Call of My Life review – bright and breezy Nigerian call-centre romcom is just right for summer

The latest crop of Nigerian romantic comedies has been making waves, but few have caught on like “Call of My Life”. This delightful film tells the story of Soluchi, a modern-minded career woman living in Lagos who finds love in unexpected places. On the surface, it’s a bright and breezy tale of two people connecting over a phone call, but scratch beneath the layers and you’ll find a nuanced exploration of relationships, identity, and what it means to truly see someone.

The film’s central character, Sol, is a natural empath who excels at her job as a call centre worker. She’s great with customers, solving their problems with patience and good cheer, but her own personal life is another story altogether. Her boss prioritizes productivity over employee well-being, while her on-again, off-again boyfriend Kalu treats her like a doormat. It’s only when she meets Eli, a handsome Ghanaian news anchorman, that Sol begins to see herself and her worth.

The film portrays relationships in modern Nigeria with unflinching honesty. The challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies are starkly evident, particularly in Kalu’s treatment of Sol. This is a reminder that even in the 21st century, some men still view women as trophies to be won and lost.

But “Call of My Life” isn’t just about relationships – it’s also about identity. Sol navigates various roles with ease, but beneath the surface lies a deep-seated fear of being hurt again. Her connection with Eli is more than just a romantic interest; it’s an opportunity for her to confront her past and discover what she truly wants from life.

Director Dammy Twitch deserves credit for his light touch when dealing with potentially heavy themes. He avoids didacticism, instead allowing the characters to breathe and grow at their own pace. The result is a story that feels authentic and relatable, even if it doesn’t always shy away from convention.

The film’s portrayal of complex, multidimensional characters is particularly noteworthy. Soluchi and Eli defy easy categorization – they’re not just romantic leads, but fully realized people with their own agency. This departure from conventional romcoms is a welcome one for Nigerian cinema.

The collaboration between Twitch and his co-writers has yielded a story that’s both uniquely Nigerian and universally relatable. The partnership between Ghanaian and Nigerian creatives highlights the importance of cross-cultural exchange in creating something truly special.

As Sol navigates her relationships and confronts her fears, it’s hard not to think about the broader implications of “Call of My Life”. What does it say about us as a society when we prioritize our own desires over the needs of others? Can we learn from Sol’s experiences and apply them to our own lives?

Ultimately, “Call of My Life” is more than just a romcom – it’s a gentle subversion of expectations. It’s a reminder that love can be found in unexpected places, and that sometimes, all it takes is someone who truly sees you to make a difference.

As the credits roll, we’re left with a sense of hope and possibility. Soluchi’s story may be just one among many, but its impact will linger long after the curtain falls.