The Man for the Job

“The Man for the Job” sets out to explore the Nigerian tech space with promising potential but ultimately falls short of its ambitions. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, the film introduces us to Joseph (Uzor Arukwe), an engineer entangled in a web of intrigue when he crosses paths with Zina (Temi Otedola), a young tech recruit. While the premise holds promise for a thrilling crime drama, the execution leaves much to be desired.

From the outset, the film impresses with its attention to technical details, accurately portraying the world of technology with authentic jargon, well-designed workspaces, and the integration of actual apps. These elements add an air of authenticity and immerse viewers in the tech-centric narrative. However, this commendable effort is undermined by the flawed management of the story, resulting in a disjointed and confusing plot.

Uzor Arukwe delivers a solid performance as Joseph, effectively capturing the character’s dilemmas and struggles. His portrayal showcases glimpses of his talent, but unfortunately, the weak writing and uneven pacing hinder the development of his character’s arc. Temi Otedola, in her sophomore performance, shows promise and enthusiasm working alongside seasoned actors. Regardless, her skill level is nowhere near what is required to carry the role given to her and she is only saved in her scenes alongside Uzor Arukwe where his skillset overshadows her lack thereof.

While the film’s dialogue shines at times, serving as a strength, it cannot compensate for the underdeveloped story. The lack of a clear narrative direction makes it challenging to identify the film’s central focus. Implausible plot twists further detract from the overall coherence, leaving the storyline feeling disjointed and at times, bordering on the absurd.

Technically, “The Man for the Job” boasts moments of brilliance. The cinematography showcases well-composed shots, capturing the essence of the tech world. Particularly noteworthy is the film’s ability to create visually appealing sequences that enhance the impact of pivotal events. However, the sound design occasionally misses the mark, with choices that fail to complement the mood and dampen the effect of strong performances from Uzor Arukwe, Ali Baba, and Ini Edo.

Despite its shortcomings, the film does offer glimpses of the burgeoning Nigerian tech industry. It is a commendable effort to bring this world to the forefront of Nollywood storytelling. However, the film struggles to find a balance between representing the tech space and delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative.

“The Man for the Job” falls short of its initial promise, hindered by a weak script, uneven pacing, and a lack of narrative focus. While certain technical aspects and performances shine, they are not enough to salvage the film’s overall impact.