Movie review: The Beads is not engaging; Nollywood should stop making time-loop films

The Beads, directed by Moyin Ezekiel and produced by Akinbayo Morakinyo, ambitiously delves into the realms of time and African heritage. Featuring a stellar cast including Zainab Balogun, Shaffy Bello, Segun Arinze, Adedimeji Lateef, and Ewa Iwara, the film attempts to weave a poignant narrative about love, loss, and the desire to correct past mistakes. However, despite its noble intentions and potential, it ultimately falters in execution.

The story centres on Ranti, a bride-to-be whose wedding day tragically becomes her last. As she repeatedly relives the day, she is caught in a relentless loop, desperately trying to find a way to set things right. This narrative premise, reminiscent of Western time-loop films, poses a unique challenge: making it relatable and meaningful within an African context. Unfortunately, this is where The Beads struggles the most. The movie reminds me of Japa, a movie I saw early this year that also used the time-loop concept. I remember regretting spending my time viewing the movie. Nollywood directors need to know that it is not every Western concept from which they need to draw inspiration.

The Beads opens with a strong emotional pull as we see Ranti’s joy transform into despair. Zainab Balogun’s portrayal of Ranti is compelling; she captures the anguish and confusion of a woman trapped in an inexplicable cycle. Her performance is one of the film’s highlights, bringing depth and authenticity to her character’s plight. She’s one of the reasons I managed to pull through to the movie’s end.

Shaffy Bello, as Ranti’s grandmother, is another standout. Her character exudes warmth and wisdom, providing a comforting presence throughout the film. Bello’s nuanced performance grounds the narrative, offering a sense of continuity and hope amidst the chaos. The scenes between Ranti and her grandmother are some of the most touching, showcasing a bond that transcends the story’s supernatural elements.

However, the supporting cast’s performances are a mixed bag. While the lead actors deliver strong performances, many of the secondary characters fail to leave a lasting impression. This disparity in acting quality detracts from the overall cohesion of the film, making it difficult to remain fully engaged.

One of the film’s significant issues is its pacing. The narrative takes too long before delivering any understandable point, making it a challenge to stay invested in Ranti’s journey. The slow pace exacerbates the confusion surrounding the plot, which is already muddled by a lack of clarity. Key plot points, such as the villain’s role in establishing the time loop and the fate of Ranti’s father, are either glossed over or left unresolved, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.

The film does, however, make a commendable effort to explore the cultural significance of the beads. These symbols of African heritage are woven into the story, representing tradition, continuity, and the connection between past and present. Yet, the narrative built around this symbolism feels underdeveloped, failing to fully capitalize on its rich cultural backdrop.

Cinematographically, The Beads does not break new ground. The visuals are standard for a Nollywood production, with nothing particularly stunning or innovative. The film’s low-budget constraints are evident, and while the cast elevates it somewhat, the overall production quality remains modest.

Despite its flaws, The Beads does have moments of genuine emotional resonance. The central theme of seeking redemption and the desire to change one’s fate is universally relatable, and there are instances where the film successfully taps into these deep-seated human emotions. However, these moments are too infrequent to compensate for the film’s structural and narrative shortcomings.

The Beads is a film that aspires to be more than it ultimately achieves. It has a promising concept and a talented lead cast but falls short of delivering a cohesive and engaging story. For these reasons, The Beads earns a rating of 5/10.