Nigerian romcom Call of My Life, directed by Dammy Twitch and written by and starring Uzoamaka Power, is a delightful summer watch. The film follows Soluchi, or “Sol” (Power), a modern career woman in Lagos who works at a call centre for a mobile phone network. She excels at her job, using empathy to solve customer problems, though her boss overlooks her value while obsessing over team throughput.
Plot and Characters
In her personal life, Sol pours love into shipping magnate Kalu (Zubby Michael), a chauvinist who takes her devotion for granted. After standing her up on an anniversary date, he dumps her, calling her too “childish” and available. An alternative arrives in Eli (Andrew Yaw Bunting), a handsome Ghanaian news anchorman whom Sol first helps with connectivity issues. Their instant connection, built on dulcet phone voices, leads Eli to court her chastely. Sol must overcome her fear of heartbreak and decide between Eli and Kalu, who returns with balloons and gifts recommended by an influencer friend.
Performances and Writing
Power delivers a “girl-next-door blend of wholesomeness and coquetry,” according to the review. Her script hits all romcom beats while adapting them to a west African setting. Sol’s parents (Nkem Owoh and Patience Ozokwor) are lovably realistic elders, not as strait-laced as their daughter thinks despite devout Christianity. Supporting characters have depth, and the film includes “genuinely guffaw-inducing lines.”
Direction and Tone
Director Dammy Twitch’s “winning lightness of touch” prevents the connectivity metaphor from feeling overdone. The film’s breeziness eases its corny premise, making it “a very easy summer watch.” Call of My Life is in UK cinemas from 10 July.
