Something Special

Something Special is a three part anthology film with three different stories that take the concept of slice of life and turn into a slice of dessert. Because it is sweet to watch even though the topics aren’t always as sweet.

The first story ‘Angel’ is about a kidnapping gone wrong. The majority of the film is shot in one scene but one thing it does well is set the tone for the next two films and the almost hour and a half of screen time that’s coming. Yes, it establishes the crisp picture quality and detailed production, but it also makes its plan to immerse you into each story known from the jump. The first line in the first scene and the first moments are all engrossing. The music, the actors, the set, the lighting and everything works together to pull you into this storyline. The only thing that doesn’t work here is when the character of “Samuel” pulls out of this ‘depictive’ world to ‘narrate’ the story of how he got here and why he made the decisions he did. It’s hard to say if the problem was that the actors narration was weak or weaker than the rest of the scene or if the moment is felt harshly because it’s a deviation from the “showing and not telling” that the rest of the scene had done till then.

The second story might be the one that stays with our romantics longer. “Benjamin and Abigail” is light, airy and beautiful to watch. However, beyond the storyline it’s one that really gives the actors a chance to shine. Abigail (played by Favour Etim) deserves all of her accolades as she’s able to make things felt that are not yet said in the scenes. The chemistry between her character and Benjamin is tangible. It’s a chemistry that makes you question her lies even before its apparent. It’s a chemistry that makes you root for these youngins because you are convinced that these are the kind of lovers that will make it through the long haul.

And there is no better finish than “Room Service”. If you though the acting in the first two were good, wait till you meet Eniola and Raymond here. Eniola also has a ‘monologue’ scene here that might as well be her highlight reel for an award. And Raymond is not caught lacking either. His timing is impeccable and not just with lines, it’s also with his glances and his body language and everything in between. Though these are actors you may not have seen in films before, they come with the presence and skill of a hundred films. And this is true for each and every actor in each of these stories.

Something Special truly is something special. The production does brilliantly in building a world that feels like life next door. Such that when the movie is over, you will have to retune yourself to what your real life actually feels like. It’s not without its flaws such as the one mentioned above and the delivery of the cleanest and biggest baby to ever come out of a pubis. However, in the end all the elements work in its favor.