A Comedy of Errors: The Misadventures of Ruse
Welcome to the delightful disaster known as Ruse, a film by the ever-mysterious Great Val Edochie. This light comedy is so entertaining, you may find yourself laughing at inappropriate moments—like when your boss walks by during a particularly emotional scene. The plot thickens around Shalewa, portrayed by Bimbo Ademoye, a marketing graduate who seems to be auditioning for “Survivor: Urban Edition.” After facing a series of job rejections that could make a grown person weep, she resorts to a rather bold ruse: she enlists the help of her sister Mabel, who moonlights as an untrained special makeup effects artist, to transform herself into “Kabiru.” Because why settle for equal pay when you can just pretend to be a man?
Rock Bottom: A Beautiful Place to Call Home
Ruse doesn’t shy away from the grim reality of Shalewa’s life, where she and Mabel share a one-room living space that resembles the aftermath of a tornado. The realism is so palpable you can almost hear the sound of bills piling up like dirty laundry. If you’ve ever been desperate enough to draft a résumé using a crayon, you might find a kindred spirit in Shalewa. The film brazenly tackles society’s ironic expectations regarding gender roles and employment, transforming desperation into a comedic masterpiece. Who wouldn’t root for a woman masquerading as a man just to keep the lights on?
Double Trouble: The Art of Becoming Kabiru
With Mabel’s makeup magic, Shalewa becomes Kabiru, and suddenly it’s a two-for-one deal featuring Bimbo Ademoye. The meticulous attention to detail in developing Kabiru’s character—speech and behavior included—is commendable, considering most of us struggle to remember our passwords. But this transformation isn’t merely about vanity; it plunges into deeper waters, subtly questioning societal norms. Who knew a slapstick comedy could also double as a critical comment on gender identity?
Derek: The Sad Clown of Ruse
Enter Kunle Remi, who brings Derek to life—a man deeply despondent over a marriage that’s gone south faster than a cheap flight. He’s searching for genuine friendship, which, judging by his luck, seems as elusive as a unicorn at a dog show. His interactions with Kabiru are the comedic high notes of the film, although the chemistry feels more like a half-hearted handshake. Instead of a blossoming romance, we’d have preferred a more platonic approach. After all, nothing says “not interested” louder than a man dressed as a woman. Who needs a love story when you have a friendship for the ages?
Support Cast: A Supporting Role Worth Watching
The secondary characters are no mere footnotes in this script. Ehis Perfect, Goroso Ekiti, Biola Kareem, Celeb Onwe, and Sophie Alakija all contribute to the comedic tapestry. One unforgettable scene has Ramot attempting to seduce Kabiru, blissfully unaware she’s flirting with a woman in disguise. Such moments crackle with humor and boost the film’s charm quotient without devolving into cringe-worthy farce.
Breaking Down Inequality, One Makeup at a Time
What’s more, Ruse doesn’t just deliver laughs; it also dabbles in the murky waters of gender pay inequality. Shalewa’s decision to live life as a male isn’t just a comedic device; it serves as a biting critique of societal norms. The film doesn’t beat you over the head with a message but instead weaves it seamlessly into the narrative like a fabulous scarf around a neck—easy to overlook unless you’re looking for it. Seeing Shalewa triumph as Kabiru is a gentle reminder that sometimes, women must masquerade just to keep up.
The Grand Finale: A Whimper, Not a Bang
While the film is entertaining, the ending leaves something to be desired. After the whirlwind of manic laughter, we’re treated to a wrap-up that feels eerily abrupt. Instead of a satisfying conclusion, we’re left with a quick flick of the wrist and a handful of unresolved character arcs—Derek, we’re looking at you. As for cinematography? Let’s just say it won’t win any awards, but it certainly achieves one thing: it’s functional. In terms of enjoyment, Ruse might not change your life, but it sure brings a smile—earning a respectable 5.5/10 on the chuckle scale.
