Sylvia: 5 fun facts you probably didn't know

If you love thrillers, Netflix's latest Nollywood acquisition, 'Sylvia', might be the perfect addition to your watch list.

Upon its 2018 theatrical release, the supernatural thriller became a fast favourite among Nollywood cinephiles especially for the peculiarity of its story and the astounding performance of its lead actor, Zainab Balogun.

The story written by Vanessa Kanu, tells the tale of a man's paranormal relationship with a dangerously possessive supernatural friend. Starring alongside Zainab is Chris Attoh as the film's tragic hero, Richard.

Are there bits about 'Sylvia' that you probably didn't know but wish you did? If you don't mind spoilers, the next lines might intrigue you:

1. The 'Sylvia' story was inspired by a series of puzzling dreams its writer had

Zainab Balogun plays the titular character [Instagram/thesylviamovie] Pulse Nigeria

Creepy stories are often made by over-imaginative writers but in the case of 'Sylvia', the story was born out of true-life experiences.

The story was inspired by a series of dreams by screenwriter, Vanessa Kanu. In the recurring dreams, she constantly met a man she had never met in real life.

We understand how eerie and classically spirit husband-like this feels so take the pause you need from here.

2. The thriller was first titled 'My Dream Girl'

Chris Attoh is Zainab Balogun's mortal love interest in 'Sylvia' [Instagram/thesylviamovie] Pulse Nigeria

If you are at this point, we applaud your bravery! Since the first fun fact easily explains the why question here, we'll move on to the 'Why Sylvia' question.

The film's title was chosen for its mystical representation. Brace yourselves as you are about to meet the mythological goddess of the forest, one with an insane addiction for hibiscuses and mortal men.

3. The dream world was shot at the Abeokuta Golf Club

The supernatural thriller was partly shot at the Abeokuta golf club [Instagram/thesylviamovie] Pulse Nigeria

A goddess of the forest is deserving of a lush green abode and Abeokuta golf club's large expanse of land offered just that. The filmmakers were delighted to discover the beautiful location and shot the dream scenes on the golf club.

4. Adesua Etomi auditioned for the role of Sylvia

Adesua Etomi with her 2016 Best Actress AMVCA [Wikipedia] Pulse Nigeria

Adesua Etomi was one of the actors first considered for the role beautifully played by Zainab Balogun. The filmmakers reportedly invited the actress who had recently snatched her first AMVCA at the time, to come in for a reading.

5. Chris Attoh and Ini Dima-Okojie went on actual dates

The supernatural thriller was released in cinemas on September 21, 2018 to critical acclaim [Instagram/thesylviamovie] Pulse Nigeria

The almost visible lovestruck emojis popping out of Richard's (Attoh) eyes as he first sights Gbemi (Ini) was from days of trying to condition the actors. The duo went on several supervised and unsupervised dates before principal photography began.

A little bonus is principal photography for 'Sylvia' kicked off in November 2018 and ended a few days to Christmas of the same year. The actress, who plays the smitten receptionist, and the film's director are a real-life couple. Daniel Oriahi and Ijeoma Grace Agu are married and have a daughter together.