“Saving Onome” is a captivating film that offers invaluable insights for those contemplating parenthood, showcasing the challenges and sacrifices inherent in starting a family. The story revolves around a young couple tasked with raising N10 million for their daughter’s urgent surgery within a tight three-week deadline imposed by the hospital.
Filled with action, suspense, and raw emotion, this compelling movie portrays the extraordinary lengths parents will go to in order to safeguard their children.
Featuring a stellar cast including Nasboi as Tega, Olumide Oworu as Jetta, and Nancy Isime as Tola, alongside Kelechi Udegbe, Nosa Okunzuwa, Mary Lazarus, Femi Jacobs, Keppy Ekpeyong, Ashionye Michelle Raccah, and others, “Saving Onome” is directed by Dimeji Ajibola, written by Janobest Isaac, and produced by Inkblot Productions.
“Saving Onome” delves into the harrowing choices faced by Tola and her husband Jetta, as they grapple with the desperate measures needed to save their daughter’s life. Jetta contemplates resorting to armed robbery, while Tola considers selling her body to raise the necessary funds. This gripping narrative sheds light on the myriad challenges of parenthood and serves as a cautionary tale for those considering starting a family.
However, despite the film’s compelling themes, certain aspects failed to resonate with me. Nancy Isime’s bold pink hair often overshadowed her performance, diminishing the gravity of her character’s plight. Additionally, her impeccably groomed appearance seemed out of place given the dire financial circumstances depicted in the story.
Furthermore, certain plot elements felt gratuitous, serving more to titillate than to explore deeper themes. Tola’s clandestine visit to a nightclub and subsequent encounter with a stranger felt contrived, sacrificing authenticity for dramatic effect. Similarly, the scene involving Tola’s use of violence in a restroom appeared forced and unnecessary, detracting from the film’s overall cohesion.
“Saving Onome” presents a moving examination of parental sacrifice, although its emotional impact is weakened by needless passages.
I must commend the lighting staff for their accuracy, particularly in the nightclub scene. But, I believe that in order to convey the gloomy nature of the event, they could have improved the hospital picture by adding additional darkness. The intense white light significantly lessened the chaotic atmosphere that dominated the hospital image.
Olumide Oworu, who did a fantastic job in his character, is, in my opinion, the best performer in the film. Regarding Nancy Isime, I don’t believe she was the most suitable for the part of a distressed mother. Her appearance seems more appropriate for the part of a club girl, which her character eventually assumes. While Kelechi Udegbe performed admirably in the part, Femi Branch or another person with a Sugar Daddy appearance would have been more appropriate.
Will the film perform well in theaters? I won’t end just yet since, despite strong marketing, people may go to the film but may not be pleased that they invested the time to do so. A 5/10 is given to the film.
