REVIEW: ‘Her Excellency’ is a Star-Studded, Visually Stunning Political Drama with Minor Flaws
Her Excellency arrives on the Nollywood scene with grand ambition, combining political intrigue, strong performances, and high production values to deliver a film that is as engaging as it is thought-provoking. Directed by Adeola Osunkojo and backed by an all-star cast, the movie dives into the challenges of power, gender politics, and personal sacrifice in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The film follows the journey of Senator Oluremi Hassan, played with commanding presence by Nse Ikpe-Etim, as she campaigns to become Nigeria’s first female president. It’s a bold storyline, timely in its message, and layered with the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics—from godfatherism to betrayal, media manipulation, and the cost of ambition.
One of Her Excellency’s strongest assets is its cast. Nse Ikpe-Etim delivers a magnetic performance that anchors the film, while supporting roles by veterans like Richard Mofe-Damijo, Bimbo Manuel, and Joke Silva add gravitas and depth. Newer faces such as Deyemi Okanlawon and Ini Dima-Okojie also shine, giving the film a generational balance.
Visually, Her Excellency is stunning. The cinematography is crisp, with Lagos and Abuja beautifully framed, offering a cinematic polish rarely seen in political dramas from Nollywood. Costume design, set locations, and overall production quality elevate the film to international standards.
However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The pacing drags in a few sections, particularly in the second act, where some scenes feel stretched. Additionally, while the screenplay addresses many key political themes, certain moments lack subtlety and lean too heavily on exposition rather than emotional connection. A few subplots, such as the senator’s strained family dynamics, could have been better developed.
Still, these issues do little to overshadow what Her Excellency accomplishes overall. The film succeeds in sparking conversations about female leadership, the Nigerian electoral system, and the price of change in a male-dominated space.
In summary, Her Excellency is a commendable effort—a powerful, star-studded political drama that showcases Nollywood’s growing sophistication. While not flawless, it offers enough substance, style, and stellar acting to leave a lasting impression on viewers and raise the bar for future political stories in African cinema.
Rating: 7.5/10
