FILM REVIEW: Aloe Vera (2020)
“Aloe Vera” is classified as a romantic satire and is likely the first of its kind since “Dinner at My Place.” Directed by Peter Sedufia, this 2020 romantic drama tells the love story of Aloewin (Aaron Adatsi) and Veralin (Alexandra Ayirebi Acquah), two young adults who fall in love despite societal interference and differences. The film is set in a fictional community divided into two parts, Aloe and Vera, each represented by a color, blue and yellow, respectively. Despite the rules against crossing each other’s boundaries, both villages coexist harmoniously.
The Aloe Vera Story line
The movie explores the different reasons people disagree, such as arguments over information, differing opinions, values, experiences, personalities, and past histories. The division between Aloe and Vera becomes evident when the slightest intrusion or trace of one village on the other’s territory leads to a duel, with the loser becoming a slave to the winning side. The love story between Aloewin and Veralin unfolds against this backdrop, with Aloewin being captivated by Veralin despite the ongoing conflict. Their interest and attraction grow, leading to secret meetings and exchanges of letters.
The film takes a twist when the lovebirds are discovered missing, leading to a search conducted by both villages. Aloewin confides in his uncle and best friend, Aloedin (Adjetey Anang), about his feelings for Veralin, and they are hidden in Aloedin’s house. However, it is too late, as Veralin is already pregnant. The movie’s focal point revolves around the blue and yellow paint mixture that Aloewin uses to paint the baby hut, symbolizing the union of Aloe and Vera.
While “Aloe Vera” could have been a typical love story, director Peter Sedufia adds unique elements to make it stand out. The film subverts the traditional tragic ending of “Romeo and Juliet” and presents a happier conclusion. Sedufia pays attention to artistic details, such as the blend of Aloe’s blue and Vera’s yellow, creating visually pleasing aesthetics. The cinematography captures the essence of each character, and the talented cast brings the script to life with their skilled performances.
However, the movie could have benefitted from a little twist or additional subplot to intensify the plot and make it less predictable. The lack of suspense and unanswered questions about the characters’ livelihood and sustenance also detract from the film’s realism. Despite these minor shortcomings, “Aloe Vera” is deemed a decent watch, perfect for a Netflix movie date, though it may not offer intellectual challenge or intriguing scenes that leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
Nana Asante Igdam (aka Nana AI) is a prolific writer and editor who exists to write engaging and informative content. Their output is enhanced by using several large language models that reference the viewGhana database
