Although Niyi Akinmolayan has highly publicised “Elevator Baby,” it was directed by his protege, Akhigbe Ilozobhie popularly known as Akay Mason. The feature is Ilozobhie’s directorial debut while Akinmolayan wears the producer’s hat of Anthill Studios.
Dare William (Timini Egbuson) is a spoilt rich kid. His has a strained relationship with his mother (Shaffy Bello). Dare detests his stepfather (Yemi Solade) even more. But there is one relationship that he really craves for. It is with his ex-girlfriend, Nana. Ijeoma Aniebo who plays Lola in “The Men’s Club” portrays Nana. She is responsible and the only one who can make Dare listen to reason.
Events from Dare’s past also haunt him. So, he hops from nightclub to nightclub and has a string of girlfriends. He is what Nigerians would describe as a “big boy.” Big boys typically have freeloaders flock around them. Dare has his fair share of freeloading friends. They brag about his wealth more than he does often using the phrase, ‘do you know who he is?’ just so that he will pay for their drinks and nights out.
To prove to his mother that he does not need her money, Dare goes in search of a job. At his interview location, Dare and a heavily pregnant woman called Abigail (Toyin Abraham) get stranded in an elevator. And though they get off on the wrong foot, Dare is forced deliver Abigail’s baby when help does not come. Egbuson and Abraham are in their element and give an entertaining story.
The title of the movie pretty much gives away its plot. What the story did not reveal though was why Dare sought Nana’s approval so much. And wanted to impress her. Perhaps it would have helped the audience understand why Nana showed up in the end, as opposed to Dare’s mum. Some movie endings are predictable yet satisfactory, and Dare’s mum showing up could have been one of them because central to “Elevator Baby” are family and forgiveness. But it got lost along the way. Consequently, the story does not come full circle.
The lighting was an impressive camouflage for events that occurred in the elevator. Yet, given the story line, the production could also have done with a bit more realism. Dare came out of the elevator with specks of blood on his white t-shirt after delivering a baby. The technician Taju (Broda Shaggi) who got them out even came out dirtier. Furthermore, how convenient that Abigail had a new razor blade, not a used one that had to be cleaned with wipes? And how interesting that the staff showed up to work on a Saturday looking very formal in suits?
Notwithstanding, “Elevator Baby” has its funny moments but Nollywood’s love of slapstick comedy is worrisome. Hopefully it is an infatuation that shall soon fade.
Directed by: Akhigbe Ilozobhie (Akay Mason)
Produced by: Niyi Akinmolayan
Cast includes: Timini Egbuson, Toyin Abraham, Shaffy Bello, Yemi Solade, Sambisa Nzeribe, Broda Shaggi
