Love Lockdown is a romance-drama set against the hauntingly familiar backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when uncertainty, distance, and desire collided in strange and unexpected ways. Originally released in cinemas, the film explores what happens when love is tested not just by time or temptation, but by an actual lockdown.
At the heart of the story are Zainab and Yemi, a young, engaged couple who find themselves physically separated just days before their wedding. One ends up stranded on a luxury girls’ trip, while the other is stuck at home with an ex. What starts off as an innocent twist of fate quickly spirals into a complicated emotional mess, one that threatens not just their upcoming wedding but everything they thought they knew about love, loyalty, and timing.
Plot
The film kicks off right in the thick of emotional tension with Zainab and Yemi; a couple whose chemistry is unmistakably spicy and obvious. We first meet Zainab buzzing around her room, bags half‑packed, lipstick on, and full of wedding vibes, because she’s jetting off for her bachelorette getaway, just weeks before the big day. This is that “last fling before the ring” energy: friends giggling, phone cameras rolling, and the future wife stepping out looking flawless.
Meanwhile, back at home, Yemi is in his own emotional maze. You’d think he’d be calling Zainab every five minutes with updates on hall bookings and event planners, but no, he’s too busy spiralling into thoughts about his ex, Taylor. Taylor and Yemi were once deep, real deep and she thinks this dinner invite is him sliding back into her life.
So Taylor shows up at that dinner with bags and hopes, convinced this is her second chance, maybe even a full‑on reunion. But Yemi hits her with the “I’m engaged” truth bomb. The poor woman freezes. Tears spill. She’s heartbroken and furious because she quit her life, transferred jobs, and literally moved to Lagos all in hopes of rekindling what they had.
And then the world hits the lockdown news: airports closed, flights cancelled, borders sealed. Taylor is stranded. No escape. Every hotel is fully booked, no Airbnb. Her only option? Yemi’s house. Yep, the house he shares (virtually) with his fiancée, Zainab. So now we’ve got Taylor in the house, Zainab out on holiday, and Yemi trying to juggle plates he never thought he’d even touch.
Zainab, on her glorious bachelorette vacay, is texting Yemi nonstop; “Call the planner!”, “Confirm the caterer!”, “Don’t forget the hall deposit!” but Yemi is *wading knee‑deep in nostalgia with Taylor. They talk. They laugh. They accidentally flirt. And even though Yemi tries to keep it respectful, you can feel that old spark lighting up like a matchstick in a dark room.
And let’s be honest, there’s something poetic about Taylor in Yemi’s house cooking like she’s auditioning for his grandmother’s approval, while Zainab is miles away trying to figure out why someone back at her resort is hitting on her constantly. It’s messy, chaotic, and full of temptations that don’t even know they’re temptations.
Then the drama really gets cranked up when Yemi tries to call Zainab, but the phone rings, and a man answers. A man Yemi doesn’t recognise. Yemi panics. He thinks she’s cheating. He falls into the old pattern: suspicion and jealousy. Questions arise. And Taylor, for once, is not playing coy. She tells Yemi straight up: “I thought you’d choose me.” And when Yemi pushes her back, she’s hurt because this wasn’t supposed to be a long stay. But then, in a moment that shouldn’t make sense but totally does in rom‑com logic, they fight… and kiss, and things escalate to the bedroom. One night later, Yemi wakes up with big decisions brewing. Days later, Zainab eventually reached out to Yemi. Poor Zainab’s phone took a dip in water and died, leaving her stranded and silent for days. She tries reaching out through a friend’s Instagram, but Yemi never sees it. So he spirals harder.
Now, the tension escalates when Zainab finally gets a hold of her phone and the truth comes out. Yemi realizes he overreacted. Zainab didn’t cheat. But unfortunately, in his fit of anger and confusion, he already has. He’s slept with Taylor. Now Yemi is stuck in guilt, trying to figure out how to break it to Zainab. Meanwhile, Taylor’s also upset. She feels misled, because Yemi had told her he was ready to choose her, no turning back. But now, knowing Zainab was innocent, Yemi is overwhelmed with regret.
One day, while on a call with Zainab in the kitchen, Taylor unknowingly makes a sound in the background. Zainab catches it. She’s confused, “Who’s there with you, Yemi?” After dodging for a bit, Yemi finally confesses: it’s Taylor. Zainab is furious. And just like that, the secret is out, he cheated.
Everything spirals. Another long talk. More heartbreak. But in the midst of the chaos, Yemi chooses Zainab; again. Taylor, now heartbroken but strong, decides to leave. She’s on her way to the airport, ready to return home and start over. But before she leaves, she tells Yemi: “Choose yourself. Follow your heart, even if it hurts.” Still, Yemi feels he owes it to Zainab to stay. Even if it’s messy. Even if it costs him. He’s come too far to turn back.
But when Zainab returns from her trip, everything changes again. A long, honest conversation reveals deeper cracks. They’re not aligned; even on the big things like children. Yemi wants a family. Zainab doesn’t. At the same time, Yemi is trying to sell his company. And after all the back and forth, they both finally accept the truth: they’ve outgrown each other. They part ways, respectfully but the love is done.
Yemi tries to reach out to Taylor again. But she’s moved on. She refuses to be anyone’s second choice.
Months pass. He sells the company. Plans are in motion to relocate to London. But before he leaves, one last try. He tracks Taylor down at a hotel. One final, honest, messy, beautiful conversation. Apologies. Emotions. Clarity. Closure. And maybe, just maybe, love wins this time.
Cast
Love Lockdown keeps it minimal with a tight-knit cast ensemble, and while it may not scream blockbuster scale, the film never feels empty. Instead, it leans into its simplicity; grounded, intimate, and carried by characters whose personalities genuinely hold your attention.
Andrew Yaw Bunting steps into the role of Yemi with ease; his natural charisma, clean accent, and cool demeanor make him both likable and believable. You watch him and just… buy it. Then there’s Detola Jones as Zainab, a familiar face from the YouTube drama circuit. She brings her usual sharpness to the screen, delivering lines with the calm confidence of someone who knows what they’re doing.
But the true standout here is Yewande Osamien as Taylor. She doesn’t just act, she feels. Her performance is layered, emotionally honest, and absolutely magnetic. Yewande practically carries the film, drawing you into every scene she’s in. Her chemistry with Andrew is undeniable, soft, intense, and genuinely exciting to watch.
Language
The film was predominantly in English.
Final take
While Love Lockdown might not scream “cinema must-watch,” it’s the kind of film that finds its strength in performance over premise. The whole pandemic love triangle trope might feel a little dated, especially in 2025, and using COVID as a backdrop for romance has started to feel like a tired plot device. If the story had leaned into something darker, say, crime, mystery, or psychological drama, it might’ve landed stronger.
But what saves the movie? The cast. Their delivery, chemistry, and believability are what keep you engaged. Visually, the picture quality is crisp, and the technical and sound departments showed up and showed off. It’s aesthetically clean and well-produced.
So, while the story may not stick with you long after the credits roll, Love Lockdown is still a decently enjoyable watch, thanks to a cast that knew how to bring just enough fire to the screen.
