“A Sunday Affair” is a film that’s best described as a mixed bag. It embraces chaos in its storytelling, which can be both its charm and its downfall. The narrative revolves around a web of infidelity and complex relationships, where cheating is the central theme, and moral dilemmas take a back seat. This approach adds a unique twist to the plot, but it’s not always as enjoyable as one might hope.
The film opens with a brisk introduction to its characters and their tangled connections. Sunday cheats on his wife with both Toyin and Uche, who are close friends. Uche, a single woman, is contemplating motherhood, while Toyin, an art gallery owner, is entangled with a wealthy investor who expects more than just a financial return. These characters are thrown into a messy love triangle that tests the durability of their friendship.
While the film’s premise is intriguing, it struggles to strike the right balance between sensuality and romance. The initial setup promises something different from the standard philandering storyline, but it often feels like there’s neither enough passion nor enough depth to the relationships. Instead, there is a lot of excessive moping and lamentation that occasionally interrupts the story, which can get boring.
The movie takes a significant turn about halfway through when it abruptly shifts from a lighthearted tone to one of drama and tragedy. This sudden change in tone feels disorienting and disrupts the enjoyment built in the first half. While the second half has its merits, it’s challenging to fully invest in the emotional swing when it feels disconnected from the earlier mood.
The film’s cast, particularly Nse Ikpe-Etm and Dakore Egbuson-Akande, deliver strong performances, adding depth to their characters. However, the script’s limitations prevent them from fully exploring the complexities of their roles. The character of Sunday, played by Oris Erhuero, is thinly written, making it challenging to empathise with his moral dilemmas.
Despite its flaws, “A Sunday Affair” showcases a technical achievement with visually appealing locations and costumes that reflect the characters’ luxurious lifestyles. However, it relies heavily on soap opera melodrama, which it doesn’t fully embrace or elevate beyond the ordinary.
In the end, “A Sunday Affair” is a film that falls somewhere in the middle. It’s a decent watch for Nollywood enthusiasts who appreciate the genre’s quirks and might find something to enjoy in its chaos. However, for those seeking a more compelling and coherent narrative, it might be best to scroll past this lukewarm love triangle drama.
