Starring: Ivie Okujaye, Esther Audu, Ken Erics

Synopsis:

A young woman suffers insecurity in her marriage when her husband’s female friend comes to town.

Review:

Rose and Louis (Ivie Okujaye & Ken Erics) were in love and about to be married. He was a few years older but within two months of meeting, he popped the question.

As the two looked forward to their special day, Louis thought it was time Rose met his best friend, Terry (Esther Audu). Rose had no issue with the fact that Terry was a woman but problems transpired when it became apparent that Esther knew her man better than she did. As outside influences caused Rose to question the friendship between Louis and his female friend, it in turn drove a wedge in the marriage. 

There was nothing to worry about at first because the relationship between Terry and Louis had been strictly platonic. But one night Terry allowed Louis to kiss her and then the dynamics changed. Feelings that were either subconscious or harbored instantly rose to the surface. What Rose feared most came true and her union with Louis was left on the chopping block. 

Let’s Talk. We’ve been down this road before. Can members of the opposite sex be “just friends?” Hollywood and African movies such as “Virginia is for Lovers” and “More Than Friends” have already covered this topic. Based on these movies the answer appears to be ‘No.’ Is this accurate? Do you have a friend of the opposite sex? Are you secretly attracted to them? 

As for this movie, the story execution was poor. It had snail pacing and was painfully boring at times. It took an entire hour and thirty-five minutes for the story to shift as the characters in the platonic relationship came to terms with their true feelings. The forbidden kiss was what ignited the drama but when it came it was too late. 

Some light-hearted scenes were inserted that made the movie even longer and Terry’s love life became the subplot which, was uninteresting and weak. 

In terms of the lead storyline, Rose feared her husband was sleeping with Terry yet she allowed Tanna, her floozy looking friend, to move into their home and flaunt her assets. Hmm…  Come to think of it, the “Tanna” character was unnecessary and one of Rose’s sisters could have served her purpose in the story. 

There were silly lines such as when when Louis told Rose “you made it difficult for me to keep loving you.” How lame. If his heart was somewhere else then just say that. Also, he told Terry (his female friend) that he didn’t think she could be the woman for him – something to that effect. Dude, seriously? Terry was a beautiful woman that he had a rock solid friendship with so what was the problem? What happens more often than not is the fear of rejection.

No complaints about performances. The characters in the love triangle were captivating to watch with Ivie Okujaye as the standout. What fizzled was the story that required a stronger plot and better editing. 

“Burning Bridges” requires a lot of patience to watch. Although its subject matter is one that could be discussed ‘til the end of time, the story didn’t present anything new or worthwhile. EJECT