and addressing a socially relevant issue, but struggles to break new ground in storytelling.
The decision to center the narrative on Scarlet Gomez pays off, giving the film a solid emotional anchor. However, predictable plotting, underdeveloped characters, and inconsistent technical execution prevent it from reaching its full potential.
For viewers looking for a relatable and emotional Nollywood drama, the film delivers enough to be worth watching. For those expecting something groundbreaking, it may feel like a missed opportunity.
