All Is Fair In Love Review: A Cliche Tale Of Betrayal, Ambition And Redemption

All is Fair in Love centres on Demi and Kanla, close friends and business partners thriving in the fashion industry. However, their bond is put to the test when they both develop feelings for the same woman, who happens to be an employee hiding a secret that could impact their business. Portrayed by Nigerian actors Deyemi Okanlawon and Timini Egbuson, the film, crafted by lead actor and producer Deyemi Okanlawon, premiered in February 2024 and is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

Plot

All is Fair in Love begins with a television broadcast introducing two charismatic and stylish men, Demi and Kanla, the proprietors of Demi and Kanla Studio, a fashion enterprise where Kanla serves as the designer while Demi handles the business aspect. Demi, born into privilege, defies his father’s expectations by venturing into entrepreneurship which further fueled the friction between both of them. In contrast, Kanla, having lost both parents at a young age, struggled through adversity, eventually finding solace in his craft. Despite their dedication to their work, their personal lives are characterised by promiscuity and a lack of commitment to relationships.

At the studio, Rasheed delivers unexpected news to Demi: Kanla insists on last-minute design changes for the upcoming fashion show. Demi confronts Kanla, highlighting the necessity of cost-cutting measures amidst an economic downturn and advocating for the expansion of their business into international markets.

In the pursuit of securing investors, Demi’s father, Demi Holloway Snr., proffers an investment opportunity for Demi and Kanla Studio under the condition that it integrates into the Holloway Group within five years, contingent upon its success. Despite this offer, Demi opts to decline, thereby intensifying his efforts to secure alternative investment sources.

The plot thickens as both Demi and Kanla independently encounter Mbali Kumalo, unaware of each other’s interactions with her. Coincidentally, Mbali applies for a consultant position in their expansion initiative, delivering an impressive pitch that garners the approval of both Demi and Kanla. Subsequently, they extend her an offer, oblivious to her involvement with the other. As interactions progress, the professional dynamic evolves into one marked by flirtation, leading to individual outings with Mbali, all without either party being privy to the other’s involvement.

Meanwhile, a law enforcement task force is convened to apprehend an elusive individual implicated in money laundering and the subversion of growing enterprises. Although lacking a definitive identity, the investigation yields a name: Catherine.

Mbali becomes increasingly adept at manipulating both men to her advantage. One day, Demi invites her to an art exhibition, where he confesses his feelings for her. Mbali reciprocates his feelings and suggests they become secret lovers, agreeing not to inform Kanla until the investment deal is finalised. Shortly thereafter, a similar scenario unfolds with Kanla, under the condition that Demi remains unaware until the deal is settled.

Mbali arranges a meeting with Mr. Vincent, from LUAN Investment Groups, whom she trusts and considers the best among all potential investors. This meeting is approved by both Demi and Kanla without any prior investigation. However, the meeting concludes disappointingly when Mr. Vincent demands 25% of the company’s stocks and a position as a shareholder. Demi and Kanla are displeased with these terms, as they have always exclusively owned the company.

In the next scene, Mr Vincent is shown bleeding and pleading for his life as a woman referred to as “Chief” interrogates him, questioning why the deal fell through without being finalised. Shortly after, Mbali enters the room, attempting to salvage the situation by asserting she can secure their agreement on her terms. Chief, however, sternly reminds her of the severe consequences of failure. Meanwhile, the task force makes a significant breakthrough, successfully putting a face to the name they have been investigating.

The clandestine relationships both men had with Mbali are exposed when Demi walks in on Kanla and Mbali in an intimate moment, leading to an explosive confrontation between the two men. Later that evening, upon returning home, Kanla finds Demi and detectives waiting in his apartment. The detectives reveal to Demi and Kanla the true identity of Mbali and outline a plan to apprehend her and her superior.

Cast

The cast of All is Fair in Love is highly commendable, with each actor perfectly fitting their role and delivering outstanding performances. Deyemi Okanlawon and Timini Egbuson excelled in their portrayals of Demi and Kanla, respectively, living up to their reputations for stellar acting.

Buhle Samuels, the dashing South African actress, steals the show as Mbali, seamlessly embodying the character with her beauty and captivating performance. Ireti Doyle delivers a memorable performance as Chief.

Other notable cast members include Kunle Bamtefa, Juliet Ibrahim, Adedimeji Lateef and Big Brother Naija stars Beauty Tukura and Venita Akpofure, along with many other talented actors.

Language

The primary language of the film was English, enriched with elements of Pidgin and occasional French. French was predominantly spoken by Juliet Ibrahim.

Summary

All is Fair in Love is a romance-thriller fiction movie featuring a love triangle with elements of crime. Despite its early potential for an exciting story, the film ultimately falls into the repetition of familiar tropes, lacking any sense of originality.

Deyemi Okanlawon’s production debut benefits from a perfectly cast ensemble and excels aesthetically, utilising elaborate costume designs and commendable cinematography that frames the action pleasingly.

However, the movie suffers from a lack of suspense and fails to deliver any significant twists. A potential twist falls flat as Mbali’s intentions are revealed prematurely, rendering the conflict impotent and the plot predictable.

The plot lacks depth, as it fails to sufficiently explore the plot’s intricacies. Demi and Kanla are established as playboys early on, but their characters are not further developed to highlight their distinctiveness. This results in weak emotional arcs in their relationships with Mbali and a noticeable lack of chemistry among the leads, leaving viewers with no character to genuinely root for.