Title: THE BRIDE (1 – 4) 

Starring: Van Vicker, Rita Dominic, Tonto Dikeh, Ali Nuhu, Ebube Nwagbo

Synopsis:

A woman sets out to avenge her twin sister’s death who died under mysterious circumstances.

Review:

Ella (Tonto Dikeh) was romantically involved with the wealthy prince, Rasheed (Van Vicker). They were secretly married despite differences in religion and while he was betrothed to someone else. 

Meanwhile, back home, Ella’s twin sister, Adaeze (Tonto Dikeh), had been experiencing bad dreams and had a premonition that Ella died. Her hunch turned out to be true when police came to her home to announce Ella’s car accident. 

Adaeze was devastated that she lost her twin sister. She spent time reading past letters from Ella which made her feel close to her. The letters documented Ella’s life and her dealings with Rasheed and led her to believe that Ella’s death may not have been an accident. 

Adaeze traveled to Abuja to investigate and there she met up with Vivada (Rita Dominic) and Nora (Ebube Nwagbo). Adaeze convinced the women that the Prince was a dangerous player and the three women cooked up a scheme to get to the bottom of Ella’s death. Since Adaeze looked identical to her sister, she stayed in the background as to not tip of Rasheed that he was being investigated. 

While Vivada took center stage and wormed her way into Rasheed’s life, the women played a hoax and Rasheed believed that Ella’s ghost was back to haunt him in the form of a bride. 

As the drama unfolded Vivada unexpectedly fell in love with him but the core of their relationship was built on lies; Rasheed denied that he knew Ella while Vivada’s intention was to prove that he killed her. 

Let’s Talk. This is a story of revenge that turned into a love story. It was confusing at first as it wasn’t clear that Tonto Dikeh was playing two roles. In addition, Rasheed referred to Ella as “Nora” in the beginning (dialogue error) and Ella was also referred to as “Adaora.” Once all of the names were sorted out the movie flowed pretty nicely.

The main story was supported with subplots surrounding the bitter girlfriend that was betrothed to the prince, his underhanded personal servant, and there’s also a dose of Muslim teachings. What was weak was the reason behind Ella’s murder. This segment could have been stronger and more rational. Also, Ella’s diary containing explicit information was a bit too convenient. 

Story execution was okay and if you paid careful attention, there were clues that were dropped throughout the story that aroused suspicion. The movie also touched on the abolishment of old traditions when it came to prearranged marriages and it encouraged allowing nature to take its course in such matters. 

The writing was satisfactory in that the main agenda was to prove that Rasheed was a murderer and then it switched gears and the mission became to prove that he was innocent. 

No complaints about performances. Van Vicker, Rita Dominic, and Tonto Dikeh are professionals. The only gripe was that Tonto didn’t have a bigger role. 

Overall, it’s an attractive story that’s well played by the actors. So if you’re up for some drama and a four-part movie, this one is a RECOMMEND.