Title: ‘A Tribe Called Judah’
Genre: Drama
Directors: Funke Akindele, Adeoluwa Owu
Runtime: 2 hours, 14 minutes
Cast: Funke Akindele, Jide Kene Achufusi, Timini Egbuson, Uzee Usman, Tobi Makinde, Olumide Oworu, Ebelle Okaro, Uzor Arukwe, Nse Ikpe Etim, Genoveva Umeh, Faithia Williams, Nosa Rex, Greg Ojefua, Ibrahim Yekini and Boma Akpore.
Rating: 8/10
“A Tribe Called Judah” is a powerful family drama that captures the complexities and intricacies of the Nigerian modern family. The story follows a single mother raising five sons, each with a different father, highlighting the good, bad, and ugly that comes with family life.
In the introduction to the movie, we hear Jedidah’s father, a pastor, scold and disown her. This gave enough backstory to her past. There was no need for some odd black-and-white memory cut as we just followed her present life and filled in the gaps for ourselves.
Jedidah, skillfully portrayed by Funke Akindele, had five sons, each with a different tribal lineage. The film weaves through themes of strife, pain, love, unity, and the relentless struggle for survival.
The siblings, in descending order, are Emeka (Jide Kene Achufusi), Adamu (Uzee Usman), Shina (Tobi Makinde), Pere (Timini Egbuson), and Ejiro (Olumide Oworu).
The heart-wrenching revelation of Jedidah’s chronic kidney disease sets the stage for the family’s desperate quest to secure the exorbitant funds required for her weekly dialysis treatment. The desperation is palpable as the sons, financially incapacitated, turn to an ill-fated heist as their last resort. This decision forms the crux of the film, showcasing the lengths one is willing to go for the sake of a loved one.
The movie skillfully transitions from laughter to concern, worry, and moments of intense sadness, all while maintaining a captivating and emotional narrative. Despite its extended runtime, the film manages to engage the audience with its solid script and well-crafted storyline. The power of storytelling becomes evident as viewers find themselves empathising with characters who, in different circumstances, might be seen as breaking societal norms.
The casting of the movie is a standout element, with each actor delivering exceptional performances that bring authenticity to the characters. The effort to cast actors from specific regions adds a layer of realism to the film.
Emeka, the first son of Jedidah, is portrayed as a very honest and Achufusi really bodied his role. The emotions he portrayed was by far the deepest amongst all the bothers. The pressure to step up and do what is right even when it is wrong and the emotional turmoil and inner battle against saving their mother illicitly or moving on hope and faith. It’s a tough decision for anyone and Jide Kene embodied that first son stance.
Ejiro, being the last born in the family, comes with some perks as we could see in her life, played by Olumide. He is a typical last born. The mannerisms, behaviour, teasing, carriage, everything spoke of the last-born traits and brought that fun, playful side to the movie.
Pere, showcasing his versatility beyond a lover boy role, adds depth to the narrative. His pickpocketing antics and loyalty to family is a step away from his usual Big Love ways.
Adamu, played by Uzee, skillfully addresses common challenges in single mother parenting, particularly the issue of roots. The uncomfortable questions about roots when a single mother is involved is a problem Adamu faced in his quest to settle down. Although Jedidah was wrong for keeping his father’s root away from him as he was no longer a child (he was 32).
Shina adds humor to the mix, providing a refreshing and funny perspective amidst challenging situations. His idea to involve his gang would have solved a lot of issues, but then, that would have meant a very predictable movie.
Testimony easily stands out as a character dedicated to her boyfriend, adding an interesting dynamic to the storyline. Umeh’s acting prowess shone through, creating a memorable and sweet yet complex character.
Despite its over 2-hour runtime, “A Tribe Called Judah” keeps viewers entertained with a mix of emotions, from insane laughter to deep sadness, satisfaction, and relief. It shows how funny family dynamics can be. The movie’s success at the Box Office, surpassing 1 billion naira, speaks to its compelling storytelling, excellent casting, and effective marketing. The movie is more than just a movie; it’s a premium entertainment experience that shouldn’t be missed.