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MOVIE REVIEW: A Night in 2005: Unveiling secrets that shatter lives

By Musa Adekunle

11 October 2024   |   6:10 am

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Movie Title: A Night in 2005 Running Time: 1 hour 50 minutes Release Date: 11 October 2024 Director & Writer: Temidayo Makanjuola Cast: Ini Dima-Okojie, Efa Iwara, Bimbo Akintola, Ireti Doyle, Teniola Aladese, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Taye Arimoro, Laura Pepple, Susan Pwajok, Shamz Garuba, Demi Banwo, Olaiya Kayode Aderupoko, Modesinuola Ogundiwin, Timilehin Ojeola, Inem King, Harriet…

Movie Title: A Night in 2005
Running Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Release Date: 11 October 2024

Director & Writer: Temidayo Makanjuola
Cast: Ini Dima-Okojie, Efa Iwara, Bimbo Akintola, Ireti Doyle, Teniola Aladese, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Taye Arimoro, Laura Pepple, Susan Pwajok, Shamz Garuba, Demi Banwo, Olaiya Kayode Aderupoko, Modesinuola Ogundiwin, Timilehin Ojeola, Inem King, Harriet Akintola, Daniella Peters, Chris Akwarandu, Esther Amanda-Jacob.

Producer: Inem King
Genre: Drama
Language: English

Overview

Temidayo Makanjuola’s A Night in 2005 offers a compelling journey into the lasting trauma of a young woman grappling with secrets from her past. The film starts with a seemingly innocent night at a prom afterparty, which unravels into a haunting spiral for Ife, the protagonist, as she confronts the shadow of a tragic event. Through a thoughtful narrative and stirring performances, Makanjuola unpacks themes of trauma, power, and justice in a contemporary Nigerian setting.

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Storyline

The plot follows Ife (Ini Dima-Okojie), a woman haunted by a traumatic experience from a prom afterparty in 2005. Now engaged to her long-time partner Paul, she finds herself struggling with intimacy and happiness, burdened by the memory of being raped at the age of 17. Her hesitation to move forward in life confounds her eager mother, Yetide (Bimbo Akintola), who urges Ife to sell a family property to settle her late father’s debts.

During this emotional turmoil, Ife’s stay at her uncle’s rural farm reveals deeper family connections to the land. Parallel to Ife’s journey, the film explores Opeyemi Dada (Efa Iwara), a rising politician with a dark past. A web of secrets is spun when Ife recognises Opeyemi as her rapist. As Ife bravely confronts him, both publicly and through social media, her pursuit of justice exposes the hidden complicity of her mother, who had protected Opeyemi all along.

Review

A Night in 2005 dives deep into the complex layers of trauma and its long-term impact on the human psyche. Makanjuola masterfully addresses societal pressures and the abuse of power, bringing Ife’s emotional journey to life in a way that feels both personal and universal. The film delicately handles sexual trauma, offering a sensitive yet raw portrayal of one woman’s battle to reclaim her narrative.
Ini Dima-Okojie delivers a commanding performance as Ife, capturing the transformation from fragile victim to empowered woman. Her portrayal resonates with the audience, making Ife’s fight for justice not just believable but deeply affecting. Efa Iwara, as Opeyemi, embodies the corruption of power with chilling effectiveness, further heightening the tension in the film.

Makanjuola’s choice to juxtapose urban political scenes with the quiet rural farm is not just an aesthetic decision—it reflects the opposing forces of modern ambition and traditional values that shape the characters’ lives. This contrast enriches the story, providing a layered socio-political commentary that grounds the film in contemporary Nigeria.

Despite its strengths, the film’s pacing falters slightly during the transition from Ife’s urban life to her uncle’s farm. This shift could have been smoother, as the abrupt change in setting disrupts the narrative flow. Ife’s escape to her uncle’s farm, could have been more cohesive. Additionally, the absence of subtitles is a missed opportunity for inclusivity, limiting accessibility for hearing-impaired viewers.

Final thoughts

A Night in 2005 is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of trauma, justice, and resilience. Temidayo Makanjuola’s direction is both skillful and sensitive, guiding the viewer through a story that is as emotionally gripping as it is socially relevant.

Supported by stellar performances, particularly from Ini Dima-Okojie and Efa Iwara, the film stands out as a significant contribution to Nollywood’s growing repertoire of socially conscious cinema. While it may have minor narrative pacing issues, the film’s emotional depth and impact leave a lasting impression.

Rating: 8/10
Inem King’s production adds another layer of quality, focusing on storytelling that tackles important social issues while keeping the audience engaged. A Night in 2005 continues the tradition of meaningful Nollywood cinema, offering both entertainment and reflection.

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