An Honest Review of Tiwa Savage’s Debut Film ‘Water and Garri’
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely heard about Tiwa Savage’s debut film, ‘Water and Garri.’ But if you’re just tuning in, don’t worry—I’m here to bring you up to speed.
Tiwa Savage has been making waves with extensive press coverage leading up to and following the film’s release, piquing everyone’s curiosity. She was not only part of the production but she also played the lead role in the film.
Officially launched on Sunday, May 12th, on Prime Video, the movie has since garnered a range of reviews online, with opinions often tied to perceptions of the musician herself. Yet, amidst the buzz, I watched it and I want to offer an honest review to help you decide whether ‘Water and Garri’ is truly worth your time.
Here are my observations about the ‘Water and Garri’ movie (without spoilers, don’t worry):
The Beautiful Cinematography in Water and Garri
The movie was helmed by the renowned director Meji Alabi, who brought his signature flair to the screen, much like he does with his music videos.
In “Water and Garri,” every frame bursts with vibrant colors, effectively capturing and enhancing the vintage Ghanian town it was shot in. Alabi’s expertise shines through in his portrayal of dark skin tones, emphasizing their rich hues and textures. The cinematography in the film is truly exquisite, a testament to Alabi’s skill and finesse. It’s like a chef’s kiss to the eyes.
Could Have Been a Short Story
Tiwa mentioned in several interviews that the project started as a short film before evolving into a feature-length production. Personally, I believe it would have been better off as a short film.
While the storyline was compelling, it could have been effectively conveyed in under thirty minutes. The remainder of the film felt padded with filler scenes. Particularly these montages that made the movie seem like a music video. They were probably a nod to the director’s background but were they really necessary? No, I don’t think so. The movie just seemed at times, to be prioritizing visual spectacle over advancing the narrative.
The Nigerian and Ghanaian Combo
The movie is set in the fictional city of Eastside, a melting pot of diverse cultures and languages, featuring both Nigerians and Ghanaians.
Initially, I found the mix of accents to be somewhat awkward, but as the story unfolded, I grew to appreciate it. The blend of Nigerian and Ghanaian cultures was seamless, with neither overshadowing the other. It beautifully showcased how well these two communities can collaborate, much like the harmonious pairing of water and garri (see what I did there).
The Chemistry
The chemistry between Aisha (played by Tiwa Savage) and Kay (played by Andrew Bunting) was fascinating. You could cut through the sexual tension between them with a knife. It’s arguably the best depiction of such chemistry I’ve seen in a Nollywood production. While their relationship could have benefited from further development, the glimpses we did get left us wanting more.
Side note for Miss Tiwa and the other creators of this film. Forgive my objectification but we did not get enough scenes of Andrew Bunting shirtless. Just saying what all the girlies were thinking.
The Most Amazing Soundtrack
In her MTV Fresh Out Live interview, the singer discussed blending Afro beats with R&B for the movie’s soundtrack, and the result was truly stunning. The music effectively captured the emotions of the film, showcasing the singer’s creativity and dedication. It’s evident that a lot of effort went into crafting the soundtrack, and it certainly paid off in enhancing the overall experience of the movie.
A Few Extra Criticisms
Okay, so despite the good stuff, there were a couple of things that didn’t quite hit the mark for me. First off, the ending left me feeling a bit meh. It felt rushed and left some loose ends dangling, which was a bit unsatisfying.
And about that whole water and garri analogy for love and pain? Yeah, it sounded cool in theory, but in practice, it didn’t quite click for me. It felt a bit forced and didn’t add as much depth to the story as I hoped it would.
Plus, let’s talk about the pacing. Man, was it slow! I mean, sure, the visuals were nice and all, but there were times when I was just waiting for something to happen. Speeding things up a bit would’ve definitely kept me more hooked.
Overall, despite its flaws, “Water and Garri” was still a solid watch for me. I was invested in the story, had my fair share of laughs, shed a tear or two, and even found myself on the edge of my seat at times. And hey, big props to the Nollywood screen regulars; Jemima Osunde and Mike Afolarin, they nailed their roles!
So, if I had to rate it, I’d give this movie a solid 3 out of 5. It’s a good effort, and I think Tiwa Savage has potential in the film industry. I’m looking forward to seeing what she brings to the table next.
All images are sourced from twitter & instagram
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