Nneka the Pretty Serpent (2020 film)

Last updated

Nneka the Pretty Serpent
Nneka the Pretty Serpent (2020 film).jpg
Directed byTosin Igho
Written byAdia Uyoyou [1]
Produced byRamsey Nouah
Chris Odeh
Chinenye Esuene
Starring Idia Aisien
Bovi Ugboma
Bimbo Ademoye
Zack Orji
Shaffy Bello
Beverly Osu
Production
company
Play Network Studios
Release date
  • 18 December 2020 (2020-12-18)
Running time
140 minutes
CountryNigeria
LanguagesEnglish
Igbo
Box office₦50 million

Nneka the Pretty Serpent is a 2020 remake of the 1994 horror mystery film of the same name. It was directed by Tosin Igho with Idia Aisien playing the lead role alongside Bovi Ugboma, Bimbo Ademoye, Zack Orji, Shaffy Bello, Beverly Osu and Ndidi Obi. [2] It was written by Adia Uyoyou. [3]

Contents

Plot

Nneka Agu is on a journey to avenge her mother's death. [4] The film starts with a flashback of Little Nneka and her parents celebrating her mother's 32nd birthday. She witnesses the killing of her parents by strange men and runs off. In the present day, Nneka is a waitress working with a critical boss, Gbenga and a bubbly co-waitress, Ada. She flirts with a customer named Tony Okechukwu. She has dreams about her mother and visits a soothsayer to get answers about her dreams. She starts having audiovisual hallucinations and ends up at sea, where she is possessed by a snake. Upon attaining her powers, the Queen Mother appears to Nneka in a mirror and narrates to her how she (queen mother) lost her powers to a former acquaintance of hers and how Nneka's mother was a member of their coven. Nneka teleports to a mystical land where she meets the Queen Mother who gives her instructions. Her target is a man named Udoka Ojukwu and his partners at the Island Development Project. Nneka seduces Udoka Ojukwu, kills him, and then makes away with his money. She lives lavish and buys the restaurant she used to work in and fired her former boss. The pathologist asserts that Ojukwu died from a snakebite. She kills Dr. Fatima during at an event by offering her a poisoned perfume. She goes home with Tony, but disappears when she notices a ring and a picture of him with a woman who turned out to be his dead wife. Inspector Daniel begins his investigation at the Ojukwus. Queen Mother's beads increase in number with each death. Nneka attacks Tega Oghenekaro at night in order to go undetected. She cuts the power at his mansion and breaks in. She unsuccessfully tries to kill him and escapes. She targets Tony's aunt, Chinonye Nzegwu Ejike. She throws her from a height, killing her. Tony's sister, Tessy shows up and gives Nneka a hard time. Nneka puts a spell on bananas which Tessy eats and appears to have a change of mind concerning Nneka. Meanwhile, Queen Mother instructs Nneka to kill Alhaji Abdullahi next; he boards his private jet and Nneka poses as the hostess. His death of a cardiac arrest and the missing air hostess are announced in the news. Tony introduces Nneka to Tega Oghenekaro as his "girlfriend and future wife". She follows Tega to his office, surprised to see her, she kills him. Nneka launches her company, Brickwood Housing and throws a soirée where Tony is upset about his uncle's death. Inspector Daniel shows up to question Tony about his alibi. Nneka hands the inspector a pen which is similar to a pen he saw amongst Udoka Ojukwu's things. This piques his interest. He shows up at Tony's flat and meets only Nneka, she realises that he is on to her, and they engage in a fight, but she kills him. Tony invites Nneka to dinner with his family. His father is Anthony Okechukwu, her next target. She expresses concern to Queen mother as she has to decide between killing the father of or marrying the love of her life. Queen mother warns Nneka that Anthony is a strong man. Nneka meets Anthony in his chapel, and he exorcises her. In order to ensure that the Queen Mother does not regain her powers, Anthony stabs himself. It becomes evident the Queen Mother used Nneka as a pawn and ordered the killing of Nneka's parents. Anthony informs her that she is the rightful Queen Mother and she will dethrone the Queen Mother on her 32nd birthday. Ada dies in a fire at the restaurant. Queen Mother challenges Nneka and asks her to kill Tony also to Nneka's chagrin. Nneka and Tony go on a vacation and the Queen Mother possesses Nneka's body and a battle ensues. Nneka encourages Tony to stab her in order to free herself of the Queen Mother. Nneka's mother appears unto her and expresses pride as her actions have brought an end to the reign of the Queen Mother misused her powers. Nneka opens a restaurant in honour of Ada and Richard Williams is one of the first customers.

