If movies had their currencies, then what gems like Payday (2018) bring would undoubtedly be laughter fused with thought-provoking commentary. Directed by Cheta Tazu Acheru, this Nigerian comedy film captures a day in the life of two young men, Paul and Ortega, in the hustling city of Lagos. The narrative unfolds over a single day after the death of their landlord, exploring their comical misadventures as they race against the clock to repay the rent within 24 hours before the landlord's family inherits the property and evicts them. This fairly straightforward plot holds a mirror to various societal issues and highlights the lengths people will go to for survival.
Payday leans heavily on the dynamics of friendship, which can feel extremely relatable for Gen Z viewers, often engaged in similar social spaces and dynamics. Most of the film's humor finds its roots in these friendships, brought to life by the chemistry between Paul, played by Baaj Adebule, and Ortega, portrayed by Bisola Aiyeola. Their journey through the bustling streets of Lagos offers a window into Nigerian culture and humor which, while specific, speaks broadly to the universality of financial struggle and yet delivers hope and laughter.
It would be deceptive not to acknowledge the film's commentary on economic hardships. From finding odd jobs to reliant friendships, payday loans, and the social chaos surrounding quick money, the film is an artistic reflection of real-life struggles that many people face. Yet throughout these daunting moments, humor remains the film's constant crutch. It reminds the audience of an essential, albeit often challenging, aspect of life: the importance of finding joy even in uncertainty.
The film's strength lies in its character-driven narrative, which presents a slice of life that is equal parts comedy, relatable messiness, and pressure cooker stress. It effectively uses Lagos not just as a backdrop but as a character itself — energetic and unpredictable. This environment fuels the urgency coursing through Paul and Ortega’s day. As they navigate their challenges, viewers discern snippets of the larger societal landscape in which issues like unemployment and corruption often loom large over everyday life.
From a politically liberal perspective, Payday provides more than just laughs. It is a cinematic megaphone amplifying the need for structural change to address systemic issues faced by the everyday person. This echoes the sentiments of those pushing for economic reform and social justice, advocating for fairness in an often unequal system. Some might argue that films like Payday provide escapism that can overshadow the issues at hand. However, its subtle critiques woven into humor can simultaneously entertain and enlighten, drawing attention away from pessimism and toward a desire to enact change.
Nonetheless, critics of the film suggest that the humor, though refreshing, sometimes skirts on over-reliance on stereotypes. The characters' decisions might seem exaggerated, yet it adds to the authenticity of the satirical social commentary that this movie bravely undertakes. These critiques hold a certain validity, yet they paint only part of the picture. It's important to understand the broader landscape of Nigerian cinema where Payday operates—largely vibrant but also grappling with growing pains of evolving storytelling norms.
For Gen Z, a generation tuned into cultural sophistication through digital and global lenses, Payday offers a different narrative of African city life, wrapped in comedy. It steps away from the sensationalism often associated with African narratives in global media and serves up a simpler yet potent form of storytelling. Its humorous lens on serious issues illustrates that films, especially within Nollywood, can harness soft power to make socio-political statements approachable.
Ultimately, Payday is a film that might prompt viewers to look beyond the screen and reflect on the real-life stories that resonate within laughter. Paul and Ortega’s rush around Lagos, a mix of youthful impulsiveness and necessity-driven actions, resonates with the desires many share for stability and fairness in an ever-complex world. Their ability to evoke laughter, even through their missteps, is perhaps the film’s ultimate gift—a reminder that humor can be a guiding light even in challenging times.