Some movies exist purely to entertain. others tell deep personal stories. As a firstborn myself, I can relate to this movie in many ways. From the sacrifices to the silent struggles, it felt like watching my daily life unfold on screen. Here are 10 thoughts that ran through my mind while watching this emotional rollercoaster.

1. Firstborns don’t talk enough about how hard it is
From the very first scene, with Oma and Ebuka washing plates under the rain while Oma’s voiceover spoke about the weight of being the firstborn, it felt so real. We take care of everyone and often forget ourselves in the process.

2. Mercy Johnson was made for this role

Ebuka and Oma

She didn’t just act Oma. She was Oma. The way she portrayed pain, love, pride for her brother Ebuka was as if she had passed through something like that in reality. Even moments when she was just sitting silently with a drink, from her eyes, you could tell she had been through a lot and there’s this loneliness quietly creeping in.

3. When did we start thinking struggle is normal
Oma sacrificed her entire life, and somehow society has made it look normal, like that’s how it’s meant to be. We’ve normalized putting our lives on hold for others so much that when someone like Oma breaks down, we don’t even see it as a red flag.

4. I love Bimbo — she’s that friend we all need

Bimbo and Oma

Every time Bimbo took that drink from Oma’s hand, it made me smile, those were the scenes I loved the most. She did it with humor and warmth without disregarding the level of Oma’s pain. Bimbo made me realize how important it is to have someone looking out for you, even when you’re pretending to be fine.

5. Ebuka’s job hunt is every Nigerian graduate’s story
First class graduate with an NYSC certificate and still no job? I felt his frustration deeply. It’s sad that after spending almost half of your life passing through school struggles and coming out successful only to find out that brilliance doesn’t always translate into opportunity in this country. That scene where Oma talked to her customer about Ebuka’s struggle and he got him the job just proved that everything is connection, you have to know somebody. To get a good job by just relying on your certificate, it’s by the grace of God.

6. Julia and Shirley gave off “bad energy”
I knew trouble was brewing the minute Shirley shot Oma a look of disgust and called her “wretched-looking.” Julia’s sudden change in attitude right after made my blood boil. Sometimes, the real threat to peace at home isn’t your partner — it’s the people whispering in their ear.

7. The weight of loneliness can kill you
When Oma collapsed, my heart sank. When the doctor said it was emotional trauma and loneliness, I wasn’t even surprised. It reminded me how many strong people are slowly dying inside while smiling and pretending to be okay.

8. Ebuka choosing his wife over his sister broke me
Even though I understood it, that moment when he shouted at Oma shocked me. I felt disappointed. She gave up her life for him, and all she wanted was a little space in the new world she had helped him build. I was livid.

9. That proposal at the hospital came too late

Oma on her sickbed

When the old customer finally confessed his love, I almost cried. Finally after all the pain, she finally had someone who saw her and she didn’t live to enjoy it. Life really isn’t fair sometimes.

10. We need to appreciate our firstborns more
Oma’s story made me want to hug every firstborn I know. We often carry too much, and we act like it’s fine when deep down we know it’s slowly eating us. This movie reminded me that while being strong is great, but what’s the point when the cost you pay is with your life.

Final Thoughts
This is to every first child out there, it’s okay to be selfish at times, so someone won’t end up eating the fruit of your labor.

Put yourself first and you’ll see there’s always plenty of room for your siblings.
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Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Nollywood, this July. As you know, Netflix continues to deliver From edge-of-your-seat dramas to mind-bending thrillers, these five Nollywood movies deserve a spot on your watchlist.

‎Elevator Baby

Elevator baby movie cover

‎The film Elevator Baby directed by Akay Mason and produced by Niyi Akinmolayan is a warm drama that tells the story of a young woman trapped in an elevator with a stranger. While waiting for help, the two form an unexpected bond that transforms their lives. It’s a touching, sometimes heartbreaking story that explores human connection and empathy featuring Toyin Abraham and Timini Egbuson.