Cast

Production and release

Auditions for the role of Nneka were held in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria and Owerri, Imo State in March 2020. [5] A call for screenwriters was held and Baruch Apata was announced the winner on 5 May 2020. Ramsey Nouah, Chris Odeh and Chinenye Esuene served as the producers of the film while Charles Okpaleke was the executive producer. [6] A 41-second trailer was released in November 2020 while the film was released theatrically on 18 December 2020. [7] [8] It grossed ₦50,051,510 in Nigerian box office. [9]

Nneka the Pretty Serpent was TV Host, Idia Aisien's debut acting role; she had multiple auditions and employed the use of an acting coach and Igbo Language tutor. [10]

It was released on Netflix on 18 August 2021. [11]

Ndidi Obi, who starred as Nneka in the original film, has a cameo as the Queen Mother. [2] [12]

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryRecipientResultRef
2021 Africa Movie Academy Awards Best Visual Effects Nneka the Pretty SerpentNominated [13]
2022 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards Best Costume DesignerYoanna ‘Pepper’ ChikezieNominated [14]
Best Lighting DesignerMathew YusufNominated
Best Sound EditorHabib Adebayo OlaoreNominated
Best Make UpUgochinyere IhendiNominated
Best CinematographerJohn Njaga DempsNominated
Best Movie West AfricaChris OdehNominated
Best Overall MovieTosin Igho And Chris OdehNominated

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Esigie</span> Oba of Benin (1504 AD–1550 AD)

Esigie, originally known as Osawe, was the son of Oba Ozolua, who reigned in the late 15th century, and his second wife, Queen Idia. He was the sixteenth Oba who ruled the medieval Benin Kingdom, now Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria from c. 1504 – c. 1550. Works of art commissioned by Esigie are held in prominent museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Idia</span> Mother of Esigie

Idia was the mother of Esigie, who reigned as Oba (king) of the Edo people from 1504 to 1550. Historians do know that Idia was alive during the Idah war because she played a role that led to a great Benin victory. It has been argued that Idia, therefore, was the true power behind the throne of her son. She played a significant role in the rise and reign of her son, being described as a great warrior who fought relentlessly before and during her son's reign as the Oba (king) of the Edo people. Queen Idia was instrumental in securing the title of Oba for her son Esigie following the death of his father Oba Ozolua. To that end, she raised an army to fight off his brother Arhuaran who was supposed to be the Oba by right and tradition but was subsequently defeated in battle. Esigie’s mother became the 17th Oba of Benin.

<i>Living in Bondage</i> 1992 Nigerian film

Living in Bondage is a 1992/93 Nigerian two-part drama thriller film directed by Chris Obi Rapu, written by Kenneth Nnebue and Okechukwu Ogunjiofor, produced by Ogunjiofor, and sponsored by Jafac Wine. The film was shot straight-to-video, and starred Kenneth Okonkwo and Nnenna Nwabueze in their breakout roles. It is regarded as the first Nigerian home video which achieved blockbuster success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bovi</span> Nigerian Comedian

Bovi Ugboma is a Nigerian stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. He has organized popular stand-up comedy concerts like Bovi: Man on Fire across the globe. He is married to Kris Asimonye Ugboma and is 42 years of age.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ngozi Ezeonu</span> Nigerian actress

Ngozi Ezeonu is a veteran Nigerian actress and former journalist notable for her portrayal of archetypal matriarchs in Nollywood movies. In 2012, she starred in Adesuwa, a role that earned her the Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 8th Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Eucharia Anunobi, is a veteran Nigerian actress, producer, and pastor. She is best known for her role in the movie Abuja Connection. She was nominated at 2020 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Movie or TV Series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Idia Aisien</span> Nigerian-American model, actress and TV presenter (born 1991)

Idia Aisien is a Nigerian-American model, TV presenter, and actress.

<i>Living in Bondage: Breaking Free</i> 2019 Nigerian film

Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, also known as Living in Bondage II, is a 2019 Nigerian supernatural thriller executive produced by Charles Okpaleke. A sequel to the 1992 classic Living in Bondage, the film stars Kenneth Okonkwo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Enyinna Nwigwe, and Muna Abii, with Swanky JKA in his breakout role, and Ramsey Nouah, who makes his directorial debut, playing the main villain. It received mostly positive reviews and ranked 11th overall on the list of highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time at the end of its theatrical run. The film premiered on Netflix in May 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keppy Ekpenyong</span> Nigerian actor

Keppy EkpenyongEdet Bassey-Inyang is a Nigerian actor who received a commendation award from the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2018 for his contributions to Nollywood.

