Movie review: Wrong Number is marred by subpar acting

Wrong Number, directed by Uche Chukwu, ventures into the Nollywood scene with an intriguing premise but ultimately fails to deliver a compelling cinematic experience. The film, starring rapper Remilekun Khalid Safaru, known as Reminisce, alongside a notable ensemble cast, promises a thought-provoking look at mistaken identity and the darker side of fame. However, its execution is marred by subpar acting, poor cinematography, and an evident low-budget production.

The storyline centres around a man mistakenly abducted by a gang searching for a celebrity, setting off a chain of unexpected events. While the premise holds potential for suspense and social commentary, Wrong Number struggles to capitalize on it. The narrative, co-produced by Uche Chukwu and Lanre Lawal, attempts to explore the consequences of mistaken identity and the chaotic mayhem it can cause. Still, several critical flaws diminish the film’s overall impact.

Firstly, the acting across the board is largely unconvincing. Reminisce’s transition from music to acting is commendable, but his performance in this film falls flat. His portrayal of the protagonist lacks depth and nuance, often appearing wooden and unengaging. This is unlike his act in King of Boys, directed by Kemi Adetiba. The supporting cast, including Seun Ajayi, Nancy Isime, Baaj Adebule, Shaffy Bello, Bimbo Manuel, Mary Lazaru, Ajadi Olajumoke Ewatomi, and Marilyn George, deliver performances that are similarly underwhelming. Despite the evident talent and experience among these actors, their efforts are hampered by weak dialogue and poor character development. The interactions often feel forced and unnatural, detracting from the film’s intended emotional weight. This film might be the reason why I won’t expect much when I see a cast involving Nancy Isime. This is the second or third time I’ve seen her in a low-budget movie. The last time was in Saving Onome. Perhaps, I overrated her, having seen her done well in Blood Sisters and Shanty Town.

Cinematographically, Wrong Number leaves much to be desired. The film’s visual aesthetic is inconsistent and amateurish, with noticeable lighting, framing, and camera movement issues. Scenes that should be visually impactful are instead marred by poorly executed shots and a lack of visual coherence. This inconsistency extends to the film’s overall production design, which fails to convincingly depict the various settings and scenarios the story demands. The low-budget nature of the film is glaringly apparent, with props and set pieces that often look cheap and unconvincing. This lack of polish significantly undermines the film’s credibility and immersion.

Moreover, the film’s pacing is erratic, further detracting from its narrative cohesion. Key plot points are either rushed or dragged out unnecessarily, leading to a disjointed viewing experience. The suspense and tension that should drive the story are frequently diluted by poorly timed comedic moments and unnecessary subplots. These missteps not only disrupt the flow of the film but also dilute the impact of its central themes.

In terms of thematic exploration, Wrong Number aspires to offer a critique of fame and its pitfalls. However, this exploration feels superficial and underdeveloped. The film touches on the dangers of celebrity culture and the invasive nature of public attention but fails to delve deeply into these issues. The potential for a more profound and resonant message is left unrealized, overshadowed by the film’s numerous technical and narrative shortcomings.

Additionally, the soundtrack of Wrong Number does little to elevate the viewing experience. The music choices are generic and often ill-fitting, lacking the emotional resonance needed to enhance key scenes. This further highlights the film’s lack of attention to detail and overall production quality.

Wrong Number is a film that squanders its intriguing premise with poor execution on multiple fronts. From the lacklustre acting and subpar cinematography to the evident low-budget production, the film fails to deliver a satisfying or memorable cinematic experience. While the efforts of the cast and crew are evident, the end result is a disjointed and unpolished film that falls short of its potential. For viewers seeking a thought-provoking exploration of fame and mistaken identity, Wrong Number is likely to disappoint. It gets a 4/10.