Finding Me, a Nollywood drama directed by Funke Akindele and Isioma Osaje, was released in early 2025 and is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video (18+).
The film follows Tinuke Phillips, a shy, self-conscious woman from a wealthy background who battles low self-esteem. Mocked by her husband for not meeting society’s standards, she feels unworthy of love—until her marriage pushes her to transform, confront hard truths, and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
The Premise
Finding Me follows Tinuke Philips, a woman caught between success and heartbreak. She’s the CEO of her father’s steel company, a position her elder brother, Dotun, believes rightfully belongs to him as the “heir apparent” of Olowo Steels. But while Dotun stews in resentment, Tinuke’s real battle isn’t in the boardroom—it’s in her marriage.
Her husband, Kola, is cold and dismissive, treating her with visible disgust and avoiding intimacy. If we’re being honest, Tinuke doesn’t exactly fit the stereotypical mold of allure—she dresses in mismatched colors, barely pays attention to her looks, and struggles with seduction. But does that justify Kola’s serial cheating? He doesn’t even try to hide it, embarrassing her in front of friends, family, and even their son. The truth is, he’s only with her for financial gain, using her wealth to fund his real estate ventures while treating her like an afterthought.
Tinuke, desperate to save her marriage, tries everything—new clothes, butt pads, even overlooking his blatant infidelity. But the breaking point comes at the grand opening of his real estate project, an event funded by her money. Kola thanks everyone, even the event planner (who also happens to be one of his mistresses), but completely ignores Tinuke. She finally walks out, emotionally drained and humiliated.
On the other side of the city, Anthony, a hardworking nightclub manager, is dealing with his own struggles. He’s drowning under the financial burden of his girlfriend’s mother’s cancer treatments. Despite his sister’s concerns, he does everything possible to help, even as his life unravels in heartbreaking ways.
Fate brings Tinuke and Anthony together when she and her best friend, Sarah, visit his nightclub. A casual meeting turns into something more when Anthony becomes Tinuke’s trainer, helping her rebuild her confidence. As their friendship grows, Anthony shares his business idea with her, and she agrees to invest. Then, on the night of her deepest despair—right after Kola’s latest humiliation—Anthony calls to check on her. Sensing her distress, he picks her up, and in a moment of vulnerability, they share a kiss.
Tinuke, once devoted to saving her marriage, finds herself in an affair of her own. With Anthony’s encouragement, she undergoes a complete transformation—new wardrobe, new confidence—but Kola remains indifferent. Suspicious, he orders his driver to spy on her. When Tinuke discovers she’s pregnant, she faces the ultimate dilemma: Who is the father?
What follows is a whirlwind of revelations, betrayals, and a desperate fight for Tinuke to break free finally and, for the first time, indeed find herself.
Cast and Performances
Funke Akindele, the producer and co-director, takes on the role of Tinuke Phillips, stepping away from her signature comedic persona to deliver a restrained yet deeply convincing performance. She embodies Tinuke’s insecurity so well that her character’s struggles become frustratingly real, proving once again why she remains a powerhouse in Nollywood.
Benjamin Joseph shines as Kola Phillips, arguably the standout performance in the cast. He slips seamlessly into the role of the manipulative and unfaithful husband, a character type he previously mastered in Mr. & Mrs. His portrayal is so natural that it feels as though he was born to play such roles.
Efa Iwara plays Anthony, Tinuke’s eventual love interest and the catalyst for her transformation. His portrayal mirrors Tinuke’s emotional journey, making their pairing initially unconventional but ultimately compelling. Their chemistry grows naturally, adding depth to the film’s central dilemma.
Omoni Oboli delivers a solid performance as Sarah, Tinuke’s supportive best friend, providing just the right amount of warmth and encouragement.
Femi Adebayo, Dele Odule, and Shaffy Bello play Dotun, Chief Olowoporoku, and Mrs. Olowoporoku—Tinuke’s brother, father, and mother. Their characters are portrayed as wealthy yet unrefined individuals who struggle with speaking proper English, a contrast Shaffy Bello masters effortlessly despite her usual sophisticated roles. Watching her transform into a rich but unpolished housewife married to an equally unsophisticated businessman is both refreshing and entertaining.
Other notable performances come from Tina Mba, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Sharon Ooja, Omowunmi Dada, Ifeanyi Kalu, Abdulgafar Abiola, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, and Sharon Rotimi—all of whom bring depth and authenticity to their roles.
What Worked
The costume design in Finding Me is a subtle yet powerful storytelling tool. From Tinuke’s modest and unrefined look to her parents’ and brother’s more distinct appearances, every detail reinforces her struggle with self-perception. Even the makeup helps emphasize her transformation, mirroring her emotional journey. These thoughtful choices enhance the film’s authenticity, making it easier to connect with her story.
While the themes of Finding Me—infidelity, financial abuse, body shaming, and emotional manipulation—aren’t new, the film presents them with such nuance that they feel fresh. It doesn’t just highlight these issues; it brings them to life in a way that demands attention. Keeping these conversations alive is important, as they remain harsh realities for many people today.
Then there’s the suspense. Just when you think you know where things are headed, the movie throws in twists that catch you off guard. It keeps you invested, not just in what happens next, but in how the characters navigate their choices. The cinematography and sound design further elevate these moments, drawing you deeper into Tinuke’s world.
The acting? Top-tier. Funke Akindele, Benjamin Joseph, Shaffy Bello and even Emeka Nwagbaraocha, bring their A-game. Their performances breathe life into the story, making it even more immersive.
What Didn’t Work
The movie started well-paced, but towards the end, it began to feel incohesive. Character arcs were not properly resolved—like whatever happened to Rebecca? Even more puzzling was how, almost immediately after Anthony was arrested for alleged murder, another suspect was conveniently caught with video evidence that solved the case. That whole aspect of the movie moved so quickly and confusingly that you might have to pause and rewind just to grasp it. Similarly, Tinuke’s love affair with Anthony felt rushed, with no clear buildup. Their connection seemed to appear out of nowhere, making it hard to fully invest in their relationship.
One thing that also felt off was how little the film explored Tinuke’s parents’ reaction to her crumbling marriage. They were aware, yet their lack of real concern or intervention felt unnatural—almost as if it wasn’t a problem worth addressing. Given how much weight family opinions carry in Nollywood stories, this felt like a missed opportunity. The film builds their characters well at the start, making it even more disappointing when it barely acknowledges their stance on Tinuke’s struggles.
Then there was the unnecessary mention of Tinuke’s supposed brother in the UK. She references his wife, a nurse when she lies about seeking pregnancy advice. But the movie had already established that Chief Olowoporoku had only two children. This addition felt random and avoidable since the lie didn’t require introducing a non-existent sibling.
Lastly, the film starts with a voiceover from Kola Philips, seemingly setting him up as the narrator. But within minutes, this is completely abandoned and never revisited. It felt like a storytelling choice that wasn’t fully thought through, leaving an unresolved structural inconsistency.
Final Thoughts
Finding Me delivers an emotional, well-acted story that feels both familiar and fresh. Funke Akindele once again proves why she remains a powerhouse in Nollywood, both as an actress and filmmaker. The film’s pacing, performances, and suspenseful twists keep you engaged, making Tinuke’s journey of self-discovery compelling to watch. While some storytelling choices felt underdeveloped—like her parents’ lack of involvement and the abandoned narration—it doesn’t take away from the film’s impact. With a strong cast, solid execution, and a relatable theme of self-worth, Finding Me is another win for Akindele and a worthy addition to Nollywood’s evolving storytelling.
How Would I Rate This Movie
A solid 4/5 stars.
Be the first to comment