Love, secrets, and family drama on ‘Something About The Briggs’

What happens when a picture-perfect family unravels under the weight of long-kept secrets and misunderstandings? Something About The Briggs tells a compelling story of love, marriage, and second chances, brought to life by an all-star cast and a visionary director.

Walking into the brightly lit photo studio on a Wednesday morning, the Guardian Life team is greeted by the unmistakable buzz of a cover shoot in progress. In one corner, make-up artists are busy perfecting the final touches on the leading ladies of Something About The Briggs, while across the room, the photographers set up Zen backdrops for a shoot scheduled to begin in a couple of hours.

As we settle into the warmth of the studio, the air is charged with excitement, not only because of the day’s shoot but also because everyone in the room has just come off the high of the film’s press screening. Held the evening before, a select group of industry insiders and press were treated to a first look at the highly anticipated Nollywood film, set to release on January 31. The screening offered a glimpse of what to expect: a compelling story centred on marriage, family ties, and the unspoken secrets that can either bind us together or tear us apart.

Despite the star-studded lineup—including Stan Nze, Daniel Etim Effiong, Rita Dominic-Anosike, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Simi Drey, Iyabo Ojo, Ariyiike Owolagba, Norbert Young, Gloria Anozie-Young, Elma Mbadiwe, Kalu Ikeagwu, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, Bukky Wright—there is a warmth to the proceedings that feel more like a large family gathering than a high-pressure film publicity event.

Standing off to one side, you might mistake the swirl of stylists, photographers, and assistants for a Sunday morning at home, where a father hurries the family along to get ready for church. Indeed, there is that same playful impatience in the air: quick touch-ups, the click of camera shutters, the hum of conversation.

If anything, this organised chaos perfectly mirrors the film’s central themes—how family members can drive each other crazy yet still remain deeply connected.

Reflecting family life

One of the most celebrated features of Nollywood storytelling is its ability to reflect the raw intricacies of family life in a way that resonates with audiences at home and abroad. In Something About The Briggs, this relatability is magnified. The Briggs family unpacks decades of tension, half-truths, and the longing for redemption under one roof.  Whether it’s a storyline about a couple trying to salvage their marriage or an individual grappling with unresolved childhood trauma, the themes here cut across cultures and continents.

As Ariyiike Owolagba, who plays Sophie Briggs, puts it: “Sophie is relatable because of her vulnerabilities. It’s a film you’ll truly enjoy—and learn from.” Such down-to-earth honesty runs through the entire cast, and it’s undoubtedly part of the film’s feel-good appeal.

While the emotional depth and compelling storyline are enough to captivate viewers, the film’s exploration of relatable family issues mixed with humour, fashion, and raw emotion makes Something About The Briggs one of the most anticipated films of the year so far.

Guardian Life sat down with the stars of Something About The Briggs to get an inside look at the story, the set, and the lessons they took away from this heartfelt film.

READ ALSO: Why ‘Something About The Briggs’ is different from my previous movies — Ogunsola

Bukola Ogunsola’s vision

At the helm of this multifaceted production is writer, producer, and director Bukola Ogunsola. A seasoned name in Nollywood and fresh off the success of Another Father’s Day, Ogunsola describes Something About The Briggs as her most ambitious project to date.

The five-year journey to making this film has culminated in a story brimming with passion and authenticity.

“This film is a five-year dream that has come to life. It’s a film about love, marriage, and forgiveness—one that leaves a lasting message,” she says.

Ogunsola acknowledges the challenges—particularly funding—and notes that she wanted to invest in top-notch costumes, sets, and locations to do justice to the film’s themes. “If I’m telling a story about family, I want the audience to see themselves in that world, down to the smallest detail.”

Ogunsola selected her cast carefully, choosing actors who could tap into the emotional undercurrents of each character. Her goal was clear: to capture the highs and lows of marriage in a way that resonates deeply with viewers, encouraging them to reflect on their own lives.

A reflection of real life

The Briggs family may be fictional, but their struggles and triumphs are deeply relatable. From hidden insecurities to unexpected revelations, Something About The Briggs captures the messy beauty of family life. “It’s one of those films you watch and see yourself in at least one character,” says Elma Mbadiwe.

