Something Like Gold Is a Bit Over The Top — And That’s Probably the Point
- written by Joy Onu
- 4 min read
- 21 Aug, 2024
The idea of Nollywood’s portrayal of the rich and powerful in Nigeria is just as dramatic as it has ever been. We’ve seen this time and time again with movies such as Bling Lagosians, and now with Something Like Gold. Don’t get us wrong, we love the dramatics as much as the next guy, but is there a point where it borders along the line of over-the-top and downright cringe?
Something Like Gold follows the life of Tamara (Sandra Okunzuwa) who has just lost everything, including her fiancee after her wealthy father’s property has been seized by authorities. On her wedding day, she’s left distraught, abandoned by her friends or should we say her friends she treated like slaves. To put it simply, Tamara is a brat, and we don’t mean it in a cool way.
Tamara’s bratty nature was a little bit over the top, it begs the question, is that really how daughters of wealthy people act? In a way, it does make sense, but it was certainly a bold choice to go all out on the dramatics with that character, almost in a way that you either love it or hate it. When it comes to Tamara’s character development throughout the story, realistically, her character development from one hundred percent bratty to one hundred percent saint behavior wasn’t adding up. Do people change up that fast? Granted, she had a big reveal mid-show but was the nuance of change a person can go through in days or weeks accurately represented?
Again, don’t get us wrong, the storyline was refreshing, lighthearted, and even comical. Tamara as a character made perfect sense for the story that was being told, and perhaps her over-the-top nature was exactly the point of the entire story. A spoiled rich girl loses everything, a spoiled rich girl gets humbled, a spoiled rich girl falls in love — it is the perfect formula for the rich-heiress-turns-good trope.
Then there’s the love story between Tamara and Babatunde (Kunle Remi). This had to be my favorite part of the film, the love story was slow and steady, and as much as I would have loved to see more of their connection. Their love story still had a meaningful and squeal-worthy effect, it was the icing on the cake.
The next best thing has to be Mercy Johnson’s character, the star’s charm and grace shone through all over, and her storyline was perfect in embodying the full circle moment of the entire movie’s plot line. Then there’s Teniola Aladese’s role as the disgruntled ex-girlfriend of Tunde, Aladese knocked the role out of the park as she gave Yemisi the right amount of sass and the right amount of ex-lover scorn and remorse.
Sandra Okunzuwa could do no wrong in our books, she truly immersed herself in Tamara, and that’s a major reason why the character became likable as the story progressed. Coupled up with the fact that the chemistry between Okunzuwa and Remi was sizzling enough to give both their characters a boost in the right direction. Other stars in Something Like Gold include Nollywood veteran Segun Arinze, resident Nollywood lover boy, Timini Egbuson, the chaotic and comic genius Broda Shaggy and a ton of other star-studded stars.
Is Something Like Gold Worth The Watch?
Something Like Gold is perfect for Nollywood lovers everywhere, especially if you’re in the mood for something lighthearted, romantic, and a tad bit emotional. Something Like Gold was a good watch, aside from the little commas here and there. If the audience reviews are any indication, you could either love it or hate it, but ultimately the choice is up to you. it’s worth the watch if you need something lighthearted to pass the time. Full disclaimer, you could also find certain aspects a bit cringe.
Where Can You Watch Something Like Gold?
Something Like Gold is officially on Netflix, if you’re in Nigeria, you’re totally in luck. The movie was officially released to cinemas nationwide late last year, but as of a few weeks ago, Something Like Gold is officially streaming on Netflix.
Watch Something Like Gold on Netflix