Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by safarigirl(f): 11:08pm On Dec 16, 2022 |
Phew! It's been a while I was on the streets, but there will be no dilly-dallying. Netflix closed the year for the Nigerian market with their much anticipated Young Adult series titled Far From Home. It's a 5-episode series that tells the tale of a talented boy from a poor home, and how he makes it into a prestigious school for the rich. Quick details, before we get into the nitty gritty of things Title: Far From Home Director(s): Chinaza Onuzo, Dami Elebe Writer(s): Dami Elebe, Chinaza Onuzo Genre: Drama, Comedy Actor(s): Funke Akindele, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Mike Afolarin, Elma Mbadiwe, Adesua Etomi, Bolanle Ninalowo, Bimbo Akintola Run Time- 5 episodes of 1 hr Each (5 hrs) Production: Netflix, Inkblot Plot: Ishaya Bello, a talented artist from a poor home, applies to a prestigious University in a bid to secure a $10,000 Scholarship fund. His grand plan hits a glitch, when he realises he's not entitled to the cash grant. Ishaya resorts to making deals with criminal characters, in a bid to recover various amounts he's sunk into his dream. This leads him into dangerous situations, while trying to settle into a school he doesn't quite fit into. Review: Okay, to the thick of it. Prior to this series premier, Netflix and the entire production team got a lot of flack, specifically on Twitter, for everything from casting choices to the reality of the movie's premise. While this contributed to publicity, it was negative publicity for the most part. However, the series puts to bed so many of the criticisms. First off, I want to start with the plotline. To be honest, I was halfway through the first episode, waiting for the action to start, while trying to make sense of how this guy who seems a bit older than the average Secondary School student, would pass as one. If this is your worry, let me help you now by telling you that the school is supposed to be for Advanced Levels (A'Levels), which typically comes after Secondary School (O'Levels), so, if the seeming age discrepancies are your grouse, you can shrug that off and keep it moving. Now, to the rest of the movie. It did follow the somewhat popular trope of "street kid in a rich school, selling drugs to the privileged kids and catching the eye of the most popular girl in school", but it followed it well enough. Ishaya Bello's (Afolarin) entire involvement with Wilmer Academy, and then subsequently, the criminal duo of Rambo (Ninalowo) and Ijoba alias Government (Franklin), is a result of his desperation to fulfill his dream of being an artist. Most of his decisions equally follow this desperation, so much that he ends up betraying friends and family at certain points. Following the continued "Americanization" of Nollywood, Wilmer Academy, the school the series is set in, aligns with everything expected in an American school; cheerleaders and football players (only, actual football, not that eggball the Americans play obviously), mean boys and girls, outcasts (although, this line is blurred pretty fast), and Founders Day Ball, which is just some form of Prom. However, while you may be tempted to snicker a couple of times as an alumni of a Public school, bear in mind, that we don't know what goes on with the bourgeoise ![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) . The writing was quite good, shout out to Dami Elebe, the Headwriter and her team. The vision was there, and was translated well. There were scenes that seemed problematic at the time they were happening, however, later scenes cleared up whatever issues that may have arisen. Now, to dabble into perhaps, the most controversial part of the series for many, CASTING. To be honest, a lot of people were just mad that people who we assumed were playing teenagers, had too much facial hair to pass. In defence, the promo pictures did them no favours. However, the casting was quite good. Elma Mbadiwe was great as Carmen, the troubled daughter of the school's owners, there were moments when she'd remind me of Kerry Washington with her facial features. Mike Afolarin's gemu eventually didn't matter so much, as he pulled off the role of Ishaya Bello brilliantly. Bucci Franklin as always, was stellar as Government. Bolanle Ninalowo earned my applause, because while Rambo was an offshoot of the character he absolutely owned in Picture Perfect, 'Jobe', he was indeed a fearful crime lord. He murdered every scene, and did a clean up afterward. Emeka Nwagbaraocha, who plays Frank, may be familiar to some after his role in RattleSnake as the Techkid. As Frank, he executes the role of a timid, good-natured kid, really well. I rather enjoyed his first interaction with Rahila (Tomi Ojo), Ishaya's sister. Olumide Oworu really makes an unlikeable character in the manipulative and