Casa De Novia

Casa De Novia is a production of Anthill Studios directed by Uyoyou Adia, which follows the story of an investigative journalist, Yoyo (portrayed by Anee Icha) who is compelled to relocate to a new apartment. However, her arrival unveils a haunting revelation about the property, igniting a hilarious journey that forms the core of the film’s narrative.

Niyi Akimolayan’s Anthill Studios consistently pushes the boundaries of storytelling in Nollywood, especially with the incorporation of big Visual Effects (VFX) and Computer Generated Image (CGI) techniques in most of their films like Kajola, Mikolo, Day Of Destiny, House Of Secrets and now, Casa De Novia. While House Of Secrets set high standards, Casa De Novia falls slightly short in comparison, lacking the immersive and layered storytelling found in House of Secrets.

However, it’s still an enjoyable watch, despite the familiar concept of encountering ghosts, reminiscent of “Banana Island Ghost” directed by B.B. Sasore. Both films blend comedy, romance, and supernatural elements, featuring protagonists with the ability to communicate with spirits, embarking on hilarious and adventurous journeys.

Casa De Novia aims to achieve a delicate balance between suspense and humor, successfully evoking laughter during tense moments. While occasional exaggeration occurs, the narrative lacks tightness overall. However, it remains a decent effort. The attention to detail in the narrative is commendable. Importantly, the VFX enhance rather than overshadow the narrative. However, there are moments, like the VFX gallery scene where Efosa encounters Melina or the restaurant scenes, where Yoyo dines with Femi and Joey, where the illusion falters. It’s clear these aren’t real locations, detracting from the authenticity that otherwise permeates the film.

While the film didn’t offer much in terms of substantial entertainment value, it did provide some decent laughs. It’s not a movie aimed at deep substance, but it delivers on the humor front. So, if you’re looking for a film to simply enjoy without over thinking, you’ll likely find it amusing.

The film’s beginning is captivating, drawing the audience in with promising moments that pique our curiosity about the unfolding story. While the dramatic premise takes a bit of time to establish, the narrative gains momentum quickly, and once it does, it becomes quite engaging. Primarily driven by its characters, at times, it’s unclear what the film’s main focus is.

It takes a while before the major plot becomes evident, but even within the first ten minutes, the audience finds themselves laughing. Is it about Anee’s struggle to save her job? Or is it about a haunted house tormenting its occupants? Perhaps it’s about a potential love triangle between Anee Icha, Eso Dike, and Tope Tedela? Although the latter seems predictable from the start, with Anee showing interest in Eso Dike while also attracting Tope Tedela’s attention, each storyline offers something intriguing to anticipate.

The plausibility of Anee’s character, Yoyo, remains unanswered in the narrative. It’s unclear if her exaggerated stupidity is intentional, given her line of work. Despite this, the filmmakers deserve credit for maintaining consistency in her character’s behavior until the final scene, although it stretches believability. Renting such a house, especially for someone from the trenches, seems unrealistic.

Additionally, following an agent into a dark house raises questions about common sense. However, the agent’s performance, Toyin Oshinaike is commendable. To improve authenticity and believability in the narrative, offering a room in the mansion instead of the entire house would have been more plausible. The scene of the two couples fleeing the building while Anee explores it, would also have add a narrative coherence. Though, witnessing the cast’s fear and their journey through conflicts is truly captivating.

There are several other moments in the film that raise questions about the characters’ intelligence. For example, when Yoyo brings her date home only for him to attempt to rob her, or when she finds her house mysteriously arranged and immediately thank the house agent, who has relinquish the house key to her, without considering other possibilities.

Also, there’s a scene where two adults enter a room, notice the smell of petrol, but focus on trivial matters despite the obvious signs of danger. Another instance is when the ghost, after frightening Yoyo, mocks her screaming before abruptly changing the topic to proposing marriage. Lastly, there’s a scene where Melina suggests firing staff without realizing the significance of her partner’s proposal. These moments highlight the characters’ lack of common sense and contribute to the film’s comedic tone.

In terms of performances, Taye Arimoro delivers a commendable portrayal, skillfully embodying the distinct characters of Efosa and Esosa with consistency. It’s no small achievement to navigate the duality of these roles, so kudos to him for understanding the content and context of his characters.

Anee Icha is truly a joy to watch, effortlessly delivering comedy with her charm that makes her both relatable and likable. Her charisma shines throughout the movie, making her the protagonist we didn’t realize we needed but certainly deserve. Efe Irele and Lillian Esoro also delivers a decent performance, and the entire cast impresses with their acting skills.

While Lizzy Jay’s character doesn’t really contribute significantly to the narrative, Anee’s performance alone provides the comedic experience we crave. Each attempt to elicit laughter is executed flawlessly, enhancing the overall comedic impact of the movie

Casa De Novia is a commendable effort, offering a simple movie with easy humor. Despite a few minor hiccups, the overall effort is appreciated. Mixing comedy and tragedy/horror is no easy task, but the film manages to stretch its story capabilities effectively, although there is room for improvement considering the story’s potential. The twist adds momentum to the film, particularly when the plot begins to feel stagnant and uninspired.