Great Val Edochie’s “Ruse” emerges as a surprisingly nimble exploration of these themes, wrapped in the accessible package of a comedy. While working within evident budget constraints, the film manages to deliver both laughs and thoughtful commentary on contemporary social issues, primarily through the magnetic performance of its lead actress, Bimbo Ademoye.
At the heart of this engaging narrative is Shalewa, a marketing graduate whose desperate circumstances lead her down an unconventional path. Faced with mounting bills, repeated job rejections, and the looming threat of eviction, she hatches an audacious plan: with the help of her sister Mabel’s special effects makeup skills, she reinvents herself as a man named Kabiru to secure better employment opportunities. What follows is a delicate balance of comedy and social commentary that, while not perfect, manages to maintain its charm throughout its runtime.
Ademoye’s dual performance as both Shalewa and Kabiru stands as the film’s greatest triumph. Her careful attention to detail in crafting Kabiru’s character is evident in every scene, from subtle behavioral nuances to distinct speech patterns. This transformation goes beyond mere physical disguise, offering a thoughtful exploration of gender performance and social expectations. The actress navigates this challenging dual role with remarkable skill, ensuring that both characters feel authentic and distinct.
Kunle Remi brings depth to his role as Derek, a man grappling with the aftermath of a failed marriage and seeking genuine connection. His scenes with Kabiru showcase some of the film’s strongest moments, though the eventual development of their relationship feels somewhat underdeveloped. The film might have been better served by focusing more on their platonic bond rather than steering toward a romantic resolution that feels more obligatory than organic.
The supporting cast, including Ehis Perfect, Goroso Ekiti, Biola Kareem, Celeb Onwe, and Sophie Alakija, adds valuable texture to the narrative. Their performances enhance both the comedic moments and the underlying tension of the story. A particularly memorable scene involves Ramot’s attempted seduction of Kabiru, creating humor that arises naturally from the situation without descending into slapstick.
While the film’s technical aspects, particularly its cinematography, may not break new ground, “Ruse” succeeds in its primary mission of entertaining while subtly addressing serious social issues. The film’s treatment of gender pay inequality is particularly noteworthy, as it integrates this commentary naturally into the story without becoming preachy. Shalewa’s success as Kabiru serves as a pointed critique of workplace gender bias, highlighting how women often must go to extraordinary lengths to achieve parity with their male counterparts.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its ability to maintain an entertaining tone while dealing with weighty themes. The narrative doesn’t shy away from depicting Shalewa’s struggles, showing her living in modest conditions and facing genuine hardship. This grounding in reality makes her desperate decision to assume a male identity more understandable and adds depth to what could have been a simple comedy of errors.
However, “Ruse” isn’t without its flaws. The ending feels rushed and fails to deliver the satisfying conclusion that the preceding story deserves. Character development, particularly for Derek, feels truncated, leaving several promising narrative threads unexplored. These shortcomings, while noticeable, don’t significantly diminish the overall enjoyment of the film.
Despite its modest production values, “Ruse” succeeds in creating an entertaining experience that resonates beyond its comedic surface. The film demonstrates that meaningful social commentary doesn’t need to come at the expense of entertainment value. While it may not push any technical boundaries, its clever premise, strong performances, and balanced handling of serious themes make it a worthwhile addition to the contemporary comedy landscape.
In the end, “Ruse” proves that sometimes the most effective way to address serious social issues is through the lens of comedy. While it may not be a groundbreaking cinematic achievement, it accomplishes its goals with charm and intelligence, making it a commendable effort in low-budget filmmaking that punches above its weight in terms of social relevance and entertainment value.