egoistic, Atlas, Carmen's (Mbadiwe) sweetheart. Another actor who shone, was someone we never even got to see in the promo videos or poster- Natse Jemide, who plays Reggie, one of the students. Soon as I saw this kid, I sat up, because "Hollup! Why ain't his picture on the posters?" If they moved this kid from the show and threw him into some American movie, he'd not look out of place. He embodied the chill vibes you'd expect from the cool, rich kid. Possibly my favourite character from the series. I look forward to seeing more of him in Nollywood, his aura is immaculate. I really liked that for the most part, the more established actors played a background role to the kids. The likes of RMD, Bimbo Akintola, Carolyn King, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman and Adesua Etomi-Wellington play their role as Faculty very well, Funke Akindele and Paul Adams also tug some heartstrings as the parents of Ishaya Bello, Netflix' best guy, Deyemi Okanlawon also brings the suave as the celebrated artist, Essien. Guest appearances by Chioma Chukwura, Ufuoma McDermott, Yemi Blaq, Femi Branch, FunnyBone, Ibrahim Suleiman, Erica Nlewedim, and Oge Okoye wrap everything up pretty well. Overall, the casting was good, new faces were introduced and I'm pretty hopeful the Nollywood space will be kind to them. As with most Netflix productions, the cinematography, sound, lighting and overall production was very good. They did not spare usage of Nigerian music with the soundtracks, and I particularly liked the blending of Fave's Baby with the dialogue in a scene. The series is set in Lagos, and while we're made aware of the wealth of some of the students, the houses shown didn't have repulsively extravagant decor. They looked classy enough, without being tacky. Far From Home is a great series, and I do hope it gets a second season. It explores themes of friendship, betrayal, family, self discovery, sacrifice, to name a few. I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it for a watch this festive season. The pilot episode starts slow, but once you settle in, it's quite interesting. Rating: 8/10 Have you seen the series? If yes, what are your thoughts? If no, what are you waiting for? ![undecided](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/undecided.png) 34 Likes 3 Shares
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Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by iLoveYouToo(m): 3:02am On Dec 17, 2022 |
Good review but I don’t watch movies 3 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by kayevans: 3:03am On Dec 17, 2022 |
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Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by kayevans: 3:03am On Dec 17, 2022 |
safarigirl: Phew! It's been a while I was on the streets, but there will be no dilly-dallying. Netflix closed the year for the Nigerian market with their much anticipated Young Adult series titled Far From Home.
It's a 5-episode series that tells the tale of a talented boy from a poor home, and how he makes it into a prestigious school for the rich. Quick details, before we get into the nitty gritty of things 2TC
Title: Far From Home
Director(s): Chinaza Onuzo, Dami Elebe
Writer(s): Dami Elebe, Chinaza Onuzo
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Actor(s): Funke Akindele, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Mike Afolarin, Elma Mbadiwe, Adesua Etomi, Bolanle Ninalowo, Bimbo Akintola
Run Time- 5 episodes of 1 hr Each (5 hrs)
Production: Netflix, Inkblot
Plot:
Ishaya Bello, a talented artist from a poor home, applies to a prestigious University in a bid to secure a $10,000 Scholarship fund. His grand plan hits a glitch, when he realises he's not entitled to the cash grant. Ishaya resorts to making deals with criminal characters, in a bid to recover various amounts he's sunk into his dream. This leads him into dangerous situations, while trying to settle into a school he doesn't quite fit into.
Review:
Okay, to the thick of it. Prior to this series premier, Netflix and the entire production team got a lot of flack, specifically on Twitter, for everything from casting choices to the reality of the movie's premise.
While this contributed to publicity, it was negative publicity for the most part. However, the series puts to bed so many of the criticisms.
First off, I want to start with the plotline. To be honest, I was halfway through the first episode, waiting for the action to start, while trying to make sense of how this guy who seems a bit older than the average Secondary School student, would pass as one. If this is your worry, let me help you now by telling you that the school is supposed to be for Advanced Levels (A'Levels), which typically comes after Secondary School (O'Levels), so, if the seeming age discrepancies are your grouse, you can shrug that off and keep it moving.
