Movie reviews: The Betrayed" (2024) - Vivsco.com.ng

"The Betrayed" is a Nollywood drama-thriller directed by first-timer Zulumoke Oyibo. It follows Amarachi (Uche Montana), a woman whose picture-perfect life crumbles when her husband, Bala (Gabriel Afolayan), gets accused of a shocking crime. 

The movie starts with Bala and his business partner, Batista (Ibrahim Suleiman), celebrating a big work win—only for things to spiral when Bala wakes up next to a dead escort in a hotel room. He’s arrested, and Amarachi is left scrambling to clear his name while uncovering secrets that make her question everything.  

The Good Stuf

Uche Montana is the heart of the film. She nails Amarachi’s mix of heartbreak and grit, making you root for her even when the plot gets messy. Gabriel Afolayan also shines as Bala, playing a guy who’s either a victim of bad luck or hiding something you’ll keep guessing. The friendship between Bala and Batista adds tension, especially since Batista (Ibrahim Suleiman) seems torn between loyalty and suspicion.  

Jemima Osunde brings energy as Tolu, Amarachi’s ride-or-die lawyer friend, though I wish her courtroom smarts got more spotlight. Kunle (Vine Olugu) lightens the mood with jokes, which works well against the darker themes. Visually, the film looks sharp glossy Lagos parties contrast with grim jail scenes, and the music amps up the drama without feeling over-the-top.  

The Not-So-Good Stuff

The movie struggles to pick a lane. It starts as a family drama, then tries to morph into a mystery thriller, but the shift feels clunky. Some scenes drag (like drawn-out arguments), while others rush through big reveals, leaving you confused. A few twists are predictable like figuring out who’s really guilty way before Amarachi does.  

Themes and Feelings

The story tackles trust, lies, and how fast life can fall apart. Amarachi’s fight to save her husband while doubting him is relatable, but the script doesn’t always dig deep enough. Some characters, like Batista, feel underdeveloped you’ll wish they’d explored his motives more.  

Final Thoughts

"The Betrayed" has strong acting and stylish visuals, but the messy pacing and uneven tone hold it back. It’s worth watching for Uche Montana’s performance alone, but don’t expect a tight, edge-of-your-seat thriller. If you’re into family dramas with a dash of mystery, you’ll enjoy parts of it—just don’t overthink the plot holes.  

Score: 6.5/10

Solid effort for a debut director, but could’ve used tighter editing and a clearer focus.