Something About The Briggs (Movie Review)

Written, produced, and directed by Bukola Ogunsola, Something About the Briggs premiered on January 26, 2025, making it the first Nollywood cinema release of the year. Featuring a star-studded cast and an intriguing family-centred plot, this film promises drama, romance, and humour.

The Premise

Sophie Briggs (Ariyike Owolagba), a 31-year-old lawyer from the affluent Briggs family, has never been eager to marry. She avoids serious relationships, even when her persistent neighbour, Chuks Obi (Daniel Etim Effiong), wins her over.

She agrees to date him but insists on calling it a “non-relationship relationship.” However, when Chuks proposes after six months, Sophie panics, convinced her family is cursed—every Briggs marriage ends in disaster.

Determined to prove her wrong, Chuks insists on meeting her family, unaware of the dysfunction that awaits.

From Richard Briggs and Nina’s emotionally strained marriage to Jason Briggs and Bimbo’s ongoing power struggles and Cynthia Briggs’ insecurities with her husband, each sibling’s relationship is troubled.

The final test comes when they visit the formidable Briggs matriarch, who dictates their wedding date without their input.

Overwhelmed, Sophie convinces Chuks to return to their casual arrangement, but he instead chooses to walk away.

As time passes, Sophie realizes she misses him and finally lets down her guard, leading to a second proposal. But just when things seem to settle, an unexpected figure from the past disrupts their introduction ceremony, leaving Sophie to question whether love can truly thrive within her family’s complicated legacy.

Cast and Performances

Ariyike Owolagba (Sophie Briggs) and Daniel Etim Effiong (Chuks Obi) take centre stage in this gripping family drama. Their journey through the chaotic Briggs household is both entertaining and eye-opening, as they attempt to convince themselves that marriage is not worth the trouble.

Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, adding charm and depth to their evolving relationship. For Ariyike, this marks her second major role after Aníkúlápó, and she makes a strong case for more big-screen opportunities with her compelling performance.

Gloria Anozie-Young and Norbert Young, a real-life couple, bring authenticity to their roles as the formidable Mr. and Mrs. Briggs.

Gloria dominates the screen as the overbearing matriarch, whose authority overshadows even her husband’s. Their performances highlight the well-intentioned but ultimately damaging parental influence that has shaped their children’s dysfunctional relationships.

Stan Nze delivers a standout performance as Richard Briggs, a spoiled, abusive man with no real ambition. Opposite him, Elma Mbadiwe (Nina) shines as his emotionally distraught wife, whose struggles make her one of the film’s most sympathetic characters.

Kenneth Okolie and Iyabo Ojo, as Jason Briggs and Bimbo, create a tense and intriguing dynamic. While the root of their marital issues remains vague, their performances keep the audience engaged, offering a mix of drama and unpredictability.

Rita Dominic-Anosike and Kalu Ikeagwu portray Cynthia Briggs-Kuku and Olumide Kuku, a couple caught in a relentless cycle of mistrust and blurred boundaries. Their raw and emotional performances make their relationship one of the film’s most intense.

Other notable appearances include Zack Orji and Tubosun Aiyedehin as Chuks’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. Obi, and rising star Kanaga Junior, who delivers his short role as the unexpected Femi.

What I Liked About the Movie

The film boasts a star-studded cast, with veteran actors like Gloria Young, Norbert Young, and Rita Dominic delivering standout performances that add depth and authenticity to the story.

Their portrayals bring raw emotion to the screen, making the characters’ struggles feel genuine and relatable. Each actor fully embodies their role, ensuring that the audience remains engaged throughout the film.

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of family dynamics. It captures the messy, often complicated relationships between siblings, spouses, and parents with remarkable realism. The film presents conflicts that feel deeply personal yet universally recognizable. These moments of tension and reconciliation drive the narrative, making it easy for viewers to see parts of their own families reflected in the Briggs household.

The soundtrack plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s atmosphere. Carefully selected music enhances the emotional beats of each scene, whether it’s the tension of an argument, the tenderness of a romantic moment, or the grandeur of a family gathering. The regal undertones in the score complement the story’s themes, creating a sense of elegance that elevates the viewing experience.

Visually, the film embraces a regal aesthetic, particularly in its costume design. The opulent fashion choices add to the grandeur of the Briggs family’s world, reinforcing their wealth and status. However, there are moments where the lavish styling feels slightly out of place, creating a contrast that sometimes distracts from the authenticity of certain scenes. Despite this, the overall visual appeal remains striking, contributing to the film’s polished look.

What Didn’t Work

The film primarily unfolds from Sophie’s perspective, but the narration feels inconsistent and poorly coordinated at times.

Visually, the film embraces a regal aesthetic, with costumes that highlight the affluence of the Briggs family. However, some outfits feel more suited to a Bridgerton-esque setting than a contemporary Nollywood film. While the opulence adds to the grandeur, certain choices come across as excessive, creating a slight disconnect between the characters and their present-day reality.

The conflict between Jason Briggs and his wife, Bimbo, lacks a strong foundation. Her motivations feel unclear and make you consistently wonder if there’s more to it.

The movie builds well but falters in the showdown at the introduction ceremony. The execution feels inconsistent, with missteps like Femi’s confusing costume—was he a fashionista or poor? —and Elma’s line, “No to oppression,” and so forth, sounding more like a political speech than natural dialogue.

Final Thoughts

The film is a heartfelt exploration of love, marriage, and family dynamics, brought to life by a stellar cast. While the narration occasionally feels uneven, the performances and relatable conflicts keep the story engaging. Though the costume choices add flair, some feel out of place. Despite a slightly underwhelming climax, the film remains an enjoyable and thought-provoking watch.

How Will I Rate This Movie?

I would rate this movie a 4/5

Have you seen Something About the Briggs? What did you think about Sophie’s journey and the Briggs family drama? Let us know in the comments.