Movie Title: Queen Lateefah
Language: English, Yoruba
Release date: September 27, 2024
Casts: Wumi Toriola, Remi Kunle, Elvina Ibru, Fausat Balogun, Brother Shaggi, Nansy Isime, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (Kie-Kie), and Adedimeji Lateef
Queen Lateefah, Wumi Toriola’s debut film, is a smart, suspenseful, and highly entertaining Nollywood drama that has quickly captivated audiences. Released on September 27, 2024, the film has made an impressive box-office debut, grossing N58 million in its opening weekend and contributing to Nollywood’s remarkable momentum.
Plot Overview
The story follows Lateefah Adeleke (played by Wumi Toriola), a sharp and ambitious young woman living in Lagos who is ‘faking it till she makes it.’ She presents herself as a sophisticated, high-society woman, but her true reality is quite different—she lives in a run-down building with eccentric neighbors and was raised in poverty by her illiterate mother. What sets Lateefah apart is her intelligence; she doesn’t just lie carelessly but does her research, ensuring that her deception remains believable.
When she meets Jide Rhodes(played by Kunle Remi), a successful bachelor, their romance drives the plot forward as Lateefah not only wins his affection but helps him secure a valuable government contract.
As the relationship deepens, the story explores the fragile balance between Lateefah’s crafted life of luxury and her true, impoverished background. The stakes heighten as her lies begins to unravel, creating suspense around whether Jide and his family will discover her true identity.
Storyline
Queen Lateefah revolves around the themes of identity and social mobility. Lateefah’s constant struggle to reconcile her desire for a wealthy lifestyle with the reality of her roots makes for a gripping internal conflict. The film leans more towards drama than romance, as Lateefah’s relationship with Jide feels strategic rather than affectionate—she sees him as a vehicle for stability rather than love. As her lies become harder to sustain, tension builds, leading to the ultimate question of whether she can maintain her lies.
Queen Lateefah brings an insightful look into Lagos’s class divide. The Rhodes family represents Lagos’s upper class, contrasting with Lateefah’s humble origins. The dynamics between these two worlds are well-explored, adding depth to the romantic and personal conflicts at play.
While the film sticks to a conventional plot structure, the execution remains engaging, particularly with its light comedic touches and a twist that, though somewhat predictable, still adds intrigue to the narrative.
Cinema Experience
Audiences entered the theater with modest expectations but left pleasantly surprised by the depth of the storytelling. Though the sound system left something to be desired, the clear subtitles and careful translation of Yoruba dialogue stood out as a highlight, preserving the cultural richness of the film. The vibrant visuals and polished cinematography added an extra layer of sophistication, further elevating the cinema experience.
The soundtrack also stood out, particularly the track “Expensive Shit”, which enhanced key emotional moments in the film and resonated with viewers long after they left the theater.
Performances
The cast delivered standout performances across the board. Wumi Toriola shines as Lateefah, skillfully portraying the character’s complexity with wit and charm. Kunle Remi, playing Jide Rhodes, matches her energy, delivering a compelling and sometimes theatrical performance that plays well with the film’s dramatic tone.
Elvina Ibru as Jide’s mother, and Fausat Balogun as Lateefah’s mother, provide memorable supporting roles that add depth and nuance to the story. Nancy Isime, as the antagonist Arese, is also impressive, playing her character with just the right balance of jealousy and charisma.
The appearance of stars like Broda Shaggi, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (Kie-Kie), and Adedimeji Lateef inject humor and surprise, keeping the audience entertained throughout.
Queen Lateefah is a solid debut for Wumi Toriola, blending drama, humor, and a touch of romance in a way that resonates emotionally with its audience. Though the film may follow a somewhat familiar storyline, the strength of its performances, particularly from Toriola and Remi, combined with its polished visuals and clever dialogue, make for an enjoyable cinema experience. Queen Lateefah is a testament to the rising sophistication in Nollywood productions and a promising start to Toriola’s career as a filmmaker.
Rating : 7/10