A good story is the foundation of every great movie, and this applies in Reverse.

The movie aptly employs flashbacks to keep you guessing, revealing important details at just the right moment.

Watching this movie felt like being in a game of whack-a-mole. It depicts one of those bad days where you’re hopping about, quenching fires, and as soon as you succeed in suppressing one, another erupts.

It also manages to evoke deep emotions and leaves you with questions and “if onlys” – If only Edna had resolved the issue amicably earlier, if only the CFO had been less rigid…

The actors were perfectly cast; the family members all look alike, making their story believable.

The actors also interpreted their roles well. I’d forgotten how good an actress Hilda Dokubo is.

The story is relevant and subtly addresses a number of topical issues in Nigeria. We see the welder who brazenly abuses his apprentice and nobody bats an eye, the incompetence of artisans, the unscrupulous bystander who plays a fast one on a family during a crisis, the hospital’s payment before treatment policy…

What I enjoyed the most about Reverse is the unpredictability. Don’t try to guess, just allow for the many moments of surprises.

I also love that the movie manages to be didactic without being preachy.

Having seen this movie, I have two messages to pass along:

Go and see Reverse between now and Thursday, May 22 (swipe for cinemas and show times).

Don’t leave just yet when the end credits start rolling in.

Written by Chidiogo Lilian Ezejelue.