| Image: Google |
Platform: Bolaji Ogunmola (YouTube)
Runtime: 1 hour, 32 minutes
Cast: Bolaji Ogunmola, Chy Nwakama, Michael Dappa, Great-Valentine Edochie, Osarehin Oronsaye, Asa’ah Samuel, Chidinma Ugwu
Choice of Heart sets out to explore love, independence, financial readiness, and the influence of friendships on romantic decisions. While the premise is relatable and timely, the execution leaves the story struggling with contradictions and underdeveloped emotional arcs.
A Story That Questions Adult Autonomy
At its core, the film appears to suggest that adults—particularly women—are incapable of making personal relationship choices without external approval. Roli’s character is built around secrecy and fear of judgment, spending most of the film hiding her partner because she assumes her friends would not approve. Rather than asserting her agency, she allows opinions and assumptions to dictate her actions, weakening the narrative’s emotional credibility.
Roli’s Conflicting Desires
One of the film’s most glaring issues is the inconsistency in Roli’s motivations. She presents herself as a woman who knows exactly what she wants in a life partner, yet her actions repeatedly contradict that claim. At a pivotal moment, she admits online that “Fife didn’t come in the ‘package’ she had always envisioned.”
This confession, however, clashes with her early insistence on marrying Fife despite knowing he was not financially prepared. If financial stability was a core requirement, her emotional persistence feels illogical. The contradiction makes it difficult to fully sympathize with her character.
Love Without Emotional Build-Up
Alexander’s sudden affection for Roli lacks the emotional layering needed to make it believable. His feelings appear abruptly, without meaningful interactions or gradual development. There is no clear explanation for what draws him to her beyond surface-level interest, making the romance feel rushed and unearned rather than organic.
Red Flags Behind The “Perfect Man”
While Alexander initially fits the image of the “ideal” partner, certain moments expose troubling behavior. His aggressive tone during a confrontation at Roli’s home stands out, especially his casual suggestion that he could simply replace her for a planned trip. That moment reframes his character, turning charm into control and affection into entitlement.
Unrealistic Professional Boundaries
The film also struggles with workplace realism. Alexander’s repeated visits to Roli’s office with gifts raise serious questions about professionalism and ethics. In reality, such behavior would cross boundaries, yet the film treats it as romantic persistence rather than a red flag.
Friendship Isn’t The Real Problem
Yimika and Cynthia are often perceived as antagonistic, but their actions reflect typical concern from close friends. The deeper issue is Roli’s lack of honesty. Her indecision makes it difficult for anyone around her to understand her relationship. At times, it becomes evident that she is ashamed of Fife—a realization that should have ended the relationship long before the proposal incident.
The Restaurant Scene Says It All
One of the most uncomfortable moments in the film is the restaurant scene, which exposes the couple’s poor financial communication. As aptly noted, “If you know what your partner can afford, he wouldn’t be sneaking into the bathroom to call for help to settle a bill.” The scene highlights a lack of transparency, budgeting conversations, and realistic expectations between them.
Final Verdict
Despite strong performances and a promising premise, Choice of Heart fails to reach its emotional potential. The story feels rushed, its conflicts unresolved, and its characters inconsistent. As summed up perfectly, “It felt flat, rushed, and lacking the depth it was aiming for.”
Rating: 4/10
While the film raises important conversations about love, pride, and financial readiness, it ultimately falls short of delivering a coherent and emotionally satisfying narrative.
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