‎Dark October

Dark October movie cover

‎True to the events of the Aluu four lynching, Dark October is a powerful thought-provoking fim where the ideas of justice and morality are challenged, and the fatal consequences of mob mentality are exposed. Directed by Udoka Oyeka and produced by Diche Enunwa. This film features a talented cast made up of the likes of Chuks Joseph, Nneoma Okoro and Kelechi Udegbe.

‎Light in Dark

Light in the dark movie cover

‎It is a riveting drama directed by Ekene Som Mekwunye and produced by Victoria Akujobi titled Light in the Dark,  tells the story of a young woman who has to struggle with family, romance, and questions of identity. Powerful performances by Rita Dominic, Kalu Ikeagwu and Joke Silva, make this film a wonderful display of life.

‎Swallow

Swallow movie cover

‎The film Swallow, which is based on the novel by Sefi Atta, is an exciting drama that raises the issue of identity, culture, and complicated human relations. This film is directed by Kunle Afolayan and is produced by Manoj Kumar starring skilled actors as Ijeoma Grace Agu, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Eniola Badmus.

‎Breaded Life

‎Directed by Biodun Stephen and produced by Biodun Stephen, Breaded Life is an uplifting drama film charting the journey of a young woman who has to go through the shane of family, love, and identity. This is a magnificent film about the human condition featuring Bimbo Ademoye, Timini Egbuson, and Tina Mba.

‎These five movies showcase the richness and diversity of Nollywood storytelling which everyone should watch to experience the best of Nigerian cinematic productions. Go and get some popcorn, make yourself comfortable and have fun!

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There’s no warm-up. From the very first shot, the trailer for Hakeem – Seeking Justice pulls you straight into one man’s quiet storm. A slow walk. A bruised face. A look that says more than any line ever could. It doesn’t rely on flash or noise. It’s the silence, the tension, and the unanswered questions that leave the strongest impression.

A Story Rooted in Frustration

The trailer quickly sketches out Hakeem’s world—a man betrayed, ignored, and backed into a corner. Played by Deyemi Okanlawon, Hakeem isn’t a superhero. He’s a man who’s had enough. The scenes are tense, layered with unspoken pain, and disturbingly familiar. There’s a court. There’s corruption. There’s someone who should have listened but didn’t. And just like that, you remember this isn’t fiction for many people—it’s a version of their reality.

Deliberate, Not Loud

Rather than overwhelm the viewer with fast-paced edits or gimmicks, the trailer takes its time. Every frame feels purposeful. The lighting is moody. The sound is restrained. The violence—when it comes—isn’t showy, but sudden and personal. The result is a trailer that builds real suspense without ever raising its voice.

A Cast That Knows What They’re Doing

From the few glimpses we get, the cast doesn’t just look the part—they feel believable. Chioma Chukwuka, Gabriel Afolayan, Bolanle Ninalowo, Zubby Michael, Regina Daniels, and Liquorose all appear in sharp, grounded moments. There’s no grandstanding, just strong presence. Skales and White Money also show up briefly. Whether they’re playing roles with real weight or simply testing the waters, it’ll be interesting to watch.

A Director with a Point to Make

Abdulrasheed “JJC Skillz” Bello seems to be reaching for something different with this film. Based on the trailer, Hakeem isn’t about spectacle—it’s about truth. About how easy it is for a system to swallow the powerless. About how dignity becomes a fight. It’s political, yes—but it doesn’t preach. It just lays it bare.

Final Take

What stands out most is the restraint. There’s no rush to impress. The trailer gives just enough—then leaves you sitting with it. It doesn’t feel like a preview; it feels like a warning shot. One that says this film is going to touch something raw.

Hakeem – Seeking Justice opens in cinemas on August 1st. If the trailer is anything to go by, this won’t be a film you watch and forget. It’ll sit with you.