MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Something About the Briggs’ tells a story of love, trials and family drama
Before we dive in, please note this review contains spoilers.
Bukola Ogunsola delivers a family drama that exposes the struggles of marriage, the burden of family expectations, and the secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Director: Bukola Ogunsola
Cast: Daniel Etim Effiong, Ariyiike Dimples, Stan Nze, Rita Dominic, Iyabo Ojo, Bukky Wright, Kalu Ikeagwu, Elma Mbadiwe, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, Norbert Young, Gloria Anozie-Young, Simi Drey
Running time: 2 hours 05 minutes
Streaming platform: Cinemas
Something About the Briggs is not just another family drama, it’s a layered and emotionally charged film that captures the complexities of love and marriage within the backdrop of a wealthy, influential family.
At the centre of it all is Sophie Briggs (Ariyike Dimples), a successful corporate lawyer who is deeply sceptical about marriage after witnessing the troubled relationships of her family members. But when she meets Chuks Obi (Daniel Etim Effiong), a charming PR firm owner who believes in love and commitment, her worldview is challenged.
The film has already made waves at the box office, pulling in an impressive opening weekend total and sparking conversations about its themes of love, betrayal, and family dynamics. But beyond the numbers, does Something About the Briggs deliver a truly compelling story?
Plot
Sophie Briggs is thriving in her career, independent and content with her single life. But her views on love and marriage are not random, they are shaped by the dysfunction she has witnessed within her own family.
When Sophie meets Chuks, she is initially resistant to the idea of love. Her best friend devises a plan to get her to spend more time with him, leading to a series of unexpected encounters. Chuks convinced that Sophie’s fear of marriage is rooted in her family history, insists on meeting the Briggs family. What follows is a series of visits to her siblings, where he witnesses first-hand the chaos that has shaped Sophie’s beliefs.
Her brother’s wife, Nina (Elma Mbadiwe) is stuck in a financially and emotionally draining marriage with Richard (Stan Nze), a man who demands total control while contributing nothing. Her brother Jayson (Kenneth Okolie) struggles with his wife, Bimbo (Iyabo Ojo), whose overbearing mother (Bukky Wright) constantly interferes, leading to marital strife. Meanwhile, her sister Cynthia (Rita Dominic) dominates her husband Olumide (Kalu Ikeagwu), dragging him into different accusations and forcing intimacy on her terms.
READ ALSO: Love, secrets, and family drama on ‘Something About The Briggs’
Despite all the red flags, love slowly grows between Sophie and Chuks. But just as she begins to reconsider her stance on marriage, an explosive revelation shakes the Briggs family to its core, a man claiming to be Femi Briggs’ (Kalu-Anaga Emmanuel Eme) long-lost son appears, revealing a 44-year-old secret that threatens to tear the family apart.
Character analysis
Ariyike Dimples as Sophie Briggs: Sophie is strong, independent, and fiercely guarded. She represents the modern woman torn between her personal fears and the possibility of true love. Ariyiike delivers a nuanced performance that balances confidence with vulnerability.
Daniel Etim Effiong as Chuks Obi: Chuks is patient, persistent, and determined to prove that marriage doesn’t have to be a curse. His character is the perfect counterbalance to Sophie’s reluctance, and Daniel Etim Effiong brings undeniable charm to the role.
Stan Nze as Richard Briggs: Richard is the entitled, manipulative husband who drains Nina emotionally and financially. His character represents a deep societal issue, men who expect submission without responsibility.
Elma Mbadiwe as Nina: Nina is trapped between love and survival. She is hardworking and devoted, but her husband’s toxic behaviour makes her life miserable. Her emotional turmoil is one of the film’s most heartbreaking arcs.
Keneth Okoeli as Jayson Briggs: Jayson is a man constantly at odds with his wife’s loyalty to her mother. His struggle highlights the difficulty of being married to someone who prioritises their family over their spouse.
Iyabo Ojo as Bimbo: Bimbo is completely under her mother’s influence, unable to see the damage it does to her marriage. Iyabo Ojo delivers a stellar performance as a woman torn between two loyalties.
Bukky Wright as Bimbo’s mother: The classic overbearing mother-in-law, she plants seeds of doubt and suspicion in her daughter’s marriage, creating more problems than solutions. Bukky Wright plays this role with effortless intensity.
Rita Dominic as Cynthia Briggs: Cynthia is overbearing, suspicious, and insecure in her marriage, forcing her husband into uncomfortable situations. She represents how unchecked paranoia can destroy a relationship.
Kalu Ikeagwu as Olumide: Olumide is a man walking on eggshells, trying to navigate a difficult marriage. His confession of past infidelity only adds fuel to the fire.
READ ALSO: ‘Something About the Briggs’ makes ₦22.5m in first weekend at cinemas
Critical review
Something About the Briggs blends romance, family drama, and social commentary into one narrative.
The film excels in its emotional depth, displaying an unfiltered look at marriage in different forms; some toxic, some strained, and some hopeful. The chemistry between Ariyiike Dimples and Daniel Etim Effiong is a major highlight, with both actors delivering performances that feel natural and heartfelt.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its raw portrayal of love and its challenges. The audience is not spoon-fed a fairy-tale romance but rather exposed to the harsh realities that come with relationships. From financial struggles to parental interference and trust issues, Something About the Briggs does not shy away from the messy parts of love.
However, the film’s ambition is both its strength and its weakness. There are many subplots that some feel rushed or unresolved. For instance, Richard’s downfall should have cursed him more, Cynthia’s marital issues could have been explored with more depth and Shalewa should have borne more consequences of her actions. The shocking revelation at the part of the movie is an exciting twist, but it could have been better woven into the story earlier to build suspense.
Another minor issue is pacing. The first half of the movie takes its time building relationships and conflicts, but the latter half moves at a much faster pace, making some emotional moments feel less impactful.
Despite these flaws, Something About the Briggs is a compelling watch. The cinematography is sleek, the dialogue is engaging, and the themes are relatable. It tackles real issues without being preachy, making it a film that resonates on multiple levels.
Verdict
With strong performances, an emotionally charged storyline, and a twist that keeps viewers talking, Something About the Briggs is a Nollywood film that dares to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of love and marriage. It could have had a tighter script and stronger character development in some parts, but it still stands out as one of the top family dramas that sparks meaningful conversations.
Something About the Briggs is rated 8.5/10.
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