5 Nigerian Problems Highlighted in Elevator Baby
The Nollywood film, Elevator baby was released on Netflix on Friday 19th June 2020. The film showcases the encounter between a spoilt rich kid and pregnant maid who get stuck in an elevator. Yep you guessed right, she goes into labour while they are trapped.
The film stars Timini Egbuson, Toyin Abraham, Shaffy Bello and Yemi Solade, amongst others. Let’s explore some of the themes from the movie that highlight the problems we have in our country, Nigeria. I coerced my friend Vicky into watching the film so that we could discuss the different themes and agree on key aspects. So yea, thanks girl!
Lagos traffic
Anyone who’s ever been to or lived in Lagos will know the struggle. Traffic is on the daily menu, you can’t escape it. In the film, the traffic was so bad that the ambulance couldn’t get to the emergency on time, and eventually, the doctor had to hop on a commercial motorcycle (okada) to ensure safe delivery of the “elevator baby”. I’m sure many people have lost their lives because of Lagos traffic. I loved the fact that the film was very realistic about this struggle. I just want to know what the solution to Lagos traffic is now that okadas have been permanently banned!
Unemployment
The film shows how difficult it is to get a job in Nigeria, even for a first class graduate. Unemployment in Nigeria is currently at 23.1% (rising from 5.1% in 2010), as the economy is not growing as quickly as the population. This is why a lot of privileged individuals rely on “connections” to secure jobs in Nigeria.
No sense of urgency in some Nigerian artisans
A.k.a. Taju. First he’s eating a mountain of eba when he’s told there’s a problem at the office and has no plans of leaving until he’s devoured his meal. He did not regard the work as priority until he was informed about the pregnant woman stuck in an elevator. Then he gets there and starts to tell stories of why he’s late instead of dealing with the actual problem. This is very typical and I know for a fact that this will not change until Nigerians begin to regard blue collar work as important.
Infidelity in marriage and the cultural need for a male child
I think at this stage, we already know that men are highly regarded in Africa. Nigeria is still very much a patriarchal society and this warped mentality makes them think they can cheat and get away with it. Certainly many of them do and this is why Mr Njoku was able to get away with sleeping with the maid (Abigail) for 6 years and no one noticed. She even got pregnant three times! THREE TIMES!!! That’s very deceptive. My personal belief is anyone who can do this to you can kill you and you don’t need them in your life!
Did you notice how the maid was thrown out and nothing was done to the man? Absolutely no consequences for his actions because “all men cheat” apparently. We know Mrs Njoku will never leave her husband, and he will continue to cheat until he finds his male heir. The film highlighted this problem in a very subtle satirical manner.
This obsession for a male child to take on some fake legacy is getting old. It’s the 21st century and we need to start respecting our women. We are well able to take on legacies too, heck we birth them!
Spoiled brats
A.k.a. My daddy or mummy’s money is my own so I’ll act like a brat even to the ones who provide the money. When are Nigerian kids from “wealthy” homes going to get the memo? Your daddy’s money is not your own. The least you can do is be nice to people and not abuse your privilege. For Dare, his attitude was a coping mechanism as he blamed himself for his father’s death. It took being stuck in an elevator/ a matter of life and death, for him to realise that there’s more to life and people deserve respect, no matter what background they come from. Also, typical!
Although it wasn’t the most amazing film, I enjoyed the drama. I loved that there were clear themes. Most importantly, it wasn’t an overly ambitious story like The Set Up or Merry Men. There was a clear message and for once, a Nigerian movie was focused on the story. There were no unnecessary details, and trust Nigerians to always infuse a little humour in every production. I’d give it a 6/10.
