Made in Heaven (2019 Movie)

Made in Heaven is a 2019 Nigerian romantic drama film directed by Toka McBaror and produced by Darlington Abuda. The film features a star-studded cast, including Richard Mofe Damijo, Jide Kosoko, Nancy Isime, Ayo Makun (AY), Toyin Abraham, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Lasisi Elenu. 

It explores the thin line between life, death, love, and the supernatural with a comedic twist.

Plot Summary

The movie follows the story of Richard (Blossom Chukwujekwu), a shy and introverted man who suffers heartbreak when he discovers his girlfriend is cheating on him with his friend. In a moment of despair, he leaves a club in frustration.

Coincidentally, Angela (Nancy Isime) is also having a rough night after finding out her own boyfriend has been unfaithful. Both of them, separated by their tragedies, die the same night under different circumstances.

However, Angela's case is treated as a fortunate error in the afterlife, allowing her to return to Earth. Richard, determined to be with Angela, breaks all the rules and returns to the mortal world.

The condition is clear: Richard has seven days to make Angela fall in love with him, or he will face eternal damnation. The stakes are high, and the quest is not as easy as it seems. To make matters worse, guardian angels and demons are dispatched to hinder his mission, making his task more challenging than he could have imagined.

Themes

Love and Redemption: The core of the movie revolves around finding true love and how love can redeem one’s soul.

Life After Death: The storyline creatively explores the concept of the afterlife and the possibility of influencing one’s fate from beyond.

Free Will vs. Fate: Richard’s return to the mortal realm raises questions about destiny and human willpower.

Comedy and Tragedy: Blending humor with emotional moments, the film tackles heavy subjects in a light-hearted manner.

Cinematography and Production

The film's visuals are well-executed, with commendable use of lighting and effects to differentiate the afterlife scenes from the real world. The costume design is appropriate for each character, particularly the spiritual beings who appear polished and mystical.

The special effects used to depict Richard’s encounters with supernatural entities are minimal but adequate for the comedic tone of the movie. The pacing of the story is mostly steady, though certain scenes feel a bit drawn out.

Acting Performances

Blossom Chukwujekwu (Richard): Delivers a solid performance, portraying the shy, determined man with a blend of seriousness and humor.

Nancy Isime (Angela): Her charm and emotional range make her character relatable and likable.

Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD): His performance as a celestial being (angel or god) adds a layer of authority and sophistication to the film.

AY (Ayo Makun): Provides comic relief with his signature humor and expressions.

Toyin Abraham & Lasisi Elenu: Both contribute significant comic value, enhancing the light-hearted moments of the movie.

Jide Kosoko: Adds a touch of traditional wisdom and humor to the storyline.

Strengths

Original Storyline: The unique plot of love beyond the grave is refreshing in the Nollywood landscape.

Strong Cast: The performances from well-known actors enhance the movie's appeal.

Cultural Relevance: The film integrates Nigerian culture and traditions with contemporary storytelling.

Humor and Drama Balance: Successfully mixes comedic elements with romantic and dramatic moments.

Soundtrack: The music effectively complements the film’s tone, enhancing both suspenseful and romantic scenes.

Weaknesses

Predictable Plotline: Despite the originality of the theme, the story progression becomes somewhat predictable.

Visual Effects: The portrayal of the supernatural world is underwhelming and could have been executed with more creativity.

Pacing Issues: Some scenes drag on, affecting the overall flow of the movie.

Reception

Made in Heaven was well-received for its engaging storyline, humorous elements, and performances by the lead actors. It struck a chord with audiences for presenting a romantic comedy with a supernatural twist.

Though not without flaws, the film's unique concept and strong performances by the cast made it a memorable entry into the Nollywood film space.

Final Verdict

Made in Heaven is a charming and entertaining movie that succeeds in blending romance, comedy, and fantasy. The strong performances from the cast, particularly Blossom Chukwujekwu and Nancy Isime, help elevate the film despite its minor shortcomings.

The movie’s theme of love transcending life and death makes it a fascinating watch, even if some of its plot devices feel familiar. It’s a worthy addition to the evolving Nigerian film industry.

Rating: 7/10