SPECIAL /// MOVIE REVIEW

Raising awareness about autism especially in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, is a commendable venture. Counteracting the stigma and wrong approach towards children and adults living with the medical condition is applaudable, to say the least.

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A big welldone to Ego Nwosu for attempting this and with some other films in time past within this same theme. We need more of this, please

It would also be a delight to see movies on themes related to dementia being produced. The misconception surrounding Alzheimer’s and its related diseases in Africa and particularly in Nigeria is as crazy as it is disheartening.

PLOT

This movie “Special” follows the story of the Idahosas and how they ill-treated their son Osaze (Clinton Joshua), who has sensory needs.

They were too ashamed to be identified with him in public. Thanks to Oreva (Ego Nwosu), who, working as a caregiver in their mansion, would then change the narrative.

MY TAKE

This was an engaging watch. Clinton did justice to the role believably well. You’d think he’s really autistic in real life. Loved the rubik’s cube as one of the fidget toys for people living with autism and/or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). I appreciate how they expressed quite faintly through the ritualistic routines that some people living with the condition have.

The directing, lines, and acting for some of the actors, however sadly, manage to put a dent on such a beautiful story. I have never been so upset at a character my whole life, and whoever directed this should have thought better.

What in the world of affront arrogance, misbehaviour, and bad mouth odor was that maid in the movie??? It’s the audacity for me. It got me almost asking my phone “hey siri, how do I get rid of a character in a movie?” I loathed her scenes. Not just the character but how the actress executed it. Was that meant to be funny? As a matter of fact, that role wasn’t even necessary if you asked me.

And as for the director,

Firstly, you make us believe that this is an influential family and that Chief Idahosa (Kofi Adjorlolo) was running for a political position, yet the interior and exterior of the house did not speak of such.

Secondly, for a family that powerful, why hire and continue to retain a maid who has a terrible mouth odor and have her cook your meals…how can they not be disgusted?

Thirdly, the maid outrightly disrespected Osaze in the very presence of his ‘influential parents’ yet they did nothing. Only for Mrs. Idahosa to be shocked at the way the maid was treating him in his room towards the end of the movie. Naaaah! That didn’t add up!

Fourthly, there’s a clue of the possibility of the duo (Osaze & Oreva) falling in love. That wasn’t necessary. Nah!! Dear Nollywood, two people always in close proximity, do not, I repeat, do not necessarily need to always fall in love…that’s not how it works in real life. Whatever happened to professional boundaries!

There were several inconsistencies here and there where for instance, I believe Oreva’s friend may have disclosed the family secret to which she signed a DND (Do Not Disclose) to a blogger, yet that wasn’t explored or did they forget?

Overall, this movie would have had a greater outcome, were it not for the awful maid role and interpretation from the actor in question and the general direction of the movie, in my opinion. It saddens me, but then, I try to keep sentiments out of my reviews.

If I were to rate the film, I'd give it a 4.5 out of 10. And that would be just for the sake of the concept of autism.

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