MOVIE REVIEW: House of Ga’a – A Tragic Tale of Power and Betrayal

House of Ga’a is a visually striking and ambitious historical drama that attempts to delve into the complexities of power, family, and the decline of the Oyo Empire.

A movie produced by renowned filmmaker, Bolanle Austen-Peters, it boasts impressive production values and moments of dramatic intensity; however, the film ultimately falls short of its potential due to narrative inconsistencies, underdeveloped characters, and uneven pacing.

A Visually Stunning but Narratively Flawed Epic

The film’s greatest strength lies in its production design. The opulent sets, intricate costumes, and stunning cinematography immerse viewers in the grandeur of the Oyo Empire.

The attention to historical detail is commendable, and the film successfully evokes a sense of period authenticity. However, despite its visual splendor, the narrative often feels rushed and fragmented.

The plot jumps between different time periods and characters without sufficient exposition, leaving the audience struggling to keep up.

Underdeveloped Characters and Plot Holes

The characters in House of Ga’a are archetypal rather than complex. Bashorun Ga’a (played by Femi Branch), the central figure, is portrayed as a monolithic villain, lacking the depth and nuance required for a truly compelling antagonist — methinks his character would have been made more compelling as a compelling anti-hero.

The supporting characters are similarly one-dimensional, often serving as mere plot devices (especially the lack of context regarding the various Alaafins) rather than fully realized individuals.

Moreover, the film’s reliance on historical tropes and clichés hinders its ability to explore the psychological complexities of its characters.

Uneven Pacing and Dramatic Inconsistencies

The pacing of the film is uneven, with some scenes dragging while others feel rushed. The narrative often shifts abruptly, leaving the audience disoriented.

Additionally, the film’s reliance on dramatic clichés and melodramatic moments undermines its credibility.

While there are moments of genuine emotional impact, these are often overshadowed by over-the-top performances and predictable plot developments.

Actor Performances: A Mixed Bag

The cast of House of Ga’a features a mix of experienced and emerging actors.

While some like Mike Afolarin (Oyemekun) and Ibrahim Chatta (Sasa L’eniyan) deliver commendable performances, others struggle to rise above the material.

In this writer’s opinion, while Branch’s performance is superb on a whole, his portrayal of Bashorun Ga’a is particularly problematic, as the actor often resorts to overacting, making the character less intimidating and more cartoonish.

The supporting cast fares better, with some standout performances, but overall, the acting is inconsistent such as that of Tosin Adeyemi (Zeinab) who played the role of a Nupe woman but didn’t utter more than a word in the language.

Conclusion

House of Ga’a is a visually impressive film that falls short of its potential due to narrative flaws, underdeveloped characters, and uneven pacing.

While it offers glimpses of a compelling story, the film ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying cinematic experience.

Despite its shortcomings, the film’s production values and ambition are commendable, and it may appeal to audiences interested in historical dramas.

Rating 6.5/10