Yahoo+: A Low-budget Movie That Tries to do so Much With so Little
Like a lone messenger in the wilderness, "Yahoo+" embarks on a mission to dispel the impressions created by decades of money ritual tales.
Starring: Ken Erics, Ifeoma Obinwa, Somadina Adinma, Keezyto, Lilian Echelon Mbadiwe, Ifeoma Obinwa, and Lorenzo Menakaya
Screenplay: Ebuka Njoku
Directed by: Ebuka Njoku
Yahoo+ can be likened to a messenger walking alone in the wilderness, embarking on a mission to dispel the impressions created by decades of money ritual tales. As though propelled to act heeding the warnings of the danger of a single story by the renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Writer-Director Ebuka Njoku's answer to tackling this βmisinformationβ is a low-budget film that faces its limitations head-on while delivering a story that has significant implications for a money-conscious society like Nigeria.
The film follows two friends, Ose (Keezyto) and Abacha (Somadina Adinma), who turn to internet fraud in their pursuit of wealth through Yahoo Plus, but they must first make human sacrifices.Β
In "Yahoo+," the narrative delves beyond the surface of internet fraud to uncover a darker and more sinister reality - a thriving organ black market masquerading under the guise of money rituals. Director Ebuka Njoku skillfully exposes this hidden aspect of Nigerian society, shedding light on a deeply troubling issue that has long been overshadowed by tales of rituals for financial gain. Through the characters of Ose and Abacha, who resort to ill means in their pursuit of wealth after many failed legitimate attempts, the film unveils the harrowing lengths to which some individuals go to achieve their dreams, resorting to human sacrifices to appease the organ market's insatiable demand, most times ignorantly. By presenting this disturbing truth, Yahoo+ serves as a powerful commentary on the desperation and vulnerability of those entangled in this criminal underworld, while also shedding light on the complex web of deceit and exploitation that perpetuates such practices. The film's portrayal of this organ black market serves as a wake-up call, urging society to confront and address this deeply entrenched issue that affects the lives of countless individuals in Nigeria.
As an underdog, Yahoo+ battles against all odds to tell a story that resonates with many in a society where struggles for success are common. The film explores themes of love, struggle, hopes, fears, and crushed dreams, presenting valuable lessons despite its execution challenges.
Despite monetary restraints, Yahoo+ makes an effort to maximize its resources, evident in the intentional shot framings and angle choices to compensate for the budget constraints.
One of the drawbacks of Yahoo+ that is too hard to ignore is its heavy reliance on expositions. This is clearly due to budget limitations, and Writer-Director Ebuka Njoku makes the most of what he has to provide relevant backstories and motivations for his characters decisions and actions. While that is commendable, it also didnβt make for the best viewing experience. The audio quality, too, is lacking for the most part, but the intriguing revelations that timely come up sometimes compensate for this deficiency.
Yahoo+ emerges as a specific, intimate, and character-driven response to pressing societal conversations, embodying the filmmaker's vision. All these are reminiscent of elements of the kind of film I hope to make someday. The actors show promise, although I believe some aspects of their craft require further development; but considering the movie's low-scale production, their efforts are commendable.
Good:
Yahoo+ introduces new faces to the audience, bringing fresh talent to the forefront.
The film carries a strong and relevant message, serving as a social commentary on the pervasive issues of Yahoo and Money Ritual that plague not only Nigeria but also the rest of the world.
The dialogue feels natural for the most part, lending authenticity to the characters and their interactions.
It effectively utilizes long shots and fewer cuts, a departure from the excessive editing commonly seen today, allowing the story to unfold with a compelling flow.
Despite its limited budget, Yahoo+ impressively maximizes its resources, demonstrating smart camera placements and long takes that enhance the overall cinematic experience.
The incorporation of the Igbo language adds cultural depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
Bad:
Yahoo+ suffers from over-reliance on expositions, breaking the cardinal rule of "show, don't tell" too many times. This hinders the film's ability to allow audiences to discover and interpret aspects of the story for themselves.
The low budget and production value are evident in certain shots, resulting in static and uncomfortably long scenes that may challenge viewers' engagement.
The film's audio quality falls short of expectations, impacting the overall immersive experience.
The lighting could have been better executed, as some scenes suffer from poor lighting, affecting the visual appeal.
Ugly:
N/A. Yahoo+ manages to avoid any elements that could be considered outright ugly, demonstrating the film's commendable efforts in its storytelling and execution.
In conclusion, Yahoo+ shines brightly in the wilderness, like a diamond, making its message clear despite its shortcomings. It serves as a testament to the potential of filmmakers like Ebuka Njoku, who utilize limited resources to make significant contributions to Nigerian cinema.