Hey You is one of those Nigerian movies that dares to break away from the usual fare, and for that alone, it deserves some credit. It's refreshing to see filmmakers trying out new ideas rather than sticking to the same old formulas that have dominated Nollywood for years. The movie's premise hinted at something different, something fresh-enough to make me want to give it a chance. But unfortunately, the execution didn't quite live up to the potential.
The plot, while initially engaging, quickly becomes predictable. You could almost see the twists and turns coming from a mile away. It felt like the writers had a great idea to start with but then decided to play it safe, resulting in a story that you've seen before in many forms. This predictability is a real letdown because, with a bit more daring, Hey You could have been a much more memorable experience.
Characterization is another area where the movie falls short. Some of the characters are just plain annoying, particularly the boss lady. She's written in a way that's supposed to make her fierce and commanding, but instead, she comes off as unnecessarily abrasive and one-dimensional. Then there's the ending. Or rather, the lack of one. The conclusion feels rushed, almost as if the filmmakers ran out of time or ideas and just decided to wrap things up as quickly as possible. It's a disappointing way to close out a story that, despite its flaws, still managed to hold my attention. The ending was not only unsatisfying but also lacked any real impact. It left me wondering, "Is that it?"
To make matters worse, some characters don't get the punishment they clearly deserve. In a movie that sets up moral dilemmas and conflicts, it's frustrating to see certain actions go unchecked. There's no real sense of justice being served, which leaves a bitter taste as the credits roll. I couldn't help but feel that the story missed an opportunity to deliver a stronger, more resonant message.
In the end, Hey You is a mixed bag. It's commendable that the filmmakers tried something new, but the predictable plot, irritating characters, rushed ending, and lack of consequences for certain actions ultimately drag it down.
