Title: SECRET SHADOWS (1 &2)

Sequel #1: SECRET SHADOWS (3) AKA: LOVE ALONE (1 & 2)

Sequel #2: MEN IN LOVE (1 – 3)

Starring: John Dumelo, Tonto Dikeh, Muna Obiekwe        

Synopsis: 

An estranged couple moves back in together to reconcile their relationship and to co-parent their son but the mother-in-law makes it difficult when she feels her daughter-in-law isn’t good enough to be a part of the family.  

Review:

Whitney and Charles (Tonto Dikeh & John Dumelo) had been separated for four years when she reached out to him with divorce papers and announced he was the father of her son. Charles wasn’t aware that he had a child and he later kidnapped the boy. He forced Whitney to move back in with him in order to continue in the child’s life. It’s during this cohabitation that the core of their marital problems came to light.

The backdrop in this movie centers on Tina (Halima Abubakar) who is sister-in-law to Charles and also his ex-girlfriend. Ever since Tina’s husband passed away she set her sights on Charles once again. Mrs. Okafor, Charles’ mother, totally approved of Tina for Charles although she was once married to his late brother.

While Tina schemed to be with Charles and his wealth, she also had a secret lover who was pressuring her for a commitment. It turned out that Tina was the actual gold digger, and not Whitney, as Mrs. Okafor adamantly believed. 

Let’s Talk. “Secret Shadows” is a dialogue driven story with a slow start. Once the interaction between Whitney and Charles began so did the movie.  Once again, we have a man of wealth marry a woman of modest means and the rich parents don’t approve of the union. 

Ngozi Ezeonu played Mrs. Okafor, Charles’ mother. She paid Whitney $2 million to leave her son and Whitney did so and disappeared for five years. But the money was not why she left and the true reason was revealed when she returned to Accra with divorce papers. 

The banter between the women and men in the movie was honest and humorous.  Who knew men got down to the nitty gritty in private conversations like women? The men actually talked about a kiss. Aww….how touching.

Unfortunately, there were some glitches. Muna Obwiekwe played Carl but is listed in the credits as playing Alex. Halima Abubakar played Tina but is listed as playing Flora.

As for casting, the boy who played Whitney’s son was way too big to pull off playing a five year old. He was obviously older. Tonto and John were believable as a married couple and they played their roles perfectly. while Ngozi Ezeonu played a snooty mother with ease.

The marital problems between Whitney and Charles continue in a sequel titled “Men In Love” which, is a movie that can be viewed without watching the prequels listed here. Please note that the sequel to “Secret Shadows” is also known as “Love Alone.”  RECOMMEND

Follow @TalkAfrMovies