A Man for the Weekend

A Man for the Weekend throws its audience into a delightful mix of comedy, drama, and Nollywood charm from the get-go. The 2017 film is a Cameroonian-Nigerian romantic comedy and drama produced by Syndy Emade, who yes, also stars in the film. This movie beautifully meshes an outstanding screenplay, engaging storyline, top-tier cinematography, and refreshing humor, resulting in an unconventional romantic comedy that grabs your attention from the first scene and refuses to let go till the very end.

The film plots itself around the main character, Candace Ayuk (played by Syndy Emade), a young, bright, and successful businesswoman. Candace is extremely dedicated to her job that she finds solace and fulfillment in, constantly tackling challenges thrown her way with ease. However, she is often criticized by her family, specifically her mother, for her lack of interest in matters of the heart. This familial pressure leads her on an unlikely path and forms the crux of the movie.

Raquel Bessong, a multi-talented actress, plays the role of Candace's outspoken, flamboyant sister. Her character is filled with humor, adding a unique comical dimension to the movie. Then we meet Alexx Ekubo, a Nigerian international film star, who wonderfully fits into the shoes of Bryan Mbah, a character who is pivotal to the storyline. Bryan’s complex character introduces a thrilling edge to the film. Ngala Cynthia does an excellent job portraying the matriarch of the family, adding to the family pressure to see Candace settle down.

The relentless nagging and pressure about her love life, or the lack thereof, from her mother and sister ahead of a family event, spark Candace's decision to hire a man to play her boyfriend over the weekend. This interesting twist cultivates unexpected relationships and humorous chaos. It’s here that the film truly takes off into an exciting and often hilariously confusing tangle of relationships and emotions.

As the movie progress, viewers can't help but be drawn to the relationship that blooms between Candace and her faux boyfriend, Bryan. As Bryan starts living up to everyone's expectations of a 'perfect man', complications arise, and the viewer is left wondering if the faux relationship has the chance of turning into a real one.

Director Achea Priscilla does an exceptional job directing the movie in a way that seamlessly blends humor with the soft nuance of romantic and family dramas. Her attention to detail makes the characters more relatable, and she handles the hilarious awkward moments with such finesse, that it adds charm to the narrative.

From an acting perspective, the performances are convincing across the board. Emade excels as Candace, making it easy for the audience to relate to her predicament. Ekubo, as Bryan, brings a fresh energy to the film, and his chemistry with Emade's Candace is palpable, making the romantic vibe of the movie more engaging.

What is interesting about A Man for the Weekend is its essential storytelling style. While it stays true to the theme of romantic comedy, the narrative doesn't shy away from exploring the cultural nuances around the societal expectation of love and relationships. The movie tackles the pressures of marriage imposed on young women by society and shows the desperation Candace feels to please her family.

Equally commendable is the movie's production design, art direction, and cinematography. The film visually showcases the cultural background of Cameroon and Nigeria, which adds a starkly beautiful backdrop to the lovable storyline. The way the interiors are shot provides the audience with a sense of familiarity and comfort while still pushing forward the narrative.

The exceptional soundtrack, composed of Afro-pop tunes, compliments the narrative, and contributes to the overall entertainment value of the film. The music has the power to tug at your heartstrings at times while making you tap your feet at others.

'A Man for the Weekend' is far from being a conventional rom-com, and that is exactly where its charm lies. It keeps you guessing, questioning, and laughing, all at the same time, and by the time the credits roll, you can't help but feel satisfied with the way it all wraps up.