The Wildflower is not an exception to the usual beautiful and thematic Nollywood productions that have graced our screens in recent times. There is nothing much to its peculiarity other than its pragmatic themes and leanings being divulged to the audience.
Saying this for a catch, every bit of The Wildflower—scenes, language, conversation, setting, audio, and visual aesthetics—were created to point to the themes of the movie. Let’s dive into the review:
The Wildflower reveals, in sequence, the lives of three women at different stages of their lives and their experiences within the confines of the different societal roles they play. It chronicles the socio-cultural vicissitudes women face and the varying dangers of fitting into or disrupting the status quo.
As most movies in this thematic category are, everything about the movie is usually subsumed into the existence and portrayal of these themes. In a plot that revolves around the lives of three women at different stages of their lives, The Wildflower showcases—in film and reality—the reactions and responses of these women and the eventuality of their situations as they grapple with their safety and sanity in the men’s world.
The fulcrum of the story is borne on the shoulders of Rolake Dabiri, pettily called Rolly, Adaolisa, and Mama Adaolisa. Rolake is seen as a sex object by her boss, Mr. Gowon, who also doubles as a serial rapist; Adaolisa, blooming in her youthfulness, is endangered by her neighbour, Johntana, who is all out for exploiting her sexuality; Mama Adaolisa faces a battering husband day and night who faults her for giving him reasons to beat her but appeases her when he needs sex.
The Wildflower projects the various reactions of women in abusive relationships; they go through emotional abuse and sexual assaults, as the case of justice is only meted out to one of the perpetrators while the other two men escaped the law. The wildflower speaks against the culture of ‘silence’, and being the ‘black sheep’ in the context of socio-stigma brings about the dangers of staying in abusive relationships.
The Wildflower is another directorial production by Biodun Stephen, starring Angel Unigwe, Zubby Michael, Damilare Kuku, Sandra Okunzuwa, Nosa Rex, Deyemi Okanlawon, Etinosa Idemudia, Eso Dike, and others. Nosa Rex, who acts as King Jinmi, is portrayed as an Igbo man. How he is being called by his wife, Mama Adaolisa (Toyin Abraham), Jinmi (a Yoruba name) is confusing, but let’s say it’s an accidental bloop. Rolari (Damilare Kuku), the lead character, embodies the real sense and reactions of an abused woman. The trauma, fear, and withdrawal are the crux of emotions she unleashes which equally make the movie more real and believable.
The cast delivered not beyond nor above expectations, adding no extraordinariness to the casting or acting. The setting follows the same pattern. The essence of The Wildflower lies in its message, and this is adequately projected. Looking for a movie that speaks against sexual assault, rape, abuse, and domestic violence? The Wildflower is your movie!