The Contract is a suspenseful Nigerian crime thriller that blends romance and drama in a story about ambition, deception, and unexpected love. The film follows Ifeanyi “Ike” Anachonjo (played by Hlomla Dandala), a wealthy, no-nonsense bachelor who seems to have it all, except one thing—a child to carry on his legacy. Deeply set on remaining unmarried but wanting a child, Ike devises a contract-based agreement to have a baby without the strings of marriage. He meets Tumi (Stephanie Okereke Linus), a headstrong, independent woman who agrees to his unusual proposal for her own mysterious reasons.
As Ike and Tumi navigate the terms of their “contract,” they find themselves caught up in a world of conflicting emotions, hidden motives, and a spark of romance neither expected. This twist on the romantic comedy genre addresses societal pressures around marriage and parenthood while offering a humorous yet touching look at relationships, freedom, and commitment.
Awards & Wins:
The Contract was well-received both commercially and critically, securing several nominations and awards in the African film scene:
- Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) 2013:
- Best Actor – Hlomla Dandala (Nomination)
- Best Actress – Stephanie Okereke Linus (Nomination)
- Best Screenplay – Nomination for the witty and heartfelt script.
The film’s unique premise and the chemistry between the lead actors garnered attention, and it was praised for its engaging storyline and strong performances.
Cast & Crew:
- Director: Shirley Frimpong-Manso
- Main Cast:
- Hlomla Dandala as Ifeanyi “Ike” Anachonjo – A successful, confident businessman determined to avoid marriage but interested in fatherhood.
- Stephanie Okereke Linus as Tumi – A free-spirited, witty woman who accepts Ike’s unusual proposal for her own reasons.
- Joseph Benjamin as Greg – Ike’s best friend, often serving as his voice of reason.
- Lydia Forson as Angie – Tumi’s best friend, adding humor and perspective to Tumi’s choices.
Screenplay: Written by Hlomla Dandala, blending humor with social commentary on family, love, and independence.
Cinematography: Directed by Bob Jene, the visual style is clean and modern, emphasizing the contrast between the structured, controlled world of Ike and the free-spirited life Tumi leads.
Music: Composed by Kwame Yeboah, the soundtrack complements the film’s tone with lighthearted, romantic melodies mixed with moments of suspenseful tension.
IMDb Ratings:
IMDb Score: 7.2/10
Viewers responded positively to The Contract for its unconventional plot and humorous take on serious societal expectations. While some critics found the pacing slow at times, the dynamic performances by Dandala and Okereke Linus kept audiences engaged.
Personal Insights:
The Contract is both humorous and insightful, bringing a fresh perspective to the rom-com genre within African cinema. Hlomla Dandala shines as Ike, playing the character with a mix of charm and rigidity that makes his journey from control to vulnerability convincing and often hilarious. Stephanie Okereke Linus’ portrayal of Tumi adds layers to the story; she’s witty and fierce, balancing Ike’s seriousness with her lively unpredictability. Their chemistry is electric, and their back-and-forth dialogues make for some of the film’s most memorable scenes.
One of the film’s highlights is how it tackles societal expectations, particularly around marriage, with a light-hearted but critical lens. It questions the traditional pressures faced by individuals to marry and start families, especially within African societies. The Contract explores how modern-day relationships can be reshaped by changing expectations, with Ike and Tumi’s relationship developing from contractual formality to something genuine, albeit unexpected.
Cultural Significance:
The Contract stands out for addressing themes of individual choice versus societal pressure, a topic that resonates widely within African cultures where traditional expectations often shape personal decisions. The film’s success helped open up conversations about non-traditional family dynamics, challenging the idea that marriage is the only socially acceptable path to parenthood or happiness.
Beyond its cultural commentary, The Contract showcases the strength of African filmmaking in creating entertaining and meaningful stories that touch on universal issues. This film remains a go-to for fans of African cinema and those interested in narratives that skillfully blend romance, humor, and social insight.
