Get the most out of your Netflix subscription with our picks of the best films streaming on the app right now. With such a big catalogue of films that are all included with your subscription, picking something to watch can be completely overwhelming. That’s why we’ve picked the best Nigerian films and series streaming on there
She Is
Director: Chris Eneng Enaji
Starring: Desmond Elliot, Chiwetalu Agu, Frank Donga, Mawuli Gavor, Bishop Okon, Linda Ejiofor, and Ali Baba.
‘She Is’ portrays the story of the average Nigerian woman who after attaining a level of success career-wise and has also come of age is expected to get married. Somkele Idhalama plays the role of Frances, a successful career who faces challenges with settling down and finding the right partner. On the verge of losing her womb to fibroid, she is left with two options of either getting pregnant or going under the knife. Frances goes on a journey of finding ‘Mr Right’ which saw her kissing a number of frogs before finally meeting ‘Prince Charming.’ ‘She Is’ is a movie that cuts across all ages and would leave you at the edges of your seat.
‘She Is’ directly showcases what the average young single and eligible woman goes through as she journeys through the road of settling down.
Apart from starring in it, Omawumi and Waje made their debut as producers as they were the brains behind the movie.
Elevator Baby
Director: Akhigbe Ilozobhie
Starring: Toyin Abraham, Timini Egbuson, Shaffy Bello, Yemi Solade, Broda Shaggi, Sambasa Nzeribe, Ijeoma Aniebo, Blessing Onwukwe, Blessing Obasi
Elevator Baby follows the story of Dare (Egbuson), a privileged young man with a fiery temper, who gets stuck in an elevator with a semi-literate pregnant woman (Abraham). As she goes into labour in the lift, Dare is left with no choice but to try and save both mother and child. The huge responsibility of helping Abigail birth her baby forces Damilare to find the much needed home training.
Toyin’s performance was the highlight of the movie. It was as though the lights came on when she walked into the office, introducing herself as “Abigail”. She maintains the high note from then on till the movie’s final scenes. As a rich kid, Timini also carries on brilliantly.
Another striking feature of Elevator Baby is the visual effects.
The Governor
Director: Ema Edosio
Starring: Caroline Chikezie, Bimbo Manuel, Baaj Adebule, Kachi Nnochiri, and Simi Adejumo
The series which originally aired on EbonyLife TV follows the tale of Angela Ochello, the deputy governor of Savannah state who with no governorship ambitions finds herself suddenly entangled in a web of political intrigue after the untimely death of the incumbent governor. The Governor is set in Savannah, a coastal state in Western Africa established in 1964 and extremely rich in iron ore. Known for its widely spaced grassland with temperate weather conditions and unique tourist attractions, Savannah has a population of 15 million people majority of who are fishermen and farmers.
The rich cultural diversity and political awareness of the people makes it one of the most politically active states in the country.
Written by Yinka Ogun, Debo Oluwatuminu and Tunde Babalola, the lead character ‘Angela Ochello’ is played by British-Nigerian actress Caroline Chikezie (Aeon Flux, BBC’s Casualty, Channel 4’s As If). Other cast members include Bimbo Manuel, Baaj Adebule, Kachi Nnochiri, and Simi Adejumo amongst others. The 13-episode series comes to Netflix on the 1st of July.
Kasanova
Director: Oluseyi Asurf
Starring: Odunlade Adekola, Toyin Abraham, Ayo Makun, Helen Paul, Ayo Magaji, and Abayomi Alvin.
Kasanova is a romantic comedy about a single dad who falls in love with the Mother of his sons Crush. It is a battle for love highlighting Family, friendship and love. The love comedy; one of the first features between FilmOne and Fojo studios, presents a tale directed to capture the possibilities of old love whilst shedding light on the ups and downs of parental care. The movie boasts of an impressive cast with Helen Paul, Abayomi Alvin, Ruby Akubueze, Ayo Mogaji and Bayray McWinzu serving as strong supporting roles weaved intricately into this production to mirror the realities of society. Kasanova hits streaming app, Netflix on the 26th of June.
Skin
Director: Beverly Naya
Starring: Phyno, Diana Yekinni, Eku Edewor, Bobrisky
Directed by Etim Effiong, ‘Skin’ is a feature documentary about exploring through identity the meaning of beauty in all the different shades of black. It is set in present-day Lagos, where Nollywood actress, Naya goes on a journey to learn about contrasting perceptions of beauty. Speaking to Business Day about colourism, Beverly says, “Colourism affects both women and men in African countries, but it has negatively influenced the beauty standards associated with a woman’s ability to find success.
“Furthermore, the number of women across Africa using bleaching products has increased with 77 percent of them being Nigerian.”
Skin will be released on the 28th of June.
Running to go watch Elevator baby.