The Ghost and the Tout Too (2018 Movie)

The Ghost and the Tout is a 2018 Nigerian comedy-fantasy film directed by Charles Uwagbai.

It combines elements of slapstick humor, supernatural mystery, and heartfelt drama to present a captivating story about life, death, and redemption. 

It stars Toyin Abraham, Sambasa Nzeribe, Lasisi Elenu, Chioma Chukwuka, Chiwetalu Agu, and others.

Plot Summary

The plot follows Isila (Toyin Abraham), a feisty, street-smart woman living in a rough neighborhood. Her chaotic but ordinary life takes a strange turn when she suddenly gains the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. 

One particular ghost, Mike (Sambasa Nzeribe), reaches out to her for help.

Mike is a rich young man who has been mysteriously murdered. His restless soul cannot move on until the truth behind his death is uncovered. With no one else capable of hearing him, Mike must rely on Isila to be his voice among the living.

Isila’s attempt to help Mike leads her through a rollercoaster of bizarre experiences, involving confrontation with powerful forces, unraveling deep secrets, and navigating between the living and the dead.

Throughout the movie, Isila’s vibrant personality and sharp-tongued dialogue drive much of the humor, which blends well with the suspenseful and emotional moments.

Life and Death: The movie explores the fine line between life and death, emphasizing the importance of truth and justice before moving on.

Redemption and Forgiveness: As the story unfolds, Isila learns valuable lessons about forgiveness and letting go.

Social Commentary: There are subtle critiques of societal corruption and the disparity between the rich and the poor.

Cinematography and Production

The cinematography effectively captures the bustling city life of Lagos, Nigeria. The vibrant colors and street settings make the film feel authentic and relatable. 

The special effects for depicting ghosts are decent, though not exceptional, but it works well within the comedic tone of the movie.

Acting Performances

Toyin Abraham shines as Isila, delivering an impressive performance with her comedic timing, dramatic expressions, and convincing portrayal of a streetwise character caught in unusual circumstances.

Sambasa Nzeribe offers a more restrained performance as Mike, effectively portraying the desperation and frustration of a ghost seeking justice.

Lasisi Elenu makes a noteworthy appearance, bringing his signature humor from social media to the big screen. Chioma Chukwuka, Chiwetalu Agu, and other supporting actors also contribute significantly to the movie’s charm.

Strengths

Strong Lead Performance: Toyin Abraham carries the film with her excellent delivery and energy.

Blend of Humor and Drama: The movie balances comedy with more serious undertones effectively.

Relatable Storyline: The plot, though supernatural, feels grounded in real-life situations many Nigerians can relate to.

Soundtrack: The music complements the scenes well, enhancing emotional and comedic moments alike.

Weaknesses

Predictable Plot: While the storyline is engaging, it becomes somewhat predictable towards the end.

Visual Effects: The ghost effects could have been handled more creatively, though budget constraints are understandable.

Pacing Issues: Some scenes feel unnecessarily drawn out, making the movie feel slightly longer than necessary.

Reception

The Ghost and the Tout received positive reviews for its humor, acting, and cultural relevance. It was a box office success, grossing around ₦30 million in its opening week and totaling ₦77 million overall.

The movie’s success led to the production of a sequel, The Ghost and the Tout Too (2021), which continues the story of Isila’s encounters with the supernatural.

Final Verdict

The Ghost and the Tout is a fun and heartwarming film that successfully blends humor and fantasy with meaningful life lessons. 

Its cultural relevance and relatable storyline make it a standout within the Nollywood comedy genre. While not perfect, it is a thoroughly enjoyable experience that highlights the unique storytelling style of Nigerian cinema.

Rating: 7.5/10