Jade Osiberu Trades Guns For Detty December in "Christmas in Lagos"

I never knew Lagos to be this beautiful. Did you?

“Christmas in Lagos” is directed by Jade Osiberu. It is currently streaming on Prime Video. Like, Share, and Subscribe.

Jade Osiberu’s Christmas in Lagos opens with Fiyin (Teni Aladese) cruising through Lagos in a sleek red convertible, her hair catching the December breeze as the city comes alive around her. It’s a tableau of contrasts—vivid, chaotic, and unmistakably Lagos. Street hawkers weave between cars, their cries blending into the symphony of honking horns, selling everything from live chickens to festive dresses. The glint of sunlight off her car’s red polished hood mirrors the colorful array of goods on display, a kaleidoscope of possibility in the thick Lagos traffic. This opening captures the promise of Christmas in Lagos—a time when the city pulsates with energy; when traditions and modernity collide in a dance as vibrant as its people. It’s an invitation to step into a world where the mundane and the magical coexist, setting the tone for a story that brims with love, laughter, and the spirit of the season.

From this vibrant introduction, Christmas in Lagos establishes itself as a holiday film that immerses viewers into the heart of Lagos’s festive charm. Who drives a convertible in Lagos? The filmmaker anticipates this question and uses it as a cheeky nod to the audience when Fiyin’s mom asks her over their video call. The timing of this moment is perfect, turning what could have been a distracting detail into a playful connection with viewers.

The film delivers many moments like this—instances where the timing and execution reach out to the audience in real time. One such standout is the storyline involving IJGBs (I Just Got Backs) clashing with home-based Lagosians, illustrated through Yagazie (Angel Anosike) and Fiyin. Fiyin, convinced her lifelong best friend Elo (Shalom C. Obi) is her soulmate, discovers he’s been secretly dating Yagazie for eight months and plans to propose. With her IJGB cousin Ivie (Rayxia Ojo) in tow, Fiyin sets out to disrupt their relationship, sparking a chaotic and hilarious love triangle.

The younger characters’ antics are paralleled by a captivating storyline involving the older generation. Gbemi, aka Aunty Zee (Shaffy Bello), crosses paths with an old flame, Zack (RMD), in a humorous car encounter outside town. Their chemistry reignites during a private jet trip and a luxurious Rolls Royce ride back to Gbemi’s home in Lagos, only to be complicated by the presence of Gbemi’s current partner, Toye (Wale Ojo). Shaffy Bello is a scene-stealer, and her moments with RMD are electrifying and heartwarming. The dynamic between these three characters adds depth, showcasing that love isn’t confined to the young—it’s universal, and Christmas is the perfect season to celebrate it.

There’s no shortage of things to love about Christmas in Lagos. The beautiful aesthetics, production design, cinematography, costumes, hair & makeup choices, unconventional but very intentional musical soundtracks, and the display of the luxurious side of the Lagos festive season add to the count, working in harmony to create a visually pleasing film. Yet, there is still a lot to not like.

For one, the lack of chemistry between the main male lead, Elo (Shalom C. Obiago), and both of his romantic partners is a glaring issue. His relationship with Yagazie (Angel Anosike), whom he claims to be in love with, never feels convincing. Their interactions lack the intensity or emotional connection that would make us believe in their love. But it's not just Yagazie—Elo’s connection with Fiyin (Teniola Aladese) also falls flat. Elo, portrayed by Shalom, struggles to evoke any emotional depth, resulting in a character that's hard to connect with—a shortcoming likely tied to Obiago's underwhelming performance.

Then there’s Ivie (Raxyia Ojo), whose character starts strong but fades into the background as soon as her romance with Ajani (Ladipoe) is introduced. Ivie’s initial confidence is engaging, but her character arc feels rushed, and the movie never fully explores the potential of her holiday romance. Instead of showing us how this fleeting romance between two hotheads who live thousands of miles apart could evolve, the film opts for a rushed conclusion that simply tells us where things are headed. This missed opportunity is especially frustrating because her storyline could have provided a much-needed depth to the narrative.

Additionally, the film struggles with balancing its many themes. While it ambitiously tackles family dynamics, love, nostalgia, and the cultural differences between locals and the IJGBs, it doesn’t always succeed in blending them seamlessly. Some scenes linger for too long, while others—like the resolution of the love triangle feud—feel rushed, leaving us unsatisfied. Despite the presence of numerous secondary characters, many of them, such as Chisom and Ladi, don’t add much to the plot. Ultimately, Christmas in Lagos feels a bit overstuffed, with several subplots that could have been trimmed or refined for a tighter, more focused narrative.

***

Despite its flaws, Christmas in Lagos radiates the festive spirit with vibrant energy and heartfelt moments. Jade Osiberu delivers a visually delightful film with just enough emotional pull to satisfy casual viewers. While some romantic dynamics feel underwhelming and certain subplots lack depth, the movie remains an enjoyable ride, inviting audiences to embrace the charm of Lagos's Christmas season—if they’re willing to overlook its imperfections.

Side musings:

• Fiyin’s relationship with her mother, Gbemi, is a joy to watch—warm and non-judgmental, almost sisterly.

• The rich aunties’ chitchat scenes were a delightful highlight—I could watch an entire movie featuring just them.

• That Fall in Love classical cover by Esua is phenomenal. I want more of it.

• O Holy Night’s replay value must have skyrocketed the way it was used repeatedly in this film.

• Angel Anosike is beautiful. That’s all.