Glamour Girls is a two-part Nollywood film about independent single women embarking on their independence within Nigeria's traditionally patriarchal society through escorting. The film gained widespread popularity in Nigeria, and starred Liz Benson, Ngozi Ikpelue, Eucharia Anunobi, Pat Attah, Ernest Obi, Zack Orji, and others.

Charles Okpaleke, OON is a Nigerian film producer. His debut film, Living In Bondage: Breaking Free won seven awards at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2020, including the Best Movie and Best Overall Movie categories. He has also acquired the rights to remake Nollywood classics including Rattle Snake, Nneka the Pretty Serpent and Glamour Girls.

Jennifer Okere was a Nigerian actress and one of the pioneers of the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) in the 1990s. Her two ground-breaking Nollywood blockbuster movies, Living in Bondage and Glamour Girls have been re-adapted. She was the posthumous recipient, of the 2016 Afro Heritage Broadcasting and Entertainment Awards (AHBEA) in Houston, Texas.

<i>Rattlesnake</i> (1995 film) 1995 Nigerian film

Rattlesnake is a 1995 Nigerian action film written and directed by Amaka Igwe and produced by Austin Awulonu. It was Amaka Igwe's first foray into making a feature length film and was made in 3 parts. It features Francis Duru, Okechukwu Igwe, Nkem Owoh, Anne Njemanze and Ernest Obi.

<i>Nneka the Pretty Serpent</i> (1994 film) 1994 Nigerian film

Nneka the Pretty Serpent is a two-part 1994 Nigerian horror drama film directed and written by Zeb Ejiro and produced by Okechukwu Ogunjiofor. It is regarded as the Nollywood movie that started the trend of storylines involving demon-possessed subjects who are cleansed by pastors.

Tunbosun Aiyedehin, popularly known as Tuby, is a Nigerian film actress and voice-over artiste. She is best known for her role in the movies, Two Brides and a Baby and Kpians: The Feast of Soul.

Uyoyou Adia is a Nollywood actress and a film director. She is known for her roles in Charge and Bail, The Sessions and Hey You.

Chris Odeh is a Nigerian film producer and film maker.

References

  1. ↑ "Scripting 'Nneka The Pretty Serpent' Brought Tears To My Eyes –Uyoyou Adia". New Telegraph Newspaper. 2021-02-07. Retrieved 2022-05-25.
  2. 1 2 Nwogu, Precious (2021-08-03). "'Nneka the Pretty Serpent' gets Netflix release date". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  3. ↑ Uwasirigi, Adanna (2021-10-02). "Uyoyou Adia - If You Don't Believe in Yourself, You May Never Get to Your Destination". Thisday Newspaper. Retrieved 2022-05-25.
  4. ↑ "Pomp, colour as Nneka 'the Pretty Serpent' premieres". Vanguard News. 2020-12-18. Retrieved 2021-08-15.
  5. ↑ Oguntola, Sunday (2020-03-11). "Charles Okpaleke searches for Ndidi Obi's replacement as 'Nneka the pretty serpent'". Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics. Retrieved 2021-08-15.
  6. ↑ Nwogu, Precious (2020-05-12). "Here is all you need to know about the anticipated 'Nneka the Pretty Serpent' remake". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2021-08-15.
  7. ↑ Ekechukwu, Ferdinand (2020-11-28). "'Nneka The Pretty Serpent' for Cinemas at Christmas". This Day . Retrieved 2021-08-15.
  8. ↑ Augoye, Jayne (2020-11-28). "'Nneka The Pretty Serpent' for Cinemas at Christmas". THISDAYLIVE. Retrieved 2021-08-15.
  9. ↑ "Top 20 Films Report 5th 11th March 2021 - Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria". www.ceanigeria.com. Retrieved 2021-08-15.
  10. ↑ "Idia Aisien talks acting debut in 'Nneka The Pretty Serpent' [Pulse Interview]". Pulse Nigeria. 2021-01-28. Retrieved 2021-08-15.
  11. ↑ "Netflix is adding 23 new movies and shows this week". Netflix Life. 2021-08-15. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  12. ↑ Ige, Rotimi (2020-12-04). "Bovi, Beverly Osu to star in 'Nneka the Pretty Serpent' remake". Nigerian Tribune . Retrieved 2021-08-15.
  13. ↑ Banjo, Noah (2021-10-29). "FULL LIST: Ayinla, Omo Ghetto: The Saga bag multiple nominations at AMAA 2021". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2021-10-30.
  14. ↑ "2022 Africa Magic Awards Nominees don land- See who dey list". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2022-03-26.

Nneka the Pretty Serpent at IMDb OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.