ISEKONU is a bold look at the reality so many women face when they’re accused of killing their husbands. The film follows a young widow whose brother-in-law wastes zero time accusing her of his brothers death, and from that moment, you already know you’re not watching a lighthearted story.
What worked? Honestly, almost everything.
The film gave me a clear, painful glimpse into what countless widows actually go through; the suspicion, the stigma, the emotional violence that follows them immediately after grief. It felt uncomfortably real.
The cinematography was chef’s kiss. Every shot looked intentional, like the camera itself was trying to pull me into the widow’s mind.
There’s a scene where the widow is forced to drink the water used to wash her husband’s corpse, and the way the lamps were used in that moment? I genuinely paused and considered taking a screenshot. It was so cinematic.
The acting was intense and raw. One scene in particular melted me: when they cut the lead actress’s hair. My heart actually broke. I even asked myself, “How much would Nollywood need to pay me to let them cut my hair for a role?” But I guess that’s what it means to really love your craft, she gave everything.
The casting director deserves flowers, a hug, and maybe even chilled zobo. They got it right.
What didn’t work?
A plot hole that kept shouting my name. If the widow was truly innocent, why exactly was she bleeding from the mouth? I’m trying so hard not to drop spoilers, but that detail felt like something the story forgot to fully lock in.
The editing also stumbled in one scene. The cut was so sharp and unblended that I actually blinked twice to confirm it wasn’t my phone lagging. Many viewers might not notice, but me? I saw it loud and clear.
Still, the story was gripping. It didn’t give me one dull second, not even half. And I’m telling you, if someone woke me up at midnight and told me, “Let’s rewatch ISEKONU,” I would jump out of bed without thinking twice.
I genuinely enjoyed watching this film
Director: Adejo “Storypriest” Emmanuel
Genre: Drama / Social Commentary
Review by: Emmanuella Nwachukwu