For Ariyiike Owolagba, that reflection is precisely what made her character Sophie Briggs both fun and challenging: “There’s a part of the story where Sophie Briggs is called out for wetting the bed until she was 20. How embarrassing is that? But also, how real! We all have those things we don’t want others to know.”

When pressed about the central message of the film, each cast member offered a variation on the same theme: love endures, and forgiveness is key. “At the end of the day,” says Daniel Etim Effiong, “love conquers all.” For Stan Nze, the takeaway is practical: “Marriages work because people make them work.” Rita Dominic-Anosike sees it as a reminder that everyone carries burdens—sometimes stemming from childhood, sometimes from adult life—and that healing begins with acknowledgement and open conversation.

Building a cinematic family

It helps that the cast genuinely seemed to have grown into a family off-camera. During the cover shoot, Daniel Etim Effiong, who plays Chucks Obi, shares some anecdotes about after-hours bonding on set.

“The best moments were when we’d wrap filming and everyone would end up in Rita Dominic’s room, just talking into the night, eating, and laughing,” he recalls. “Her room was always the most fun. She’d cook, host us, and we’d catch up on everything. That camaraderie made filming such an enjoyable experience.”

That sense of genuine connection also seems to have carried over into each performance. Whether it’s Stan Nze (portraying Richard Briggs) emphasising the power of love to conquer obstacles or Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman (Naomi) describing how her character mirrors her real-life mischievous side, the cast members speak of an on-set atmosphere that was equal parts professional and familial.

Stan Nze, in particular, highlights the film’s emphasis on marriage, noting, “I’m a big advocate for marriage and making it work. This film shows that marriages can work if both people are willing to make the effort.”

Themes that strike a chord

While Something About The Briggs is undeniably rich in humour—especially when highlighting the shenanigans of the younger members of the family—the core of the story revolves around the complexity of relationships. Bukky Wright, who made her Nollywood comeback in the movie, appreciates the script for its balance of drama and authenticity. “When I read the script, I said, ‘Is this how I want to make a comeback?’ But I immediately knew it was a yes. The story was just that compelling,” she tells Guardian Life.

Then there’s Gloria Anozie-Young, cast as Mrs Briggs, the matriarch who rarely smiles. “It captures the essence of family drama perfectly,” she says. “There’s love, there’s quarrel, there’s healing. It’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to see the beauty and complexity of relationships.”

For Rita Dominic-Anosike, who plays Cynthia Briggs, that complexity is what drew her to the project in the first place. “Cynthia is battling insecurities and navigating a troubled marriage. I love taking on roles that are completely different from me, and Cynthia is exactly that,” she says. According to Dominic-Anosike, this is a film “anyone can watch and say, ‘That’s me’ or ‘That’s someone I know.’”

Five years in the making

It’s no small feat to keep a film project alive for five years, but Bukola Ogunsola credits her unwavering belief in the story and the synergy with her team. The film almost came to fruition twice before but faced postponements that threatened to shelf it indefinitely. However, the delays seem to have only strengthened the project. As Stan Nze points out, “I truly believe it’s being made at the perfect time for the perfect audience.”

READ ALSO: See official trailer for Bukola Ogunsola’s new film, ‘Something About The Briggs’

During those five years, the script underwent refinements. Ogunsola held multiple workshops with actors and behind-the-scenes professionals, ensuring that every line had a purpose and that each character’s arc was grounded in realism. “Sometimes we had to step back and say, ‘Does this plot point feel honest? Would a family in this situation genuinely act this way?’” Ogunsola explains. The final result is a script that holds up to scrutiny, delivering emotional depth without overplaying melodrama.

Key players, key performances

Daniel Etim Effiong (Chucks Obi)

Describing himself as playing “the only sane person in the Briggs family,” Etim Effiong jumped at the chance to portray someone navigating a sea of family secrets. For him, the dinner scene toward the end of the film stands out: “All the secrets come out then, and it’s such a powerful moment. This film taught me that love, no matter the obstacles, will always triumph.”

Ariyike Owolagba (Sophie Briggs)

Making her cinema debut in Something About the Briggs, Owolagba described the experience as “a dream come true.” Playing Sophie Briggs, a character she found deeply relatable, she described the film’s mix of drama, love, and comedy as some of its strongest elements. She shared, “There’s a scene where Sophie’s secret comes out. She wet the bed until she was 20, and it gets revealed in front of her partner. It’s both hilarious and painfully real.” For Owolagba, the journey has been surreal: “I’m grateful for this opportunity, and I know the audience will love this film just as much as we loved making it.”

