After 30, the much-anticipated sequel to Before 30 from Nemsia Studios picks up right where the original left off, following four successful women as they face love, career, and personal transformation in a new phase of life. Directed by Omorinsojo Spaine, this chapter explores deeper challenges, messier relationships, and a friendship that’s pushed to its limits. With drama, heart, and honesty, After 30 sets the stage for a story that may just strike a chord with audiences, offering a mix of emotion, intrigue, and self-discovery.
Plot
Eight years after heartbreak, Nkem has rewritten her own rules. Swearing off commitment, she dives into a carefree life of casual flings and late-night indulgences until she realises she craves more. Swapping intimacy for ambition, she quickly climbs to the top of her investment bank, launches a booming wealth advisory firm, and redefines success. But even at the peak, something is still missing. Now, she wants a child, but is it about purpose or escaping emptiness?
Nkem believes motherhood might fill that void, but Aisha isn’t convinced. She suspects Nkem’s latest desire is just another attempt to escape boredom. Aisha herself has transformed, Shareef finally chooses her over his old ways, and two years later, they welcome a daughter. But with privilege comes pressure. Rejecting outside help, Aisha chooses to mother alone, a decision that nearly costs her life. Six years later, when Shareef brings up the idea of another baby, fear grips her, and the decision she makes next could shatter everything.
Then there’s Ama, still committed to her vow of technical virginity and scarred by the Lagos dating scene. She’s mourning her beloved godmother when an unexpected inheritance, a restaurant, sets her on a new path. As she builds her dream, she stumbles into a connection so deep and unexpected, it challenges her ideas of love and identity in ways she never imagined.
And Temi? Torn between a perfect man and a soulmate, she chooses love, only to lose it to tragedy. Years later, fate gives her another shot or a cruel joke when she’s forced to choose again: the comfort of perfection or the pull of her past.
In After 30, these women are pushed to the edge of love, ambition, motherhood, and identity. As they face life-altering decisions, one question looms: Will they choose to fight or take flight?
Cast
After 30 reunites us with the powerhouse ensemble we fell in love with, Damilola Adegbite, Beverly Naya, Meg Otanwa, and Anee Icha are back with even more fire and finesse. This time, they’re joined by an exciting lineup of fresh talent, adding new depth and flavour to the story.
The film also features standout performances from OC Ukeje, Patrick Diabuah, Tina Mba, Celestina Aleobua, Atlanta Johnson, and more, each one bringing their spark to the screen.
And in a deeply emotional tribute, After 30 honours the late and beloved Kabiri Fubara, whose presence is felt both on-screen and in spirit. His performance, like his legacy, is unforgettable.
Language
After 30 is predominantly performed in English.
Summary
After a decade-long wait, After 30 struts in with all the glam, gorgeous cast, jaw-dropping fashion, and crisp cinematography. But once the glitter settles, you’re left wondering, is that it? For a sequel, it spends too much time reminiscing on the past and teasing the future without giving us a solid now. Honestly, it would’ve thrived better as a series like Before 30; there just wasn’t enough time to unpack all that emotional baggage.
Coming from Nemsia Studios, the same folks who gave us Breath of Life, Suky, and Soft Love—we expected fire. Instead, we got flickers. The chemistry? Lukewarm. The friendships? Felt forced. The romance? Underwhelming. It’s a story we’ve seen one too many times: successful women with messy love lives and not much else going on beneath the surface.
Sure, After 30 looks good, but without a heart, it’s just another pretty face in a crowded room.
