One Line Review: Despite having much to say, Swallow is a film that struggles to find the right words.
Youtube Trailer Swallow
Starring: Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, Ijeoma Grace Agu
Director: Frank Donga
Release Date: 1 Oct 2021
Introduction
Swallow is a social issues drama film directed by Kunle Afolayan and based on the novel of the same name by Sefi Atta. It was released in theaters on September 22, 2018. In the film, Eniola ‘Niyola’ Akinbo co-stars with Ijeoma Grace Agu and Deyemi Okanlawon. It has a running time of 128 minutes and is directed by Eniola Akinbo.
Plot Summary
Tolani is sidetracked by life’s pressures in 1980s Lagos, Nigeria, and becomes involved in drug smuggling with her streetwise friend, with whom she must deal with the consequences.
Less attention to details
First and foremost, Swallow takes place in the 1980s, and the film makes it a point to point out that this does not take place in the 2000s or any other time period. Everything, from newspapers to homes to clothing, evokes memories of the 1980s. The film, on the other hand, falls short when it comes to providing an accurate portrayal of the time period. It’s truly bizarre.
After the first episode of Swallow 2021 begins, we are introduced to Tolani, who we learn has been through a lot of difficulties. Then there’s a long stretch where the film’s star, Eniola ‘Niyola’ Akinbo, delivers a voiceover that comes across as flat and insincere. One of the most serious issues with Swallow is that it doesn’t seem to care about any of the issues it discusses. Much is misplaced along the way, and nothing really sticks with you after the film has concluded.
Dull and Slow
Swallow is an insufferably dull film in every sense of the word. For the majority of the film, nothing happens, and when something does happen, it is far too late to have any effect. Furthermore, scenes that should have stayed with us or left lasting impressions pass us by without raising a ruckus in our collective consciousness. That’s disappointing for a film that’s supposed to be social commentary.
A lot of the things that happen in Swallow happen for no apparent reason, and if the filmmakers had cut some of them out, Swallow would’ve been a shorter movie with a more focused narrative. That, however, is not the case in this instance. The film simply flows in a jerky manner and drones on and on without making much of an impact, completely detaching you from the experience.
Listening to different people talking behind each other’s backs and passing judgment on each other is extremely discouraging. I mean, I suppose it makes sense to demonstrate that everyone is evil, but the scenes are stretched out to the point where they no longer make any sense in the long run. At the conclusion, we are informed of a shocking revelation, but even this does not have an impact on us because the revelation is not shown properly and the effects are not given enough attention by the producers. Despite the fact that the film appears to have relied on this conclusion, everything appears to be fine and dandy at the conclusion. So what was the point of introducing the tragedy in the first place?
When it comes to portraying Tolani, Eniola Akinbo does a respectable job in this movie. Because of her acting, she comes across as genuine, and her problems and difficulties are believable. In addition, the supporting cast is excellent. Unfortunately, the story doesn’t do a good job of providing them with anything worthwhile to do with their free time.
To summarize: Swallow
When it comes to deep issues, Swallow is a film that deals with them on a surface level. It makes an attempt to get everything right, but the effort fails and the experience suffers as a result. This one should be avoided
