Omoni Oboli’s Love in Every Word has undeniably made waves in Nollywood, captivating audiences with its exploration of love, ambition, and cultural expectations. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos and Anambra, the film attempts to address the struggles of career-driven women navigating romance. However, while it thrives in market success and internet buzz, it stumbles in storytelling depth.
The plot follows Chioma, an independent and successful Lagos woman, who crosses paths with Obiora, a wealthy Igbo businessman. Despite initial hesitation due to her past and personal biases, she finds herself drawn to him. While the film makes a commendable effort in debunking stereotypes—particularly those about Igbo men—it leans heavily on predictable romance tropes, making it easy to foresee its resolution.
Uzor Arukwe and Bam Bam Olawunmi Adenibuyan shine in their roles, with Arukwe delivering a convincing Igbo accent and Bam Bam embodying the Lagos career woman with flair. However, the film’s reliance on extravagant gift-giving as a measure of love and its lack of suspense weaken the narrative. Flashbacks could have added more emotional depth, and some scenes—like Chioma’s impulsive decision to visit a hotel with a stranger—feel inconsistent with her character’s supposed sophistication.
Visually, the film delivers well, aside from a few noticeable inconsistencies in cinematography. While Love in Every Word doesn’t break new ground in Nollywood storytelling, it sparks conversations, particularly around modern love and cultural expectations. The phrase “Achalugo” is already an internet sensation, proving that while the plot may not be revolutionary, it still strikes a chord with audiences.
Final Rating: 6/10 – A charming but predictable Nollywood romance.
