Set between two timelines: 1999 and the present day, ‘the House of Secrets’ revolves around a woman (Sarah) who was thrown in jail for being an accomplice to her spy husband (Panam).
Twenty years later, a group rescues her from jail and sets up a semblance of her old house to make her revive the memory of a secret document given to her by Panam, to stop a corrupt General from being democratically elected.
Cast: Najite Dede, Femi Jacobs, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Efe Irele, Shawn Faqua, Kate Henshaw, Anee Icha, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Taye Arimoro, Gbugbemi Ejeye, Moyinoluwa Olutayo, Ekpenyong Bassey Inyang, Ebisan Arayi, Tobi Daniels, Matty Bayelsa and Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga.
Director: Niyi Akinmolayan
Writers: Dolapo Adigun, Niyi Akinmolayan
Runtime: 1 hour 59 minutes
‘The House of Secrets’ Review:
From the moment the film begins, it is clear that the makers have pushed the boundaries of cinematography and production design. Niyi Akinmolayan’s bold experiment with monochrome cinematography adds a unique visual layer to the storytelling. The black and white visuals enhance the sense of mystery and nostalgia, transporting the audience back to the 90s.
The film’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the art of flashbacks, both in dialogue and photography. The seamless transitions between the past and present create a mesmerizing narrative flow.
‘The House of Secrets’ also boasts a talented cast who bring their characters to life with conviction. Najite Dede, in the lead role, delivers a captivating performance with her nuanced portrayal of Sarah. Her facial expressions speak volumes, conveying the turmoil and determination of a woman caught in a web of secrets.
The chemistry between Shawn Faqua and Efe Irele, who play lovers entangled in a dangerous game, is palpable. Their on-screen romance is both tender and intense, adding an emotional layer to the film. The supporting cast, including Femi Jacobs, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, and Kate Henshaw, also delivers stellar performances, adding depth and complexity to their respective characters.
While ‘The House of Secrets’ is undoubtedly a gripping thriller, it is not without its flaws. The film suffers from a slow and confusing start, with the first 30 minutes feeling somewhat boring. However, once the story gains momentum, it becomes an edge-of-your-seat experience, keeping the audience guessing until the very end.
Some viewers may find certain plot twists predictable, such as the revelation of Sarah’s son or the location of the secret documents. However, the strength of the film lies not in its surprises but in the journey it takes the audience on.
Verdict: 6/10
Watch the trailer below:
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