FINDING ME is a compelling story that explores themes of self-esteem, love and family dynamics. Yet, it falls short of reaching its full potential due to certain underdeveloped aspects that could have added more emotional depth and resonance for the audience.
FINDING ME is a compelling story that explores the themes of self-esteem, love and family dynamics. Yet, it falls short of reaching its full potential due to certain underdeveloped aspects that could have added more emotional depth and resonance for the audience.
Despite certain flaws, the film successfully delivers its core message, particularly through Atinuke’s character transformation. Her personal growth and improved self-worth do not lead to the love and validation she seeks from her husband, reinforcing a harsh but realistic truth—no matter how much you change or strive for approval, some people will simply never love or appreciate you. This aspect of the story stands out as a strong and thought-provoking commentary on self-esteem, self-worth, and the importance of self-acceptance.
Also, it addresses the fact that competence should not be based on gender , as leadership positions should be entrusted to those who are truly qualified. This highlights the gender bias that women often face in managerial roles.
Furthermore, the strong chemistry between the main characters was engaging, their interactions felt authentic and this connection helped bring the story to life. It created a sense of attachment, making it one of the key reasons I remained invested until the very end.
It is also worth mentioning, the character of Kolawole was well-crafted, portraying a deeply narcissistic and manipulative husband who not only mistreated his wife but also failed as a friend. His selfish and deceitful nature added depth to the storyline, further highlighting the themes of betrayal and emotional abuse.
Visually, the film is stunning. The cinematography, production quality, and overall aesthetics are commendable, enhancing the storytelling experience.The action sequences and fight scenes, are well-executed and impressive. They add a layer of intensity and excitement to the story, making it more engaging in certain parts.
Regardless of these strengths, the film does not fully reach its potential due to several shortcomings. One major shortcomings of the story is the insufficient exploration of the relationship between Atinuke and her brother.
While the climax features a life-threatening act of defense on his part, the buildup to this moment lacks the necessary depth. Their sibling feud is not well-developed, making his extreme act of sacrifice feel abrupt rather than emotionally rewarding.
A deeper exploration of their bond—both the conflict and the reconciliation—would have created a stronger emotional connection between the audience and the characters, making the final scenes more powerful.
Additionally, the pacing of the story feels uneven. Some scenes drag unnecessarily, receiving too much exposition when they don’t significantly contribute to the overall narrative. Meanwhile, other critical moments, particularly those requiring emotional weight, are rushed.
The ending, for instance, which serves as the emotional peak of the story, feels too hurried. The fight scene, the revelation of betrayal, and the raw emotional breakdown that follows could have been given more time to unfold naturally, allowing the audience to fully absorb the gravity of the situation.
Another notable issue is the performance, particularly for roles requiring a more authentic portrayal of ghetto life as some characters did not embody a raw, streetwise lifestyle, resulting in performances that felt shallow and unconvincing. This lack of authenticity detracted from the overall believability of the film.
Overall, while the film delivers a powerful message and boasts impressive visuals and action, its emotional depth could have been significantly stronger with better pacing, deeper character development, and more authentic performances.
Mercy Tamara Ingobro