Bimbo Ademoye’s latest blockbuster, ‘Fame and Fury,’ has garnered over three million views on YouTube in barely a week since it dropped.
The Nollywood actress eased into the world of filmmaking and production with her hilarious comedy skit series, ‘Teropi Secxxion’, before eventually producing feature movies, some of which have taken audiences and fans by storm. Her latest, ‘Fame and Fury’, is a captivating drama that further solidifies her prowess as a filmmaker, storyteller and actor. Since its release, it has been all movie lovers have been able to talk about, with some even calling for a sequel.
Plot Summary
The film stars Bimbo Ademoye as Dabby, a rising Nollywood actress who has worked tirelessly to establish her career.
Dabby’s journey is marked by personal and professional turmoil. She is in a relationship with Deolu Bode-Harrison, who, despite loving her deeply, disdains her acting career and constantly belittles her passion. This dynamic sets the stage for a pivotal conflict, which leads to her choosing her career over her relationship with Deolu.
As she moves forward, she meets Paul Adefemi, an aspiring actor with seemingly endless charm. Initially, he offers a refreshing change, but it soon becomes clear that he is even more detrimental than Deolu. Paul’s behaviour quickly devolves from supportive to toxic as he borrows money, demands attention, and manipulates Dabby into building a public “couple brand,” all while denying their relationship in front of others and tarnishing her image before anyone who expresses interest in working with her. The revelation from a neighbourhood vendor that Paul had similarly destroyed her life serves as a wake-up call for Dabby. This realisation propels her to expose him as an abuser on social media, leading to his arrest and ultimate downfall.
Ultimately, we see Dabby return to a life where she can focus on her career, free from toxic attachments.
Review
The storytelling in ‘Fame and Fury’ is well-executed, striking a balance between drama and pacing. Each scene serves a purpose, with no unnecessary or drawn-out moments.
The cast’s performances, especially those of Bimbo Ademoye(Dabby), Daniel Etim-Effiong(Deolu), and Uzo Arukwe(Paul), are top-notch. Ademoye embodies Dabby with sincerity and strength, making her journey both relatable and inspiring. Effiong convincingly portrays Deolu’s conflicted and controlling nature, while Arukwe shines as Paul, capturing both his initial allure and eventual unravelling.
One standout aspect is the supporting cast, particularly the roles of Cynthia (Dabby’s manager), played by Omeche Eko, and Deolu’s mother, played by Biodun Stephen. Permit me to dwell on Biodun Stephen’s performance a bit more. She simply shone in that role, with every line delivered flawlessly, adding depth to the narrative. She had just one scene where she wasn’t even supposed to be likeable, but she is easily one of our favourite characters in the movie.
Ms. Stephen, ma’am, we are calling you out and demanding that you take up more acting roles. Thank you very much.
On the other hand, while the cinematography is not groundbreaking, it effectively captures the essence of the film and complements the storytelling. The visual contrast between Deolu’s wealth and Paul’s struggle is depicted with attention to detail, enhancing the narrative’s depth. The costumes are practical and fitting, aligning with the characters’ social statuses and the film’s overall tone.
Fame and Fury’ speaks to the growing quality of Nollywood productions, particularly in the sphere of online streaming. This film is not just an enjoyable watch with high rewatch value; it’s a significant step forward in showcasing how YouTube can be a powerful platform for high-quality storytelling.
