MOVIE REVIEW: ‘SuperNowa’: Nollywood finally talks about child anxiety, and it hurts to watch

Cast: Darasimi Nadi, Nonzo Bassey, Onyinye Odokoro, Bimbo Manuel, Carol King, Etta Jomaria, Alfie Ikwang, Korede Lawal, Anabel Thaddeus, David Riyo, Harriet Akinola, Regina Adekunle, Soni Irabor.

Director: Sonia Irabor

Run time: 83 minutes

Streaming Platform: Prime Video

It’s 2026, and many critical issues affecting children in Africa continue to take a back seat.

On one hand, topics like mental health and bullying, both critical issues for children, are frequently marginalised due to systemic barriers and a lack of intervention, but also a cultural denial stemming from a collective refusal to acknowledge the uncomfortable reality of their existence.

On the other hand, there is the stigmatisation that follows super-intelligent or high-achieving children, which can lead to significant psychological and social isolation.

Plot

Ihinowa Ohini (Darasimi Nadi), known as Nowa, is a child prodigy who is troubled by a recurring dream of a monster trying to attack her.

Her genius status, which earns her the nickname ‘SuperNowa’, places her on an academic level far above that of her peers. However, she is disturbed by the loss of her sister Osas (Etta Jomaria).

Her father, Osagie Ohini (Bimbo Manuel), is an academic who has to drive a cab for a living because the universities are on strike.

With her mother, Ndali Ohini (Carol King), still struggling to make ends meet with a barely paying 9-to-5 job, and her elder brother, Junior or J Bobo (Nonzo Bassey), a job applicant, Nowa’s family is at the bottom rung of the economic ladder.

But when a new teacher, Eki Idehen (Onyinye Odokoro), resumes at her school, she brings an opportunity that will change Nowa’s life—a spelling bee competition with a N15m prize.

Although well-suited, Nowa refuses to sign up for the tryouts. When she eventually goes to the competition, Nowa discovers that everyone has an agenda.

In the midst of it all, no one notices that the genius Nowa is falling apart. No one notices the anxiety she silently battles until she has a panic attack during the competition.

As the competition progresses, Nowa decides to confront her monster, not for her brother, who desperately needs the winning money. Not for her teacher, whose ego is on the line.

Review

‘SuperNowa’ focuses heavily on the ever-important issue of anxiety in children and the role guardians and caregivers have to play.

The movie is a reflection on anxiety, grief, and the cost of brilliance in a society that confuses potential with obligation.

In its own way, the movie also exposes how deeply unseen children can be in this part of the world.

At 1:23 hours, the film’s pacing is deliberate. Viewers are not burdened by unnecessary scenes, overdramatisation, or forced dialogue.

While that works in its favour, it may also be why the movie seems to gloss over other vital sub-themes, such as bullying and the many layers of family dysfunction.

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In general, the lead actress, Darasimi Nadi, at 16, may have been exposed to films with too many weighty themes.

From ‘Obara’m’ that deals with abandonment, ‘A Green Fever’, a survival movie about a coup plot, to ‘Tokunbo’, a crime story, among many others.

Her talent has never been in doubt, but she, perhaps, should be cast in more movies suitable for the General Audience.

Verdict: 7/10