Review: The House of Ga’a, a 2024 movie on Netflix

Synopsis: In House of Ga’a, a ruthless Prime Minister desperate for revenge ferociously rises to power, stopping at nothing to become more powerful than the kings he served.

Cast 

• Femi Branch: Bashorun Ga’a
• Mike Afolarin: Oyemekun
• Funke Akindele: Ayinba
• Toyin Abraham: Edan Asiko
• Ibrahim Chatta: Sasa L’eniyan
• Stan Nze: Nupe Commander
• Ali Nuhu: Seriki
• Femi Adebayo: Olukuoye
• Lateef Adedimeji: Olubu
• William Benson: Gbagi
• Gabriel Afolayan: Oluke
• Seun Akindele: Onisigun
• Adeniyi Johnson: Alaafin Abiodun
• Coker: Alaafin Labisi
• Bimbo Manuel: Ashipa
• Gbenga Titiloye: Alaafin Agboluaje
• Jide ‘JBlaze’ Oyegbile: Olaotan
• Toyin Oshinaike: Chief Osi
• Yemi Blaq: Aare Ona Kakanfo
• Muyiwa Ademola: Alaafin Awonbioju
• Nifemi Lawal: Young Ga’a
• Temilolu Fosudo: Aremo Labisi
• Akeem Alimi: Chief Otun
• Dolapo Phillips: Nawi
• Tosin Adeyemi: Zeinab
• Olayode Juliana: Bibanke
• Bridget Nkem: Princess Agbonyin
• Teddy A.: Ojo Agubambaro
• Bamike Olawunmi: Eyinoju
• Atobiloye Kelvin: Idi Al Farouk
• Dele Odule: Alaafin Majeogbe
• Peju Ogunmola: Iyaloja

Crew

• Written by Tunde Babalola
• Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters

Review

Caveat: this review is not about the historical correctness of the movie.

The history of Basorun Ga’a is well known to any child who attended secondary school in Nigeria. It is great to see the story brought to life, even if it is not fully accurate, as pointed out by historians, but it stays true to the essence of history.

It would appear that the whole of Nollywood is involved this movie. And it is definitely refreshing to see established lead actors act as support and extras and put their full hearts in it.

The House of Ga’a starts with a powerful war and provides great acting and presence of the lead actors. Right from the first few scenes, the movie establishes who the protagonists and antagonists are, but overtly and subtly, creating the setting for the interplay of betrayals and loyalties. 

Femi Branch is whoever he thinks he is, and more. He has the required regal bearing and presence required for the role. He also speaks the language with the right accent. Some of the actors struggle to speak the right Yoruba accent, but it does not detract from the movie itself.

The quick successions of the alaafins are great actors in their own rights and no matter how brief their sessions, they give a good report of themselves.

Every time I see Bimbo Manuel on my screen, it makes me so glad, and this time is no different. He is a veteran others should learn from; he does not regard any role as too small for him.

Funke Akindele is a delight to see as the head wife of Ga’a, and I am also happy to see Juliana Olayode in her role.

Mike Afolarin as Oyemekun gives a good report of himself, both as the narrator and the fearful son of Ga’a, showing that he has no stomach for warfare, but when it is required, he digs deep and finds the required strength to exact his revenge.

The movie provides enough extras without needing to use CGI to represent humans, and if CGI is used for that, I do not notice it. However, it is easy to see the use of CGI to portray an animal in the movie, but it is a good portrayal of the animal represented.

The set is as accurate as possible, based on historical records. The costume is rich and represents the period well, even for those brought from other places as slaves. However, I wonder why they are using cowries as legal tender, and the women also wear it as jewellery.

The cinematography is excellent, providing the right tone and colour that represents the time in history.

The House of Ga’a weaves a story that includes action, romance, schemes, comedy and memorable dialogue. It is best watched in the original language, and for anyone who doesn’t speak the language, the subtitles provide the right essence and interpretation.

Having reviewed other movies by Bolanle Austen-Peters, I can say authoritatively that this is one of the best period movies to come out of Nigeria. Looking at the whole package of language, cast, costume, set, extras, war and fights choreography, The House of Ga’a is fantastic. 

I am very pleased with The House of Ga’a, and I shall be watching it multiple times, to enjoy it all over again.

NollyRated Score for The House of Ga’a

Score: 5/5 (Outstanding)

NollyRated uses a 5-level scoring system, as follows:

1. Poor
2. Sub Par
3. Okay
4. Great
5. Outstanding

Join Our Tribe on Twitter: For updates on new Nollywood, Bollywood, and Hollywood movies, reviews, cinema reviews, and Nigerian and American movie personalities, join our tribe on Twitter @NollyRated.