A Night in 2005 gives the audience an experience which is quite the opposite of enjoyment, yet has some sort of beauty to it in an odd way. It revolves around a horror that cannot be put into words and the innocence of being a child. Through the vivid imagination of the characters, it is easy to comprehend that they are located in Lagos during the year 2005. The scene gives a sense of excitement for the viewers, more than that, it portrays a prom night filled with bling, bright lights and heaps of laughter which lets the others to dream even bigger. However, while the night progresses, it brings forth the start of the horror, making it an experience worthwhile, though everything and everyone else will be left changed forever.
We see the story from the eyes of Ife as portrayed by Ini Dima-Okojie in a quite vulnerable manner. As per the actress, she describes the role she is supposed to play as tough and rough due to the role being complex in nature which begs to be done right by even the smallest of the details. As a teenager who used to hold glee in her heart and her face, once the after party commenced, her life took a wild turn on its head thanks to the riot that broke loose post all the chaos. It does not only shape her, instead, it devours her completely. The horror that took place that night left everyone devastated. The flickering memories of the havoc brought sheer rage of terror as one witnessed the events unfold. Them being terrified they began to fight all the demons within them. Knowing that whether or not the demons left them, hope made them seek redemption ever so desperately.
Ope Dada (Efa Iwara) adds emotion ife’s life and is remembered as a multi-dimensional character. Ope is not just a love interest alone but a concerned figure, a healer and a mother who loves so much but does not forget the past. Women in two different age brackets want to be represented by Iretiola Doyle and Bimbo Akintola as they both interact with Ife and showcase trauma, family and strength in society through their lenses.
Temidayo Makanjuola is quite clear in his message, he wants his voice to be heard through his art. Ife’s character is introduced against a backdrop of a neon-lit dance halls and muted gray tones of Ife’s fractured memories and each frame plays out simply on its own. The soundtrack is another feather in the cap, deep Afrobeat sound with doomful strings all come together perfectly to create a sense of longing pang.
The trailer welcomes its target audience assuming the role of a voyeur. It contains the central mesh of bonds, both the best times and the undoing of the main event. The position is shifted away from merely narrating a grief and takes a focus to one of emergence, fellowship and radiance in the less illuminated days.
Wait and watch the A Night in 2005 which is guaranteed to wrap you in emotions and move you only towards the end.