Now, to the rest of the movie. It did follow the somewhat popular trope of "street kid in a rich school, selling drugs to the privileged kids and catching the eye of the most popular girl in school", but it followed it well enough. Ishaya Bello's (Afolarin) entire involvement with Wilmer Academy, and then subsequently, the criminal duo of Rambo (Ninalowo) and Ijoba alias Government (Franklin), is a result of his desperation to fulfill his dream of being an artist. Most of his decisions equally follow this desperation, so much that he ends up betraying friends and family at certain points.
Following the continued "Americanization" of Nollywood, Wilmer Academy, the school the series is set in, aligns with everything expected in an American school; cheerleaders and football players (only, actual football, not that eggball the Americans play obviously), mean boys and girls, outcasts (although, this line is blurred pretty fast), and Founders Day Ball, which is just some form of Prom. However, while you may be tempted to snicker a couple of times as an alumni of a Public school, bear in mind, that we don't know what goes on with the bourgeoise .
The writing was quite good, shout out to Dami Elebe, the Headwriter and her team. The vision was there, and was translated well. There were scenes that seemed problematic at the time they were happening, however, later scenes cleared up whatever issues that may have arisen.
Now, to dabble into perhaps, the most controversial part of the series for many, CASTING. To be honest, a lot of people were just mad that people who we assumed were playing teenagers, had too much facial hair to pass. In defence, the promo pictures did them no favours. However, the casting was quite good. Elma Mbadiwe was great as Carmen, the troubled daughter of the school's owners, there were moments when she'd remind me of Kerry Washington with her facial features. Mike Afolarin's gemu eventually didn't matter so much, as he pulled off the role of Ishaya Bello brilliantly. Bucci Franklin as always, was stellar as Government. Bolanle Ninalowo earned my applause, because while Rambo was an offshoot of the character he absolutely owned in Picture Perfect, 'Jobe', he was indeed a fearful crime lord. He murdered every scene, and did a clean up afterward. Emeka Nwagbaraocha, who plays Frank, may be familiar to some after his role in RattleSnake as the Techkid. As Frank, he executes the role of a timid, good-natured kid, really well. I rather enjoyed his first interaction with Rahila (Tomi Ojo), Ishaya's sister. Olumide Oworu really makes an unlikeable character in the manipulative and egoistic, Atlas, Carmen's (Mbadiwe) sweetheart. Another actor who shone, was someone we never even got to see in the promo videos or poster- Natse Jemide, who plays Reggie, one of the students. Soon as I saw this kid, I sat up, because "Hollup! Why ain't his picture on the posters?" If they moved this kid from the show and threw him into some American movie, he'd not look out of place. He embodied the chill vibes you'd expect from the cool, rich kid. Possibly my favourite character from the series. I look forward to seeing more of him in Nollywood, his aura is immaculate.
I really liked that for the most part, the more established actors played a background role to the kids. The likes of RMD, Bimbo Akintola, Carolyn King, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman and Adesua Etomi-Wellington play their role as Faculty very well, Funke Akindele and Paul Adams also tug some heartstrings as the parents of Ishaya Bello, Netflix' best guy, Deyemi Okanlawon also brings the suave as the celebrated artist, Essien. Guest appearances by Chioma Chukwura, Ufuoma McDermott, Yemi Blaq, Femi Branch, FunnyBone, Ibrahim Suleiman, Erica Nlewedim, and Oge Okoye wrap everything up pretty well.
Overall, the casting was good, new faces were introduced and I'm pretty hopeful the Nollywood space will be kind to them.
As with most Netflix productions, the cinematography, sound, lighting and overall production was very good. They did not spare usage of Nigerian music with the soundtracks, and I particularly liked the blending of Fave's Baby with the dialogue in a scene. The series is set in Lagos, and while we're made aware of the wealth of some of the students, the houses shown didn't have repulsively extravagant decor. They looked classy enough, without being tacky.
Far From Home is a great series, and I do hope it gets a second season. It explores themes of friendship, betrayal, family, self discovery, sacrifice, to name a few.
I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it for a watch this festive season. The pilot episode starts slow, but once you settle in, it's quite interesting.
Rating: 8/10
Have you seen the series? If yes, what are your thoughts? If no, what are you waiting for? ![undecided](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/undecided.png) |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by Hopebringer: 3:04am On Dec 17, 2022 |
THIS IS CRAP NO ONE CARES ABOUT.
