The Boldness of Timini Egbuson's Love & New Notes
- Feb 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 28
A Story That Refuses To Be Ordinary
There are films that follow a formula, and then there are films that take a risk. Love & New Notes clearly belongs to the latter. From the very beginning, it establishes itself as something layered and unconventional. It isn’t just about romance, it explores love through the lenses of desperation, money, ambition, loss, and even the supernatural. The narrative doesn’t rush to explain itself, and that unpredictability becomes one of its strengths. You are constantly asking questions, constantly leaning forward. I would describe it as a paranormal romantic dramedy, a genre blend that combines fear, emotion, humor, and tragedy in one cohesive attempt. Even when it stretches itself, you can see the intention behind every creative choice.
Eniola Badmus in One of Her Strongest Performances Yet
Eniola Badmus gives one of her most memorable performances to date. This role required restraint, vulnerability, and emotional depth, and she delivered on all fronts. There is a maturity in how she approaches her character, she doesn’t rely on theatrics but instead leans into subtle expressions and controlled dialogue. You can feel the character’s internal battles, the desperation, the longing, and the emotional fragility. It’s the kind of performance that feels honest rather than performed. Whoever cast her needs a bottle of cold coke. She carried the emotional backbone of the story in a way that elevated the film beyond just its concept.
Suspense That Actually Feels Suspenseful
One of the strongest aspects of the film is its atmosphere. The suspense builds gradually, not abruptly. There’s a patience in how tension is created, which makes the scary moments feel earned rather than forced. The paranormal elements are handled with a level of seriousness that makes them believable. It doesn’t feel exaggerated or overdramatic, it feels grounded in the world the film has created. In recent Nollywood projects, believable horror can sometimes be a challenge, but this attempt stands out. Kayode Kasum deserves commendation for crafting scenes that genuinely make you uneasy while still keeping you emotionally invested in the characters.
The Subplots and Comedy, A Slight Misstep
However, while the central story is compelling, one of the subplots felt slightly unnecessary. Although it may have been introduced to expand the narrative or justify certain character arcs, it didnt exactly receive proper resolution, it felt convenient. The story wouldn't have lost impact without it. Additionally, while the infusion of comedy is understandable in a dramedy, it did not always blend seamlessly with the emotional tone of the main plot. At times, the humor felt disconnected from the gravity of what was unfolding, which slightly disrupted the immersion.
Strong Technical Execution and Visual Identity
Technically, the film is impressive. The cinematography is deliberate, with clean compositions that enhance storytelling rather than distract from it. Each frame feels intentional. The editing supports the mood effectively, allowing scenes to breathe while maintaining tension where necessary. Visually, the film balances color and tone in a way that reflects its past setting without confusion. The costuming, makeup, props, and set design convincingly transport the audience to another era. It doesn’t feel like a modern story pretending to be set in the past, it feels authentic. That level of attention to detail strengthens the film’s credibility.
A Bold Move with an Ending That Could Have Soared Higher
The title Love & New Notes is intentional, and so was the marketing. The trailer cleverly reveals just enough to spark curiosity without giving away the depth of the narrative. What you see beforehand truly is only a glimpse of what the story holds. I must commend Timini Egbuson for backing a project that is not conventional or predictable. It’s a bold move in an industry that sometimes leans toward safer storytelling. That said, while the journey was gripping and filled with emotional highs and lows, the ending did not feel as emotionally conclusive as it could have been. It had the potential to be the most powerful scene in the film but stopped just short of delivering that final, unforgettable punch. Still, Love & New Notes is a conversation starter, and that, in itself, is a win.
Love & New Notes is absolutely worth the watch!
Will You Be Watching Alive Till Dawn?
Yes
No
Comments