Movie review: Voltage shows how difficult it is to tackle corruption in Nigeria

Voltage, directed by Fred Amata and produced by Ngozi Ogbonna Nglabelle, is a thought-provoking Nollywood film that tackles the deep-rooted corruption within Nigeria’s power sector. The story centres on Tega (Olumide Oworu), a young man torn between loyalty to his ailing mother and the moral imperative to expose his family’s corrupt business dealings.

The plot begins with Tega’s reluctant entry into the family business, a decision driven by his mother’s wishes. However, a tragic event in his neighbourhood reveals a tangled web of deceit and corruption orchestrated by his own family. Determined to fight back, Tega recruits his friends to help expose the cartel, only to find themselves targeted by powerful adversaries. This sets up a classic David versus Goliath battle, with Tega and his allies striving to bring down the cartel against overwhelming odds.

One of the film’s strongest points is its ensemble cast. Segun Arinze, Kate Henshaw, and Olumide Oworu deliver compelling performances. Oworu, in particular, shines as the conflicted protagonist, navigating the moral complexities of his situation with a nuanced portrayal. His performance stands out as the emotional core of the film, grounding the narrative in relatable human struggles.

The casting of BBNaija star White Money as one of Tega’s allies is a decision that may divide audiences. While his performance is earnest, his appearance and demeanour are too closely tied to his reality TV persona, detracting from the character’s believability. A more transformative approach to his look and performance might have helped distance him from his well-known brand.

The screenplay, while engaging, occasionally veers into predictability. The central conflict and resolution follow familiar beats, and some of the plot twists can be seen coming from a distance. Nevertheless, the film’s exploration of family loyalty versus ethical duty provides enough emotional weight to keep viewers invested. I also enjoyed the dialogue in Voltage, though the film is not strong on that.

Voltage stands out for its willingness to tackle serious issues within a mainstream format. The film’s critique of the power sector and the exploration of personal integrity versus familial loyalty resonate strongly, offering viewers a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The satirical elements add a layer of sophistication, making it more than just a straightforward drama.

Fred Amata’s direction brings a satirical lens to the serious issue of corruption, balancing moments of tension with a biting critique of societal ills. This approach adds depth to the film, making it not just a thriller but also a commentary on the broader impact of corruption on individuals and the economy. Amata’s experience and vision elevate the material, ensuring that Voltage is more than just another Nollywood drama. I’m rest assured that Nollywood has a bright future with Amata back in business. This is because he and a few others did their best to produce good movies in the late 90s, even when they had technological limits.

Despite its strong narrative and performances, Voltage is not without its flaws. The film’s cinematography, while serviceable, falls short of the high standards set by some contemporary African cinema. The visuals lack the polish and dynamic colour grading that could have enhanced the film’s impact. This is a missed opportunity, especially considering the potential for striking imagery given the film’s subject matter. It appears that Nollywood directors don’t consider the huge impact colourists play in movie production. This may be why they don’t have colourists on set while shooting. I can also deduce that they don’t involve colourists while on the drawing board concerning their movies. This explains why most Nollywood films don’t have that awesome cinematic look that is common in Hollywood and South African movies.

Overall, I would rate Voltage a 6 out of 10 because it is interesting. Though it may not set the box office on fire, it represents a significant step forward for Nollywood regarding thematic depth and narrative ambition.