JEEZ 11 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by Cristobal15: 3:05am On Dec 17, 2022 |
Dem Dey pay you better money oooo, u carry PR come nairaland too… very mid series with 40yrs old teenagers…be truthful sha , money is not everything 31 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by boneruns(m): 3:06am On Dec 17, 2022 |
I never thought I could be glued to watching a Nollywood series like I did watching this.
Very interesting storyline with a lot of suspense.
I loved how they showed how the common man lives in Nigeria, and how the affluents live too.
Hoping the next season is out soon! 27 Likes |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by observanc1: 3:07am On Dec 17, 2022 |
Barrister bbnaija. Big brother titan is coming up on Jan 15, see u then. Hope u gave kudos to Erica, the most beautiful girl that has ever graced bbnaija. 4 Likes |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by Bimffo(m): 3:10am On Dec 17, 2022 |
Very very good breakdown from you Safari.
Thumbs up! 16 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by MissOpe(f): 3:12am On Dec 17, 2022 |
Safarigirl. You're such a great and terrific writer... Keep it up!!! 23 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by observanc1: 3:17am On Dec 17, 2022 |
safarigirl: Phew! It's been a while I was on the streets, but there will be no dilly-dallying. Netflix closed the year for the Nigerian market with their much anticipated Young Adult series titled Far From Home.
It's a 5-episode series that tells the tale of a talented boy from a poor home, and how he makes it into a prestigious school for the rich. Quick details, before we get into the nitty gritty of things
Title: Far From Home
Director(s): Chinaza Onuzo, Dami Elebe
Writer(s): Dami Elebe, Chinaza Onuzo
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Actor(s): Funke Akindele, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Mike Afolarin, Elma Mbadiwe, Adesua Etomi, Bolanle Ninalowo, Bimbo Akintola
Run Time- 5 episodes of 1 hr Each (5 hrs)
Production: Netflix, Inkblot
Plot:
Ishaya Bello, a talented artist from a poor home, applies to a prestigious University in a bid to secure a $10,000 Scholarship fund. His grand plan hits a glitch, when he realises he's not entitled to the cash grant. Ishaya resorts to making deals with criminal characters, in a bid to recover various amounts he's sunk into his dream. This leads him into dangerous situations, while trying to settle into a school he doesn't quite fit into.
Review:
Okay, to the thick of it. Prior to this series premier, Netflix and the entire production team got a lot of flack, specifically on Twitter, for everything from casting choices to the reality of the movie's premise.
While this contributed to publicity, it was negative publicity for the most part. However, the series puts to bed so many of the criticisms.
First off, I want to start with the plotline. To be honest, I was halfway through the first episode, waiting for the action to start, while trying to make sense of how this guy who seems a bit older than the average Secondary School student, would pass as one. If this is your worry, let me help you now by telling you that the school is supposed to be for Advanced Levels (A'Levels), which typically comes after Secondary School (O'Levels), so, if the seeming age discrepancies are your grouse, you can shrug that off and keep it moving.
Now, to the rest of the movie. It did follow the somewhat popular trope of "street kid in a rich school, selling drugs to the privileged kids and catching the eye of the most popular girl in school", but it followed it well enough. Ishaya Bello's (Afolarin) entire involvement with Wilmer Academy, and then subsequently, the criminal duo of Rambo (Ninalowo) and Ijoba alias Government (Franklin), is a result of his desperation to fulfill his dream of being an artist. Most of his decisions equally follow this desperation, so much that he ends up betraying friends and family at certain points.
Following the continued "Americanization" of Nollywood, Wilmer Academy, the school the series is set in, aligns with everything expected in an American school; cheerleaders and football players (only, actual football, not that eggball the Americans play obviously), mean boys and girls, outcasts (although, this line is blurred pretty fast), and Founders Day Ball, which is just some form of Prom. However, while you may be tempted to snicker a couple of times as an alumni of a Public school, bear in mind, that we don't know what goes on with the bourgeoise .
The writing was quite good, shout out to Dami Elebe, the Headwriter and her team. The vision was there, and was translated well. There were scenes that seemed problematic at the time they were happening, however, later scenes cleared up whatever issues that may have arisen.
