Christmas In Lagos Movie Review: A Festive Tale That’ll Leave You Swooning

Directed and written by Jade Osibiru (of Gangs of Lagos), Christmas in Lagos is a vibrant exploration of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of a Detty December. The story follows Fiyi, whose romantic world is turned upside down when her best friend Elo, with whom she shares undeniable chemistry, suddenly proposes to someone else. As Fiyi navigates the emotional rollercoaster of unrequited love, Jade takes us along on her journey of accepting her fate and ultimately finding herself again. 

  Plot

The movie opens with the Lagos chaos: traffic jams, honking cars, and a city buzzing with energy. Fiyin, stylish and bold, zips through the streets in her convertible, and heads to the airport to pick up her cousin, Ivie, and her best friend, Elo. But beneath her confident exterior lies a heart still reeling from a five-year relationship gone sour. This Christmas, Fiyin has her sights set on Elo, hoping to turn their deep friendship into something more—until her dreams come crashing down when Elo announces he’s proposing to his girlfriend of eight months, Yagazie. Shocked and hurt, Fiyin ropes Ivie into a mischievous scheme to sabotage Elo’s relationship.  

Meanwhile, Fiyin’s mother, Gbemisola, is dealing with her own romantic dilemmas. A widow with a vibrant personality, Gbemisola finds herself caught in a love triangle. On one hand, there’s Toye, her current steady flame, and on the other, Chief Dozie, her charming, on-again-off-again lover who reappears with a renewed determination to win her over. The stakes are high as both men compete for Gbemisola’s heart, each ready to walk down the aisle with her.  

Back in the younger crew’s corner, Ivie is living her best “Detty December” life when she crosses paths with Ajani, sparking an unexpected romance. But while Ivie finds love, Fiyin’s plans to wreck Elo’s engagement hit a roadblock. Meeting Yagazie, she realizes this won’t be a simple mission—Yagazie is likeable, kind, and deeply in love with Elo. To complicate matters, Elo’s family is still grieving the loss of his sister, who passed away during Christmas three years ago, adding emotional layers to his unwavering commitment to Yagazie. In an ironic twist, Elo even asks Fiyin to help plan his wedding, leaving her torn between loyalty and longing. 

The heart of Christmas in Lagos beats with its intertwined storylines: Fiyin’s unrequited love for Elo, Elo’s steadfast devotion to Yagazie, Ivie’s budding romance with Ajani, and Gbemisola’s love triangle that leads to a surprising and heartwarming resolution. With a mix of heartbreak and holiday cheer, this movie paints a colourful picture of love and family during Lagos’ most festive season. Whether you’re rooting for Fiyin’s redemption, Gbemisola’s choice, or Ivie’s romance, Christmas in Lagos is a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps you hooked till the very last scene.

Cast

The brilliance of Christmas in Lagos lies not only in its compelling story but also in the exceptional talent of its cast. From start to finish, every role was performed with such depth and authenticity that it’s clear the casting process prioritized quality over mere star power.  

The main character, Fiyin, was brought to life by Teniola A. Aladese in a performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. Her ability to convey vulnerability and longing was evident in every scene, leaving viewers captivated. Teniola’s resemblance to her onscreen mother added another layer of believability.

Speaking of her mother, Shaffy Bello was the epitome of grace and elegance. Her portrayal of a woman navigating a love triangle was both stylish and heartfelt. The on-screen chemistry she shared with Richard Mofe-Damijo was magnetic, blending lighthearted moments with deeper emotional beats. Their interactions were so charming that they often left viewers smiling without realizing it. On the other side of the triangle, Wale Ojo delivered a stellar performance as the calm and composed rival. His vintage charm and understated approach gave the character a refreshing edge.  

Ivie, Fiyin’s cousin, added a youthful vibrancy to the story. Played by Rayxia Ojo (Supacell), The chemistry she shared with Ajani, her love interest played by Ladipoe, felt organic and genuine.

Elo, the central figure in Fiyin’s romantic dilemma, was portrayed with finesse by Shalom C. Obiago. His character’s struggles with love and loss were handled delicately, making him relatable yet complex. While Shalom delivered an impressive performance, one can’t help but wonder how Obinna Okenwa might have added a different flavour to the role.  

Elo’s mother, played by Ebele Okaro, was another standout. Her portrayal of grief, especially in the scene where she walks in on Elo and his father decorating the Christmas tree, was deeply moving and brought an emotional depth to the film.  Other notable actors were Angel Anosike, Tris Udeh, Eku Edewor, Tris Udeh, Michelle Mikinney, Abiola Segun, Harriet Akinola, and Aiyedehin Tunbosun.

The movie also featured memorable cameos from notable personalities like Saga, Ayra Starr, Adekunle Gold, Waje, and Wurld, who added a vibrant touch to the festive Lagos setting.  

Language

Predominantly English Language.

Summary

No time for stalling—Christmas in Lagos was breathtaking! Beyond having a great plot, the movie ticked every single box that makes a film unforgettable.  

Let’s start with the casting—pure magic! Every actor brought their A-game, and it felt like the roles were written just for them. Add to that the sheer beauty and handsomeness of the cast and chef’s kiss! The aesthetics were on point, from the costumes to the locations. The outfits? Perfection. Nothing was over the top, yet everything screamed effortless luxury, which made sense given the wealthy circles the characters moved in. And let’s talk about that wedding dress—Gbemisola walking into the room was a stop-everything-and-pick-your-jaw-off-the-floor moment. Stunning doesn’t even begin to cover it.  

The locations also deserve their round of applause. The engagement setting? Gorgeous. Every scene felt like it was plucked from a high-end magazine, leaving you wanting to dive into that world, if only for a moment.  

Now, the plot! While Fiyin’s love story was the central thread, the movie did a fantastic job of weaving in the lives of other characters without making it feel forced. Every piece of the puzzle fits perfectly, giving just enough attention to each storyline. 

Sure, some viewers thought the movie didn’t capture the typical Nigerian Christmas vibe, but hey, this is how the rich roll! Yes, it made you miss the smoky jollof rice pots, Christmas carol processions, and chaotic family gatherings, but it didn’t take away from how enjoyable the story was.  

Now, about the rom-com label—it wasn’t exactly laugh-out-loud funny, but the romance hit all the right notes. Honestly, it might’ve been better to call it a romance, but who’s complaining when the story was this good? 

Ultimately, Christmas in Lagos was the perfect festive treat—a mix of love, glam, and a touch of drama. Whether you were there for the stunning visuals, the swoon-worthy love stories, or just some holiday escapism, this movie was delivered in style.