Back In Time Movie Review: A YouTube Drama That Dares To Be Different

Ruth Kadiri’s Back in Time is a YouTube drama that explores the weight of past decisions and their impact on the future. The story follows Duro and Yusuf, two individuals whose lives are shaped by their past experiences. Once privileged, Duro’s life takes an unexpected turn, leaving her in dire need of help. That help comes from Yusuf, but not without conditions. As Duro grapples with the terms set before her, the question remains—can she navigate the consequences of her past and embrace the future?

Plot

The film opens with Duro facing a heartbreaking crisis—her mother is critically ill and in desperate need of oxygen. With nowhere else to turn, Duro seeks help from the one person she never imagined she would, Yusuf.

But Yusuf is no ordinary saviour. Once the son of a maid in Duro’s wealthy household, his past is marked by tragedy. Years ago, Duro’s mother mistreated Yusuf’s family, leading to his father’s unjust imprisonment and eventual death. The heartbreak later claimed his mother’s life, leaving Yusuf to fend for himself. Fast forward to the present, Yusuf has built himself into a powerful man, though his wealth comes from the dangerous world of drug dealing.

When Duro comes pleading for help, Yusuf agrees but with a catch. She must stay in his house as a servant, obeying his every command. As she struggles to adjust to her new reality, she also faces Jenny, one of Yusuf’s girls, who is determined to make her life miserable. However, Jenny is not just a bully—she’s also an informant, secretly working against Yusuf.

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As time passes, the icy walls between Duro and Yusuf begin to melt, and he starts treating her with unexpected kindness. Meanwhile, Duro’s mother recovers in the ICU. But just as things seem to settle, danger strikes when Jenny tips off the detectives for a raid on Yusuf’s home. Luckily, Duro overhears the plan and manages to remove the drugs before the police arrive, saving Yusuf from being caught. When she later exposes Jenny’s betrayal, she decides it’s time to leave now that her mother is out of the hospital.

This near miss shakes Yusuf to his core, making him question his choices. In a surprising turn, he decides to leave the drug business behind, letting go of his girls but not before giving Jenny a taste of her own medicine.

Meanwhile, Duro returns home, only to face her mother’s ungrateful and unapologetic attitude. Frustrated and tired of her toxic past, she makes a bold move as she leaves for good and runs straight to Yusuf. In a heartwarming conclusion, the two finally confess their love for each other.

Cast

Like many YouTube productions, Back in Time features a familiar lineup of recurring actors. However, what sets this film apart is the inclusion of foreign actors, adding a refreshing twist and a touch of authenticity to the storyline. This mix of talents enhances the film’s depth, making it feel more immersive and engaging.

The cast includes industry favorite Ruth Kadiri alongside Deza D Great, Genevieve Vicaty, Malaikah Stemmet, Jennifer Smith, Racheal Mhlungwana, and several others. Their performances bring the emotional weight and tension of the plot to life, making Back in Time a good watch despite its familiar casting choices.

Language

Back in Time was performed in English.

Summary

For a YouTube movie, Back in Time breaks away from the typical Nollywood formula, and Ruth Kadiri deserves credit for the effort put into this production. The storyline is engaging, and the mix of set locations and diverse cast choices adds a sense of realism that elevates the film.

However, the hurried production is hard to ignore, and it impacts several aspects of the movie—from pacing to execution. While it’s a commendable attempt, these rough edges hold it back from being truly outstanding.

That said, by Nollywood YouTube standards, Back in Time still manages to sit slightly above average, offering an entertaining watch with moments of intrigue and emotional depth.