Now, to dabble into perhaps, the most controversial part of the series for many, CASTING. To be honest, a lot of people were just mad that people who we assumed were playing teenagers, had too much facial hair to pass. In defence, the promo pictures did them no favours. However, the casting was quite good. Elma Mbadiwe was great as Carmen, the troubled daughter of the school's owners, there were moments when she'd remind me of Kerry Washington with her facial features. Mike Afolarin's gemu eventually didn't matter so much, as he pulled off the role of Ishaya Bello brilliantly. Bucci Franklin as always, was stellar as Government. Bolanle Ninalowo earned my applause, because while Rambo was an offshoot of the character he absolutely owned in Picture Perfect, 'Jobe', he was indeed a fearful crime lord. He murdered every scene, and did a clean up afterward. Emeka Nwagbaraocha, who plays Frank, may be familiar to some after his role in RattleSnake as the Techkid. As Frank, he executes the role of a timid, good-natured kid, really well. I rather enjoyed his first interaction with Rahila (Tomi Ojo), Ishaya's sister. Olumide Oworu really makes an unlikeable character in the manipulative and egoistic, Atlas, Carmen's (Mbadiwe) sweetheart. Another actor who shone, was someone we never even got to see in the promo videos or poster- Natse Jemide, who plays Reggie, one of the students. Soon as I saw this kid, I sat up, because "Hollup! Why ain't his picture on the posters?" If they moved this kid from the show and threw him into some American movie, he'd not look out of place. He embodied the chill vibes you'd expect from the cool, rich kid. Possibly my favourite character from the series. I look forward to seeing more of him in Nollywood, his aura is immaculate.
I really liked that for the most part, the more established actors played a background role to the kids. The likes of RMD, Bimbo Akintola, Carolyn King, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman and Adesua Etomi-Wellington play their role as Faculty very well, Funke Akindele and Paul Adams also tug some heartstrings as the parents of Ishaya Bello, Netflix' best guy, Deyemi Okanlawon also brings the suave as the celebrated artist, Essien. Guest appearances by Chioma Chukwura, Ufuoma McDermott, Yemi Blaq, Femi Branch, FunnyBone, Ibrahim Suleiman, Erica Nlewedim, and Oge Okoye wrap everything up pretty well.
Overall, the casting was good, new faces were introduced and I'm pretty hopeful the Nollywood space will be kind to them.
As with most Netflix productions, the cinematography, sound, lighting and overall production was very good. They did not spare usage of Nigerian music with the soundtracks, and I particularly liked the blending of Fave's Baby with the dialogue in a scene. The series is set in Lagos, and while we're made aware of the wealth of some of the students, the houses shown didn't have repulsively extravagant decor. They looked classy enough, without being tacky.
Far From Home is a great series, and I do hope it gets a second season. It explores themes of friendship, betrayal, family, self discovery, sacrifice, to name a few.
I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it for a watch this festive season. The pilot episode starts slow, but once you settle in, it's quite interesting.
Rating: 8/10
Have you seen the series? If yes, what are your thoughts? If no, what are you waiting for? ![undecided](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/undecided.png) so u write all this grammar without mentioning Erica's name as part of the cast. 2 Likes |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by observanc1: 3:18am On Dec 17, 2022 |
MissOpe: Safarigirl. You're such a great and terrific writer... Keep it up!!! very biased writer. 2 Likes |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by Badgers14: 3:23am On Dec 17, 2022 |
I am seeing very decent nollywood movies on Netflix this days... enough of all these king and queen nollywood movies ![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) 14 Likes |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by deepwater(f): 3:35am On Dec 17, 2022 |
Waiting for useless people to bash that movie
People would just sit down and downplay someone else's hard work 26 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by Nwadu: 3:37am On Dec 17, 2022 |
Make I use my data download naija movie?
