It has been a very slow year for the industry due to the impairing effect of the pandemic, the year has been plagued with haphazard comedies and half baked stories; there have only been a few decent movies, Gone miraculously falls in this category.

Gone follows boxing champion Ani, estranged from his family for more than twenty years in a quest to get them back. It stars Sam Dede, Gabriel Afolayan, Bimbo Ademoye, Stella Damascus, Bimbo Manuel, Sophie Alakija and others

Here are four reasons why Gone is a perfect film:

• It is a non-comedy film: understandably, the thought that movies that aren’t comedy films exist in Nollywood is almost alien; contents being churned out are mostly comedies. One has to wait for a blue moon for a silver lining— here comes Daniel Ademinokan’s ambitious drama with a dose of cinematic perfection that is just right.

• Every actor’s performance is noteworthy: While Ani’s deviant son, Ayochukwu’s (played by Gabriel Afolayan) reaction to his father’s absence and reappearance is more restrained, his sister’s (played by Bimbo Ademoye) reaction is the opposite because Ayochukwu was not even born yet when his father disappeared. The nuanced reaction is so exciting to watch. These two actors deliver a riveting performance that shines through the entire movie.

The film’s use of actors is nuanced from other Nollywood films, every of its main cast gets to showcase their talent— here we have Stella Damascus who plays the matriarch of family delivering a monologue during a face-off with Ani which spans for several unforgettable minutes while you’re drawn by her emotions and raw talent.

Bimbo Ademoye and Gabriel Afolayan’s face-off will have you at the edge of your seat admiring how perfect these actors are. Sam Dede breaking the horrors of his disappearance to his family will leave you teary-eyed. Even supporting acts were just perfect.

• The Story/ Screenplay: watching the trailer to this movie, one might not grasp what kind of movie it is or be confused about, but there is no disappointment here, Gone is a family drama at the top of its class with no unnecessary shenanigans to it but be warned, this might be a tearjerker.
• Crispy direction and cinematography: Daniel Ademinokan’s direction is noteworthy and the cinematography is just as perfect.

To put it succinctly, Gone is a family drama that boasts of overall terrific performance from its well-matched cast. Daniel Ademinokan delivers an enthralling film, but the core of its beauty lies in its simple yet visceral story.