One Too Many Review: A Phoenix Rising From The Ashes

We return with one too many review! In a world marked by inequality and injustice, the question of whether there’s any hope for those falsely accused weighs heavily on our minds. Can fairness and justice triumph over the shadows of injustice? Let’s embark on a deep dive into the captivating narrative of ‘One Too Many,‘ an enthralling movie currently streaming on Netflix. Directed by the esteemed Kayode Kasum, whose reputation for visionary storytelling and groundbreaking cinematography precedes him.

‘One Too Many’ tells a story of a mother, Adeswua, played by Dakore Egbuson-Akande and her son, Otas, played by Chimezie Imo, who were faced with the harsh realities of life and, as such, became victims of what the term “Police brutality” would look like. 

Adesuwa, who, at a young age, was an intelligent secondary school lady who had a promising future ahead of her and of course, the pride of her parents and most especially her father. Her whole world came crumbling right before her when she was ganged and raped by some police officials, and as a result, she became pregnant with no idea who the father was. A scared, traumatised, and confused Adesuwa had to take the high road by running away from home, as she was unable to bear the pain and shame she had brought to her family. Which, at the end of the day, led to the death of her father, who could not bear the heartbreak. 

Fast forward to a couple of years later, and Adesuwa had given birth to an intelligent, vibrant, and loving son named Otas, who had no idea about his mother’s past life and traumas. One would not blame Adesuwa for projecting her fears onto her son, as it almost seemed like her fears were validated when her son, Otas, became a victim of the vile brutality of the very streets his mother was trying to protect him from.

Nollywood movies like ‘One Too Many’, which often portray the injustices within the Nigerian police force through gripping narratives that shed light on corruption, abuse of power, and the struggles of ordinary citizens facing oppression, serve as powerful vehicles for easing awareness and sparking conversations about the need for reform and accountability within the law enforcement institutions. 

Now, let’s dive deep into the One Too Many  review;

Plot

‘One Too Many’ kicks off with a riveting scene that immediately draws viewers in, leaving them captivated and eager for more. As the story unfolds, we find ourselves on the edge of our seats, contemplating the mystery of how our protagonist, Otas, found himself in such a predicament. The prison setting introduces us to Otas, who looks seemingly vulnerable and intimidated by his intimidating cellmate. However, as the narrative progresses, we witness a remarkable transformation in the character. The prison scene serves as a pivotal moment, showcasing Otas’ unexpected ability to rise above adversity and tap into a hidden fighter within him. As viewers, we are left intrigued and eager to uncover the depths of Otas‘ character and the challenges he will face on his journey

The exploration of how our protagonist found himself ensnared in his current predicament proves to be a whirlwind of twists and turns. At the outset of the movie, viewers may find themselves questioning the overarching plot, as each scene seamlessly transitions into the backstory of Adesuwa. One might wonder: is this narrative primarily focused on Adesuwa’s childhood trauma, or are there deeper layers yet to be uncovered?

Embedded within the film’s recurring scenes lie the answers to these lingering questions. Otas, portrayed as a tech-savvy individual, embarks on a venture with his best friend, Eric (played by Joshua Richard), co-founding a mobile application designed to screen record life events. While some might think it’s not a groundbreaking idea, the story delves beyond mere innovation, urging viewers to look beyond surface judgements.

Otas, whom we were made to believe had been prevented from exploring, socialising, and communicating with the outside world, surprisingly had a friend named Erc, a marijuana addict and dealer who happened to be the son of a renowned Senator. Otas also had an ex-girlfriend who cheated on him with his best friend, Eric. Again, the coherence of these relationships and circumstances is beyond anyone’s comprehension. 

In the movie, Otas, maintains his friendship with Eric because he believes Eric’s actions were influenced by marijuana intoxication, and therefore, he may not have intentionally betrayed him. The two friends are finally deployed for their three-week mandatory NYSC camp activities, and Otas, excited about the news, shares it with his mother. Despite her initial reluctance about him leaving their current place  of residence in Ibadan, she eventually gives him her blessings after he reassures her that nothing bad will happen to him.

As the plot unfolds, viewers may anticipate the unfolding events. Eric and Otas begin their journey, with Eric driving them to their destination. While Otas tests their screen recording mobile application, he unexpectedly finds marijuana and a loaded gun hidden under Eric’s car seat. This discovery sparks a heated altercation between Otas and Eric, culminating in Eric’s tragic death, with a group of police officers witnessing and becoming  entangled in the incident, ultimately shaping its outcome.

While many viewers may find enjoyment in the prison scenes, there are some who might argue that the portrayal of the prison Yards and system in the movie lacks realism. However, amidst these debates, the emergence of Adesuwa’s estranged sister and her husband as Otas’ legal representatives introduces an unexpected twist that injects fresh complexity into the narrative. This surprising turn of events not only adds depth to the storyline but also underscores the intricacies of familial dynamics and the unforeseen connections that shape the characters’ journeys.

The courtroom scenes in the film offered an average level of interest, with Paul Utomi’s portrayal of the prosecutor failing to elevate the proceedings to the anticipated level of suspense and professionalism. As a result, what could have been a gripping and tension-filled aspect of the movie felt somewhat basic and failed to reach its full potential in captivating the audience.

The ending of the movie brought about an interesting turn of events that could uplift viewers who have lost faith in the justice system and police reform. It showed that change is possible, even in tough circumstances, giving hope for a better future.

Cast/Acting

Chimezie Imo’s portrayal of Otas was outstanding, once again showcasing his talent as a phenomenal actor. 

Dakore Egbuson-Akande delivered a touching performance as Adesuwa, capturing the deep bond between a mother and her son with authenticity.

Jide Kosoko’s portrayal of the Senator underwent unexpected character development, adding layers to the role and showcasing his ability to embody the essence of a wealthy politician. 

Omawumi Dada’s portrayal of Adesuwa’s estranged sister was commendable, effectively conveying the character’s journey of redemption.

While the movie featured several unnecessary characters, each renowned actor rose to the occasion, delivering noteworthy performances. Despite the perceived lack of relevance of Kelechi Udegbe’s character, he executed his role with professionalism, adding depth to the ensemble cast.

The Late Racheal Oniga character would evoke emotions in any avid Nollywood movie viewer as they would be reminded of how well she graced our TV screens.

The movie’s flawless finish was attributed to the impeccable blend of cinematography, soundtracks, costumes, wardrobe, and setting. Each element worked in harmony to create a visually stunning and immersive experience for the audience. Overall, the meticulous attention to detail in these aspects of production contributed to the movie’s overall excellence and deserves commendation and accolades for their outstanding contributions.

Language

Although traditional language was scarcely utilised, the film effectively captured the essence of Edo culture through the names and ethnicities of the main characters, which also helped in giving the movie a distinctive feeling. 

In summary, ‘One Too Many’ stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering resilience of the human spirit amidst life’s most daunting challenges. Through its captivating narrative, stellar performances, and timely exploration of relevant themes, the film serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for justice and police reform within our society. It is a compelling watch for those seeking insight into the harsh realities of police brutality, as well as the enduring strength of hope in the quest for justice. The inclusion of the ENDSARS nationwide protest of 2020 was a commendable and timely addition, further enhancing the movie’s relevance and impact.