Hmmmm 3 Likes |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by Contango(m): 3:41am On Dec 17, 2022 |
I actually thought you were referring to Marvel’s Spider-Man: Far from Home. Lol 4 Likes |
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Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by MorataFC: 3:47am On Dec 17, 2022 |
Safari girl, long time. |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by Mindlog: 3:48am On Dec 17, 2022 |
I have not watched it, let me check it out now to have a sneak view. .........Now on Episode 2! ![cheesy](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/cheesy.png) to ......Finished watching the entire episodes. ![cheesy](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/cheesy.png) |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by MANNABBQGRILLS: 3:56am On Dec 17, 2022 |
This sounds interesting. Will look our for it this holiday season. And guys, don't forget about the great movie ANIKULAPO, also BAD COMMENTS. You won't regret watching those two movies. Godwin5766: yes ! You're right..Bad comments. Its a very very interesting movie You can say that again Godwin. 5 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by Psady(m): 4:09am On Dec 17, 2022 |
Seeing this weekend for sure! |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by Yuneehk(f): 4:15am On Dec 17, 2022 |
observanc1: so u write all this grammar without mentioning Erica's name as part of the cast. You obviously didn't read what she wrote. And if you're only interested in finding a particular name, use Ctrl+F. 4 Likes |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by meobizy(f): 4:15am On Dec 17, 2022 |
Hmm. I don’t know if I can invest the time into a Nigerian series. The last one I enjoyed was Hotel Majestic. There’s the other one on Netflix I’m still yet to watch, it was big early in the year and had every akata renewing their Netflix accounts. Meh, I’ll see which movie offerings there are. Series will come far down the line.
See Nairalanders typing “good write-up” yet na una dey frustrate her efforts in the BBNaija thread. Na una dey do unaselves. Person wey choose to draw benefit from this forum go do am wella. Many others — 97% of una and more — only waste otherwise useful time. 7 Likes |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by skedy1(m): 4:41am On Dec 17, 2022 |
safarigirl: Phew! It's been a while I was on the streets, but there will be no dilly-dallying. Netflix closed the year for the Nigerian market with their much anticipated Young Adult series titled Far From Home.
It's a 5-episode series that tells the tale of a talented boy from a poor home, and how he makes it into a prestigious school for the rich. Quick details, before we get into the nitty gritty of things
Title: Far From Home
Director(s): Chinaza Onuzo, Dami Elebe
Writer(s): Dami Elebe, Chinaza Onuzo
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Actor(s): Funke Akindele, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Mike Afolarin, Elma Mbadiwe, Adesua Etomi, Bolanle Ninalowo, Bimbo Akintola
Run Time- 5 episodes of 1 hr Each (5 hrs)
Production: Netflix, Inkblot
Plot:
Ishaya Bello, a talented artist from a poor home, applies to a prestigious University in a bid to secure a $10,000 Scholarship fund. His grand plan hits a glitch, when he realises he's not entitled to the cash grant. Ishaya resorts to making deals with criminal characters, in a bid to recover various amounts he's sunk into his dream. This leads him into dangerous situations, while trying to settle into a school he doesn't quite fit into.
Review:
Okay, to the thick of it. Prior to this series premier, Netflix and the entire production team got a lot of flack, specifically on Twitter, for everything from casting choices to the reality of the movie's premise.
While this contributed to publicity, it was negative publicity for the most part. However, the series puts to bed so many of the criticisms.
First off, I want to start with the plotline. To be honest, I was halfway through the first episode, waiting for the action to start, while trying to make sense of how this guy who seems a bit older than the average Secondary School student, would pass as one. If this is your worry, let me help you now by telling you that the school is supposed to be for Advanced Levels (A'Levels), which typically comes after Secondary School (O'Levels), so, if the seeming age discrepancies are your grouse, you can shrug that off and keep it moving.
Now, to the rest of the movie. It did follow the somewhat popular trope of "street kid in a rich school, selling drugs to the privileged kids and catching the eye of the most popular girl in school", but it followed it well enough. Ishaya Bello's (Afolarin) entire involvement with Wilmer Academy, and then subsequently, the criminal duo of Rambo (Ninalowo) and Ijoba alias Government (Franklin), is a result of his desperation to fulfill his dream of being an artist. Most of his decisions equally follow this desperation, so much that he ends up betraying friends and family at certain points.
Following the continued "Americanization" of Nollywood, Wilmer Academy, the school the series is set in, aligns with everything expected in an American school; cheerleaders and football players (only, actual football, not that eggball the Americans play obviously), mean boys and girls, outcasts (although, this line is blurred pretty fast), and Founders Day Ball, which is just some form of Prom. However, while you may be tempted to snicker a couple of times as an alumni of a Public school, bear in mind, that we don't know what goes on with the bourgeoise .
The writing was quite good, shout out to Dami Elebe, the Headwriter and her team. The vision was there, and was translated well. There were scenes that seemed problematic at the time they were happening, however, later scenes cleared up whatever issues that may have arisen.