Stan Nze (Richard Briggs)

Describing his role as Richard Briggs, Nze said, “I’m a big advocate for making marriages work, and this film beautifully captures the effort it takes to thrive in a relationship.” Known for his award-winning role in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, Nze adjusted his schedule to join Something About The Briggs, a project he feels is arriving at the perfect time. “Love isn’t just about butterflies or happily-ever-after moments. It’s about facing challenges and staying committed despite them,” he added, emphasising the film’s honest portrayal of relationships.

Elma Mbadiwe (Nina Briggs)

In contrast to Ejiofor-Suleiman, Mbadiwe finds Nina to be a far cry from her real personality. “She’s completely different from who I am,” she explains. Yet, that challenge was precisely what made the role so appealing. “The movie is dramatic, chaotic, and ultimately very interesting. I think audiences will love seeing how each character weaves into the larger storyline.”

Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman (Naomi)

Stepping into the shoes of Naomi was effortless for Ejiofor-Suleiman because, as she says, “Naomi is practically me—naughty, mischievous, and honest.” Her excitement about the script stems from its relatable nature. “It’s a Christian, faith-based film, but whether you’re single or married, you’ll find something here.”

Simi Drey (Shalewa)

For Simi Drey, being asked if she could “be sexy” was the first hint that she’d be playing a character unlike any she’d tackled before. “Shalewa is sexy, confident, and layered,” she explains. Filming was complicated by the fact she was four months pregnant—and keeping it under wraps. Yet, she managed to pull off the role with aplomb. “Every scene in this movie is essential. None of them feel unnecessary or dragged out.”

Kalu Ikeagwu (Olumide)

Kalu Ikeagwu described the film as “a tapestry of love, secrets, drama, and redemption.” Playing Olumide fit well into the puzzle of mini-stories converging into one family saga. He emphasises how quickly the film’s two-hour runtime seemed to pass, crediting that to the film’s engaging pace.

Bukky Wright (Bimbo’s Mom)

An esteemed figure in Nollywood, Bukky Wright’s return to the big screen has been met with considerable excitement. “Is this how I want to make a comeback?” she asked herself upon reading the script. “Yes, absolutely.” She called Something About The Briggs a “thrilling experience,” especially because it allowed her to reunite with old colleagues after many years away.

On-set rituals and behind-the-scenes bonds

Working on a family-focused drama can be emotionally taxing, particularly when diving into narratives about trauma, marriage conflicts, and self-discovery. To cope, cast members adopted various rituals. Some, like Daniel Etim Effiong, used music to set the tone for emotional scenes. Others, like Stan Nze, emphasised the importance of personal and familial peace: “I make sure I’m on good terms with my wife, son, and everyone else before stepping into character.”

READ ALSO: Bukky Wright returns to Nollywood on ‘Something About The Briggs’

Off set, camaraderie was built through communal meals, midnight chats, and a shared desire to support each other’s performances. With Rita Dominic-Anosike frequently cooking and hosting the group, the environment felt more like a family reunion than a job. These bonds inevitably seeped into their on-screen chemistry, lending authenticity to each heated argument or tender reconciliation.

What to expect on January 31

Something About The Briggs is set to hit cinemas nationwide on January 31, and anticipation is running high. The promotional buzz—cover shoots, press screenings, social media teases—has generated a groundswell of excitement. Having poured five years of passion into this project, the cast and crew eagerly await audience reactions.

Whether you’re drawn to it by the promise of comedic relief, intrigued by the family drama, or simply a fan of any of the beloved Nollywood stars in the lineup, there’s something for everyone in this film. As Kalu Ikeagwu pointed out, “It’s family-based, it’s comedic, and it’s also deeply grounded in religious values. It’s a rich mix that keeps you hooked.”

Join the conversation

Once you’ve watched Something About The Briggs, share your favourite moments, quotes, or characters with us. Stay tuned to Guardian Life for follow-up features, exclusive interviews, and more insights into the making of this standout Nollywood production. We’ll see you at the movies—don’t forget to bring your sense of humour, your box of tissues, and, of course, an open heart for all that the Briggs family has to offer!