Netflix 'A Naija Christmas' Review: Vibrant, wholesome family film that shines with love
Spoilers for 'A Naija Christmas'
Netflix's original Nigerian Christmas movie 'A Naija Christmas' just dropped and it showcases Black excellence that is full of fun! The Christmas watch will see three brothers race against time to bring home a lady love for Christmas in order to win their family home as promised by their mother.
The movie has stars Abayomi Alvin, Kunle Remi, Efa Iwara, and Rachel Oniga as the leads. Netflix's first Nigerian Christmas-themed movie also serves as one of Oniga's last works as the beloved Nollywood actress died this year. The film is a celebration of life and family. So read on to know what we thought of the Christmas flick and watch it yourself if you liked what you read!
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'A Naija Christmas' essentially means a Nigerian Christmas and as you can guess that's where our movie is set and it is absolutely bustling with activity! We meet the philanderer and womanizing Ugo (Kunle Remi) who does not have love on his mind, his younger brother Obi (Efa Iwara) who gets rejected by his boss and girlfriend Vera (Linda Osifo) when he proposes marriage, and the third brother Chike (Abayomi Alvin) who's sleeping with a married woman.
The common thing between all three is the lack of a lady in their lives but things change when their fed-up mother Agatha (Rachel Oniga) tells them whoever settles down first gets the house and thus begins the funny and fierce competition between the brothers.
The Netflix movie is a very colorful watch, has some great music and showcases Nigerian culture beautifully. From the native songs to the food, all of it just makes you want to visit and be part of the pretty place. Rachel Oniga is a hoot as the overdramatic yet loving mother who just wants her sons to be happy. Watching her character instantly recover from a panic attack after her sons tell her they have ladies in their lives was hilarious and relatable as we all see such drama coming from our very own mothers as well.
Kunle Remi, Efa Iwara and Abayomi Alvin were perfect as siblings with their childish behavior even as adults showcasing proper banter and fights that siblings have. The movie also packs in on realistic moments like the responsibility of being the firstborn and feeling the pressure and pride that comes with it.
Although a Christmas watch, the movie only has something Christmassy as the end making for the perfect tie-in that perfectly brings it all together. Wholesomeness is brought to the table as the brothers' love for another shines through, with them even finding true loves that actually make them happy. Romantic love, familial love, and the love for community and culture all shine in this brilliantly vibrant watch.
Our suggestion — get the family together or the siblings you haven't met in ages and sit down together for this sweet and funny family comedy on the occasion of Christmas.
'A Naija Christmas' is now streaming on Netflix.