Now and Always: A Slow-Burn Love Story with Faith at Its Core

Now and Always is a beautifully crafted YouTube movie available on Eso Dike's channel. Directed by Great-Val Edochie and starring Eso Dike, Inem King, Teni Aladese, Ichie Fuego, and others, the film takes viewers on a journey through an initially platonic relationship between a boss and his executive assistant. As their bond deepens into a romantic relationship, a looming shadow threatens their seemingly perfect connection—one of them is battling a terminal illness.

This film stands out for its unique storytelling. The narrative is a slow burn, soothing yet intense, unfolding at a deliberate pace that allows each moment to resonate deeply. While it is a love story, it deviates from the norm by being faith-based, diving deeply into spiritual themes. It doesn't merely touch on the surface of spiritual connection but delves into the essence of walking with God.

In one standout scene, Juliet (played by Teni Aladese), a new convert, discusses her newfound faith with Kemi (Inem King). Juliet expresses her determination to live by the rules of her faith, but Kemi gently reminds her that prioritizing her relationship with Christ is more important than simply following rules. This heartfelt exchange reflects the depth of the film’s spiritual message, emphasizing that faith is about connection and not just works.

What Works in the Film: Things I Like

The performances are a major highlight. Eso Dike and Inem King’s chemistry is unmatched, making their transition from platonic to romantic partners feel realistic and heartfelt. Teni Aladese and Ichie Fuego also deliver commendable performances, enhancing the film's emotional depth.

The opening scene, showing blood in a basin, immediately piques curiosity, setting the tone for a story full of intrigue. Additionally, the theme song is a gem, with lyrics that beautifully complement the movie’s themes.

There are also subtle storytelling nuances that make the film special. For instance, Felix’s (Eso Dike) player persona is later explained through a glimpse into his past, reminding viewers how formative experiences shape our present. The film also offers hope amidst tragedy, as Kemi’s illness seems to take a backseat as the story unfolds, leaving her feeling at peace.

Areas for Improvement: Things that Had Coma

While the film shines in many aspects, a few details could have been better executed.

• The blood in the opening scene, though intriguing, didn’t look entirely realistic.

• Kemi’s house seemed overly extravagant for her role as an executive assistant. Without any mention of family wealth, her home felt more like her boss’s, diminishing the authenticity of the setting.

• A scene involving Jide (Ichie Fuego) and Felix discussing some girls they were expecting ended abruptly. While the scene itself was effective, showing the girls onscreen could have added a playful edge and created a memorable moment for social media promotion.

Final Thoughts

Now and Always is a love story like no other—a poignant mix of romance and faith that will resonate with audiences this holiday season. Despite minor shortcomings, the film’s compelling performances, spiritual depth, and unique narrative make it a worthwhile watch.

Gather your family and friends, grab some cocoa, and enjoy Now and Always this Christmas. It’s a heartwarming experience you won’t soon forget.

Watch “Now and Always” here

From the Black Film Wire Team

At Black Film Wire, we hosted a viewing party for Now and Always, and one thing we absolutely loved about the film was the deep Christian truths about the Gospel! Eso’s storytelling shines with profound lines like “Water is free and trapped” and “The waves understand.” The emphasis on salvation as a gift from God—not earned through works—stood out as a beautiful and essential reminder of faith.

We also loved seeing Teniola A. Aladese, the star of Christmas in Lagos, grace our screens again with her incredible talent. Koby, the dog, made a delightful appearance, adding charm to a Nollywood film in a way we don’t often see. All in all, Now and Always left us inspired, moved, and full of hope—truly a film worth watching this holiday season.

Production Spotlight

The film has already garnered an impressive 194,000 views on YouTube, a testament to its resonance with audiences. Now and Always marks Collier Noir's first standalone production, following their co-production credits from We Move, another film starring Inem King. This milestone cements Collier Noir's reputation as a rising force in Nollywood filmmaking.

With its depth, charm, and powerful messages, Now and Always is a must-watch this season.

Eso Dike’s Channel → Eso Dike’s Movie “BTS Footage |Now and Always”