MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Inside Life’ is raw exploration of Nigeria’s harsh realities

Cast: Magdalene Otanwa, Gabriel Afolayan, Zack Orji, Jide Kosoko, Scarlet Gomez, Chioma Ijeoma Omeruah, Aino Gold, Rotimi Adelegan, Abimbola Kazeem, Uzoamaka Onuoha, Tonia Chukwurah, Egu Chisom Sylvia, Ndah Gift Eno, and more.

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Life has a twisted sense of humour. You follow all the rules, hustle for your big break, or mind your business, only for the universe to throw you its worst hand. That’s precisely what Clarence Peters’ latest cinematic effort, ‘Inside Life,’ is about.

The six-episode series thrusts viewers into a version of Nigeria where misfortune is on overdrive, and no one can catch a break. Whether it’s characters trying to make an honest living or simply surviving their circumstances, ‘Inside Life’ paints a vivid picture of how life can blindside you in the most unforgiving ways.

The story concerns a desperate man, a devoted sister, and an ambitious woman. In Lagos jail, the intersecting backstories of prisoners reveal the city’s darkest secrets. The series serves as both a mirror and a magnifier of many’s harsh realities, leaving you pondering the fine line between chance and choice in a chaotic world.

The filmmaker, Peters, who also serves as a music director, told Nollywire that “people who will be triggered by this movie (Inside Life) will find it offensive. This is because it hits close to home. I want to evoke genuine reactions because some stories make you sigh in pity and then move on.”

The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast led by some of Nollywood’s finest actors. Gabriel Afolayan, Magdalene Otanwa, Zack Orji, Jide Kosoko, Scarlet Gomez, Chioma Ijeoma Omeruah, Rotimi Adelegan, and Abimbola Kazeem.

Regarding how he got the cast, Peters stated that when he selects characters for his films, he prioritises talent over other considerations. He insists that a movie without a personal experience is unlikely to resonate with audiences. For him, Inside Life is a deeply personal project that draws from his life experiences.

Plot

Inside Life unfolds over six gripping episodes, exploring the interconnected lives of its characters in a fictionalised Lagos plagued by misfortune and moral ambiguity. The series opens with Ade, a desperate young man trying to secure funds for his ailing mother’s medical care.

He is lured into a precarious situation by a friend who promises assistance in curing investment for Ade’s business. Initially hesitant, Ade eventually gives in, leading him into a dangerous trap orchestrated by the sinister Alaga, his friend’s boss.

The setup culminates in Ade being falsely implicated in Alaga’s murder, setting off a chain reaction of events that illustrates the theme of how life can conspire against even the most innocent individuals.

As the narrative unfolds, we meet Gift, a sister torn between loyalty and survival, and Chiamaka, a woman caught in a morally grey area. The plot deepens as we learn about the complex relationships between characters, highlighting how a single decision can irrevocably alter their lives.

Gift’s decision to cover for her brother’s criminal actions leads to devastating consequences, reflecting the lengths to which family members go to protect one another. Similarly, the struggles of characters like Idoho, who faces his demons, intertwine with Ade’s plight, showcasing how disparate lives can collide in the most unexpected ways.

Character Analysis

Ade (Gabriel Afolayan): Ade is the story’s heart—a young man who embodies hope, desperation, and resilience. His transformation from a loving son to a victim of circumstance is touching and heart-wrenching. Afolayan’s performance captures Ade’s internal struggle as he grapples with guilt and despair, ultimately showcasing the devastating impact of poor choices and external manipulation.

Gift (Magdalene Otanwa): Gift is a fiercely loyal sister whose love for her brother drives her to make sacrificial choices. Otanwa portrays her character with nuance, oscillating between vulnerability and strength. Her emotional journey is a central pillar of the series, and viewers witness her wrestling with the consequences of her protective instincts.

Alaga (Abimbola Kazeem): Alaga is the antagonist whose ruthless ambition epitomises the darker sides of human nature. Kazeem’s portrayal is chilling, effectively conveying the character’s manipulative and violent tendencies. Alaga’s actions catalyse much of the conflict in the story, and his character highlights the themes of power and exploitation within the narrative.

Chiamaka (Chioma Ijeoma Omeruah): Chiamaka’s character navigates her aspirations against a harsh reality. Omeruah’s performance showcases a woman caught between her dreams and the systemic challenges that hinder her progress.

Themes

Fate vs Free Will: The series invites viewers to contemplate the extent to which our choices versus external forces beyond our control shape our lives. Characters often find themselves in situations that reflect the chaos of their surroundings, leading to moments of introspection and despair.

Family and Loyalty: The bonds between family members are central to the story. Characters repeatedly sacrifice their well-being for the sake of their loved ones, demonstrating the complexities of familial love in dire circumstances. This theme is exemplified through Gift’s sacrifices and Ade’s unwavering devotion to his mother.

Societal Injustice: The series critiques the systemic issues within Nigerian society, highlighting the struggles of individuals trying to navigate a world filled with corruption and moral ambiguity. The characters’ stories serve as allegories for broader societal challenges, revealing the human cost of these systemic failings.

Movie Review

‘Inside Life. It showcases powerful performances, immersive world-building, and compelling subjects that draw viewers in. Peters did prove himself in the top-notch cinematography, from the lighting to the colour grading to the timeline view, making Inside Life a worthy slot to rewatch.

The extreme opening episodes offer a tight, character-driven drama that resonates with authenticity. The series adeptly portrays the harsh realities of life in Lagos, utilising effective cinematography and sound design to enhance the emotional weight of each scene.

The performances across the cast are commendable, particularly Gabriel Afolayan and Magdalene Otanwa, who bring their characters to life with emotional depth. The storytelling structure, which focuses on individual character arcs while weaving them into a larger narrative, is refreshing and practical, allowing for a rich exploration of each character’s background and motivations.

However, the final episode’s dramatic shift into supernatural territory feels jarring and detracts from the grounded realism established in the earlier episodes. While the introduction of fantastical elements may aim to heighten the stakes, it disrupts the narrative flow and risks alienating viewers who are invested in the series’ more realistic, character-driven aspects.

The conclusion leaves several threads unresolved, creating a disconnection that could frustrate audiences seeking a cohesive resolution. Additionally, some graphic violence and intense moments, while intended to amplify tension, occasionally border on gratuitous, overshadowing the more nuanced storytelling. The reliance on shock value detracts from the emotional resonance that could have been achieved through subtler storytelling techniques.

Final Verdict

Inside Life is one of the more ambitious projects to emerge from Nollywood in 2024. Despite its flaws—particularly the disjointed finale—the series offers a gripping exploration of the human experience in a richly depicted Nigerian context.

Inside Life is worth watching for those interested in a visual storytelling journey that confronts the unpredictable nature of life.

I rate the ‘Inside Life’ series 7/10.