Now, to dabble into perhaps, the most controversial part of the series for many, CASTING. To be honest, a lot of people were just mad that people who we assumed were playing teenagers, had too much facial hair to pass. In defence, the promo pictures did them no favours. However, the casting was quite good. Elma Mbadiwe was great as Carmen, the troubled daughter of the school's owners, there were moments when she'd remind me of Kerry Washington with her facial features. Mike Afolarin's gemu eventually didn't matter so much, as he pulled off the role of Ishaya Bello brilliantly. Bucci Franklin as always, was stellar as Government. Bolanle Ninalowo earned my applause, because while Rambo was an offshoot of the character he absolutely owned in Picture Perfect, 'Jobe', he was indeed a fearful crime lord. He murdered every scene, and did a clean up afterward. Emeka Nwagbaraocha, who plays Frank, may be familiar to some after his role in RattleSnake as the Techkid. As Frank, he executes the role of a timid, good-natured kid, really well. I rather enjoyed his first interaction with Rahila (Tomi Ojo), Ishaya's sister. Olumide Oworu really makes an unlikeable character in the manipulative and egoistic, Atlas, Carmen's (Mbadiwe) sweetheart. Another actor who shone, was someone we never even got to see in the promo videos or poster- Natse Jemide, who plays Reggie, one of the students. Soon as I saw this kid, I sat up, because "Hollup! Why ain't his picture on the posters?" If they moved this kid from the show and threw him into some American movie, he'd not look out of place. He embodied the chill vibes you'd expect from the cool, rich kid. Possibly my favourite character from the series. I look forward to seeing more of him in Nollywood, his aura is immaculate.
I really liked that for the most part, the more established actors played a background role to the kids. The likes of RMD, Bimbo Akintola, Carolyn King, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman and Adesua Etomi-Wellington play their role as Faculty very well, Funke Akindele and Paul Adams also tug some heartstrings as the parents of Ishaya Bello, Netflix' best guy, Deyemi Okanlawon also brings the suave as the celebrated artist, Essien. Guest appearances by Chioma Chukwura, Ufuoma McDermott, Yemi Blaq, Femi Branch, FunnyBone, Ibrahim Suleiman, Erica Nlewedim, and Oge Okoye wrap everything up pretty well.
Overall, the casting was good, new faces were introduced and I'm pretty hopeful the Nollywood space will be kind to them.
As with most Netflix productions, the cinematography, sound, lighting and overall production was very good. They did not spare usage of Nigerian music with the soundtracks, and I particularly liked the blending of Fave's Baby with the dialogue in a scene. The series is set in Lagos, and while we're made aware of the wealth of some of the students, the houses shown didn't have repulsively extravagant decor. They looked classy enough, without being tacky.
Far From Home is a great series, and I do hope it gets a second season. It explores themes of friendship, betrayal, family, self discovery, sacrifice, to name a few.
I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it for a watch this festive season. The pilot episode starts slow, but once you settle in, it's quite interesting.
Rating: 8/10
Have you seen the series? If yes, what are your thoughts? If no, what are you waiting for? ![undecided](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/undecided.png) This review alone feels like I've seen the movie already. I hope I don't get disappointed o! Great reviews by the way. 1 Like |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by Nobody: 4:42am On Dec 17, 2022 |
The characters kinda look way too old to be playing as high school students.
Maybe the guys should've at least shaved their beard just to look younger. 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by Bantu10: 4:43am On Dec 17, 2022 |
post=119213355: This sounds interesting. Will look our for it this holiday season.
And guys, don't forget about the great movie ANIKULAPO, also BAD COMMENTS.
You won't regret watching those two movies. You detest sane people all over the world 2 Likes |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by house10studios: 4:43am On Dec 17, 2022 |
We here |
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Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by nairalee(m): 4:50am On Dec 17, 2022 |
if its not spider man it should stay far from my home o 2 Likes |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by Vulcanheph(m): 4:54am On Dec 17, 2022 |
I actually have no intention of watching this series... I'm actually watching WEDNESDAY another school series currently on Netflix and it's actually quite good 3 Likes |
Re: Review And Rating: Netflix Far From Home by scholasticzeal: 5:02am On Dec 17, 2022 |
observanc1: so u write all this grammar without mentioning Erica's name as part of the cast. Did you read the write up at all ? 1 Like |