Have you ever wondered if there is someone out there who is meant for you? Someone who can heal your wounds, make you smile, and inspire you to be the best version of yourself? If you have, then you might relate to the protagonist of ‘The One for Sarah’, a romantic drama that explores the journey of a woman who has been through emotional abuse and is on the path to rediscovering her self-worth and finding love.
The movie, directed by Lyndsey F. Efejuku and written by Egbemawei Dimiyei Sammy, stars Beverly Naya as Sarah, a successful fashion designer who has a traumatic past. She was in a relationship with Michael (Bucci Franklin), a manipulative and abusive man who cheated on her, lied to her, and made her feel worthless. Sarah managed to break free from him, but not without scars. She suffers from low self-esteem, anxiety, and trust issues, and has difficulty opening up to anyone.
Sarah’s life takes a turn when she meets Fred (Uzor Arukwe), a charming and handsome photographer who works with her on a project. Fred is everything that Michael is not: he is kind, respectful, supportive, and funny. He is also attracted to Sarah and wants to get to know her better. However, Sarah is hesitant to let him in, fearing that he might hurt her like Michael did. She also has to deal with the pressure from her friends and family, who want her to move on and find happiness.
Will Sarah be able to overcome her fears and give Fred a chance? Will Fred be patient and understanding enough to win her heart? Will they face any obstacles or challenges along the way? And most importantly, will Sarah be able to heal from her trauma and realize her own value? These are some of the questions that ‘The One for Sarah’ tries to answer in its 97-minute runtime.
The movie has many positive aspects that impressed me. The acting is superb, especially from Naya, who delivers a nuanced and realistic performance as Sarah. She portrays the emotions of a woman who has been broken by abuse with sensitivity and authenticity. She also has great chemistry with Arukwe, who plays Fred with charisma and warmth.
The movie also has a good balance of drama and romance, with some moments of humor and suspense. The plot is engaging and well-paced, keeping the viewers invested in the outcome of the story. The movie also tackles some important issues such as emotional abuse, mental health, self-love, and forgiveness. It shows how abuse can affect a person’s psyche and behavior, and how difficult it can be to heal from it. It also shows how love can be a powerful force for healing, but not without challenges and risks.
The movie has a strong and positive message about self-love and healing. The movie shows how Sarah learns to love herself again after being abused by Michael. She realizes that she is not defined by her past or by anyone else’s opinion of her. She also learns to forgive herself and others for the mistakes they made. She becomes more confident, happy, and hopeful for the future. The movie inspires the viewers to do the same and not let their past or present circumstances stop them from finding love and happiness.
The movie has stunning and colorful cinematography that showcases the beauty and culture of Nigeria. The movie was shot in various locations in Lagos, such as Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Surulere. The movie also features some scenes in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. The movie captures the vibrant and lively scenes of Nigerian urban life, as well as the natural and scenic landscapes of the country.
The movie is predictable and clichéd at times. Some of the scenes and dialogues are familiar and expected from a typical romantic drama. For example, there is a scene where Fred surprises Sarah with a romantic gesture that involves candles, flowers, and music. There is also a scene where Sarah runs into Michael at a party and he tries to win her back. These scenes are not very original or surprising and have made me roll my eyes.
‘The One for Sarah’ is an enjoyable and heartwarming movie that will appeal to fans of romantic dramas. It has a captivating story, likable characters, good acting, and a positive message. It might not be very original or realistic, but it still delivers on its promise of entertainment and emotion.
Final Score – [7/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Follow @ArpitaMond33387 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times