It opens with a very impressive set design offering a promise of a worthwhile cinematic experience, though not too far into it, we start to doubt that impression as the story unfolds with Eriola (Lawal) and her friends ( Kie Kie, Yvonne Jegede, Wunmi Toriola, and Mo Bimpe who plays her sister, Pipeola) chatting away in her house and subsequent scenes that did not necessary fall in line with the intended story: Deola a medical student, through an unusual circumstance gets wrapped up with cultist leader, Oyekan (Deyemi Okanlawon) This led to her being rusticated and kicked out of the house by disciplinarian father, Olanifuja played by Bimbo Manuel. Having to hang out with Oyekan made them become friends and lovers.
Out of nowhere, Eriola's childhood friend and sweetheart, Fela (Lateef Adedimeji), turns up and finds out that Eriola is in love with not just another man but one known to be notorious. A quasi-love triangle is now staged to move the narrative forward, but still, one could only wonder where the story seems to be heading. The narrative is further cluttered with unnecessary scenes and characters, such as Egunjobi, played by Femi Adebayo and the scene where he is seen jubilating. They even managed to squeeze in a feature role for Oga Bello playing the role of an intermediary between Eriola and her father. To blend in the character, his role was named as Dunni’s father, one of Eriola's friends played by Toriola.
Lawal’s dual role as lead actor and (executive) producer seems to have stretched her too thin. For one, it definitely reflected on her playing the lead character, as her performance ended up as miscast, failing to bring the necessary depth to the role. The simple narrative could have been more effective with fewer characters and a tighter script.
Crossroads reminds us that ambition must be matched with execution. While Lawal's effort to take on multiple roles is commendable, the film ultimately suffers from trying to do too much. This overextension leads to a lacklustre production that does not meet the potential promised by its initial setup and impressive team. For Nollywood to elevate its standards, there must be a balance between ambition and the practical limitations of filmmaking, ensuring that quality is not compromised in pursuing grand narratives.
- Jimi D Baldheaded Guy