‘My Father’s Shadow’ review: Where family tensions meet a nation in crisis
The intimate movie My Father’s Shadow has received widespread praise, telling a personal story about family, memory, and life during a time of political tension.
Directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and co-written with his brother Wale Davies, the film traces a single day in 1993 Lagos, where two young brothers, Akin and Remi, join their distant father, Folarin, on what begins as a simple errand but evolves into a journey of emotional discovery.
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What makes the story resonate is its layered focus: personal growth intertwined with a nation on the brink. The boys witness their father’s quiet struggles, unspoken regrets, and moments of authority softened by vulnerability, all set against the tense backdrop of Nigeria’s historic presidential election.
The political climate subtly informs the narrative, heightening stakes while never overshadowing the intimate father-son dynamics.
Performances that feel real
Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù delivers a commanding yet nuanced performance as Folarin, balancing authority, love, and regret in equal measure.
The young actors, real-life siblings Godwin Chiemerie Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, bring effortless naturalism to their roles, making their interactions banter, curiosity, and wide-eyed wonder feel lived-in rather than scripted.
The film’s emotional tension emerges organically, with pauses, glances, and quiet gestures conveying what words cannot.
Visually, My Father’s Shadow is a triumph. Shot by Jermaine Edwards, it captures Lagos with warmth and nostalgia, turning everyday scenes of mopeds weaving through traffic, crowded markets, and sunlit streets into cinematic poetry.
The score and sound design by Duval Timothy and CJ Mirra alternate between playful melodies and foreboding undertones, reflecting the oscillation between childhood innocence and the uncertainty of political unrest.
Restraint and emotional depth
The film’s restraint is its greatest strength. It trusts the audience to read between the lines, to feel the emotional gaps left unsaid, and to understand the sacrifices and quiet heroism embedded in familial love.
It is a story about growing up, identity, and memory, layered with themes of hope, resilience, and the fragility of democracy.
Critics have widely praised My Father’s Shadow, giving it a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its emotional depth and visual storytelling. Minor critiques point to a slightly melodramatic climax, but these are outweighed by the film’s authenticity and poetic power.
At just 94 minutes, My Father’s Shadow is a visually stunning debut that establishes Akinola Davies Jr. as a filmmaker to watch. It’s an essential experience for anyone drawn to family dramas rich with emotion, history, and cinematic craft.
Rating: 8.5/10
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William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
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