Moses Inwang's "Alter Ego" is a poignant look at sexual abuse and its aftermath

chibumga izuzu

July 11, 2017 3:09 PM

Despite its good intentions and execution, “Alter Ego” tells its story with a restraint that's impossible to miss.

Alter Ego is Moses Inwang's latest movie

The trailer had seen Omotola Jalade Ekeinde in ‘steamy’ scenes with Wale Ojo and Kunle Remmy, ganered lot of attention, an attention that has sustained with the release of a sexy one-cast poster.

Omotola's first movie in three years, the producers have taken ample advantage of this known fact, hoping that Ekeinde's fans are excited about her return.

"Alter Ego" follows the story of Adaora Igwe, a lawyer who specializes in defending less privileged sexually abused victims. She uses unorthodox methods to see that sex offenders and molesters are punished in or outside of the court.

Adaora’s devotion to rape cases is driven by her experience as a child. She was sexually abused by her teacher and has since then dealt with uncontrollable sexual urges.

In her obsessive need for sex, she sleeps with her employees, including her gardener and driver. She also has a sexual relationship with her brother -in-law, Daniel (Kunle Remi). In her moments of guilt and resolution, she fires those employees.

Along the line, she meets Timothy, a billionaire philanthropist, and the two kick off a relationship that further explores sexual abuse and the aftermath of these traumatic events.

At the end of the movie, little or nothing is said or shown to indicate hope for Ada’s situation. She represents a portion of sexually abused victims who never defeat their demons.

The performances in the movie are believable and do a good job at creating awareness and passing the message intended by the producers.

As Ada, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde immerses herself into the character and makes you believe that you’re watching a woman who is struggling to free herself of her demons.

She convincingly portrays a vulnerability and strength that is relatable to victims of various addictions, including drugs, gambling amongst others.

There’s also Wale Ojo as Timothy. He is comfortable as his character and brings an on-screen charisma befitting of a billionaire philanthropist.

For all of its good intentions and execution, “Alter Ego” tells its story with a restraint that's impossible to miss. Maybe it’s the hype that makes you want something deeper, sexier and darker.

The impact of her relationship with Timothy is not thoroughly explained. How does he make her a better person? How does his presence help fight her addiction? Does she have a relapse after the events that occur in their relationship?

The movie is also excruciatingly long. The director Moses Inwang lingers on scenes longer than he should. They reach and surpass their poignant point, losing the viewer’s attention.

Despite the impression you may have gotten from the steamy trailer for “Alter Ego,” there’s nothing erotic about it. The trailer was simply a well-cut one that kicked off the needed hype.

There are quite a number of sex scenes, but aside from the rear nudity of Kunle Remi, the movie plays it as safe. Thankfully, the scenes are decently well done.

While there's no 'raunchy' moment that would leave you pleasantly surprised, none would leave you appalled.

At the end of the day, “Alter Ego” is distinct. It starts a conversation at the reality of sexual abuse and the trauma that follows gut-wrenching experiences like sexual abuse.

Produced by Esther Oyibio, "Alter Ego" opens on July 21.

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