Movie review: Break of Dawn blends drama and comedy

Break of Dawn is a Nollywood movie that tries to blend several genres—comedy, drama, and action—into one film, but it ends up being a mix that’s hard to categorize. The story revolves around Jade, the daughter of a wealthy and influential politician, who has a dangerous habit. She pretends to be a prostitute, drugs her clients, and then steals from them. But things take a dark turn when she encounters a client who is not just looking for a night of pleasure but is in desperate need of a girl for a money ritual to solve a life-threatening problem. The movie becomes a tense game of survival, where both characters are trying to outsmart each other before the night ends.

The cast of Break of Dawn is quite impressive, featuring popular names like Stan Nze, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Efe Irele, Jidekene Achufusi, and Mike Ezuruonye, among others. The movie is directed by Umanu Elijah, and with such a lineup, you might expect a strong performance. However, the movie doesn’t fully deliver on that expectation.

One of the biggest disappointments is the casting of Kanayo O. Kanayo as a cultist. While he’s a legendary actor and has played similar roles in the past, it feels outdated to see him in this role again. It was effective in the 90s, and over time, it’s become more of a joke or meme on social media. But bringing him back in this kind of role today just feels like a missed opportunity to showcase his range as an actor.

Another performance that falls flat is Jidekene Achufusi’s portrayal of a thug. His acting feels forced, and instead of bringing the character to life, he makes it seem unrealistic and exaggerated. This kind of performance takes away from the believability of the story and makes it harder for the audience to connect with the character. He’s better suited for roles such as mummy’s boy, simp loverboy or geek.

When it comes to the technical aspects, Break of Dawn has some good points but also some noticeable flaws. The art design, for instance, is decent, but it’s not without issues. There’s a scene where it’s raining, and one character is assaulting a lady. The scene almost works, except for the fact that the rain only falls on the man, not on the lady. This kind of mistake might go unnoticed by some, but it stands out to anyone paying attention, especially if you’re watching the movie critically.

Another odd choice is the use of Hummer Jeeps to signify wealth. While Hummer Jeeps were a big deal in the early 2000s, they no longer carry the same status symbol today. The directors might have thought this would add a touch of luxury to the movie, but it ends up feeling out of place and dated.

On a positive note, the lighting for the outdoor night scenes is done well. It adds to the mood of the movie and helps to create the right atmosphere for the tense moments. However, overall, the visual presentation of the movie is nothing special and doesn’t stand out in the crowded Nollywood landscape.

In conclusion, Break of Dawn is a movie that tries to do a lot but doesn’t quite hit the mark. The mix of genres feels jumbled, and while there are some moments of tension and humor, the overall experience is lacking. The outdated casting choices, forced performances, and technical slip-ups make it hard to fully enjoy the film. It’s the kind of movie you might watch once, but it’s not one you’ll be eager to revisit. With so many other stories to tell, especially from Nigeria’s rich history, it might be better for the producers to focus on more meaningful and unique narratives in the future. After all, we have over 300 ethnicities in Nigeria. If the Yoruba people could be cashing out by telling their historical stories, I believe the floor should be open for stories from other ethnicities to be showcased. Break of Dawn gets a 5/10.