When Love Strikes, directed by Adeoluwa Owu, tells a heartfelt story about tough decisions, personal sacrifice, and the struggle between following one’s dreams and taking responsibility for the family. The movie centres on a young and talented footballer, Ibukun, who is faced with the dilemma of pursuing his soccer career or returning to college to support his family. It’s a relatable conflict, especially for viewers who understand the challenges of balancing personal ambition with familial duty.
The plot of When Love Strikes flows well, though it doesn’t shy away from a few predictable moments. While you can easily anticipate where some parts of the story are headed, this doesn’t necessarily detract from the overall enjoyment. The film is built on a foundation of solid storytelling, weaving its themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery into a narrative that holds your attention. One interesting twist is when IBK uncovers that his “sister” is his mother. That revelation is deeply emotional and adds a layer of complexity to the film.
The performances from the cast are commendable, especially given the mix of new faces and veteran actors. It’s always refreshing to see new talents holding their ground alongside more experienced actors. Among the standout performances is Bimbo Akintola, a Nollywood veteran whose experience shines through her portrayal. Osas Ighodaro and Zubby Michael also contribute solidly to the cast, adding depth and believability to their roles. On the other hand, Natse Jemide’s emotional performance in one scene left me feeling disconnected. It seemed like a key moment, but I found it difficult to engage fully with his character’s emotional state. The cast members include Chuks Joseph, Zubby Michael, Vine Olugu, and Sunshine Rosman.
Despite some limitations, When Love Strikes gets many things right, particularly with its settings. The decision to film in a stadium and feature crowds of fans in the stands adds authenticity, which is not always common in Nollywood films. It felt real and gave the movie a sense of scale, adding to the overall production value. It’s always good to see Nollywood stepping out of its comfort zone by exploring genres and storylines beyond the usual romantic comedies or family dramas. This film’s focus on a young athlete and his personal struggles feels fresh and different.
The technical aspects of the film are a mixed bag. The lighting deserves credit for its soft, flattering effect on the actors’ darker skin tones. In contrast to the harsh lighting I’ve noticed in recent Nollywood productions, the lighting in When Love Strikes enhances the visual appeal, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. However, where the film falls short is in its colour grading. It doesn’t have the polish that could have made it visually stunning. The colours feel a bit flat, and while this doesn’t ruin the experience, it does make you wonder how much more impactful the movie could have been with a more vibrant or dynamic visual style.
From a storytelling perspective, Adeoluwa Owu’s effort is strong. The themes of sacrifice, family, and personal growth are well conveyed. The direction is solid, and the characters are well-developed. The movie, however, leans on familiar tropes, making some plot twists feel less surprising.
When Love Strikes is enjoyable, particularly for those looking for a Nollywood movie that offers something slightly different from the norm, while it may not reach the level of Hollywood productions in terms of technical brilliance, it’s a commendable effort by Nollywood standards and deserves a 6/10.
