Nollywood rarely fails to pair the right actors for the roles, and The Secretary was no exception. While the advertised plot says that Vanessa can't get her crush's (Dennis') attention, that's not quite accurate. The issue is that she didn't keep his attention, which devastated her. One of the highlights of the movie was watching Vanessa recover from her heartbreak with the help of her roommate, Jessica, a party girl with a heart of gold. Jessica takes nerdy Vanessa under her wing, and the two become unlikely friends. Prior to Vanessa's troubles, the two roommates were basically ships passing in the night, and part of the plot was the two women growing a bond as sisters. While I would have loved to see more of Jessica's story, her clothes were so cute!
The story was more about Vanessa coming into her own and healing, and the love story was secondary. I appreciated the emphasis on Vanessa's personal growth and the importance of self-love.
Oh, and I loved the colorful prints and decorations in Vanessa and Jessica's apartment, as well as the restaurants they frequented. The yellow walls, blue labyrinth print design on one wall, and floor-to-ceiling orange and yellow hued print of a black-skinned woman holding a baby created a visually stunning backdrop. The blue curtains, burgundy and white bedspread, pink sheets, and matching blue head and footboard added to the overall aesthetic. The attention to detail in the set design added to the film's charm and made it a joy to watch.
Overall, The Secretary is a heartwarming story about the power of friendship, self-love, and personal growth. While the love story takes a backseat, the performances by the actors and the stunning visual design make it a worthwhile watch.
