“MAYE” REVIEW

“Maye”, a film from the stables of Ropheka Ministries Production, begins with the story of Luke and Margret, a couple struggling to find common ground in their marriage, particularly as spiritual values pull them in opposite directions.

One of the first things to commend about “Maye” is its release structure. By presenting it in two parts, the filmmakers demonstrated a keen understanding of their medium: YouTube. Instead of making viewers wait another week for the conclusion, both segments were released simultaneously. With a total runtime of over two hours, the split made the film more digestible while preserving its narrative flow. It’s a decision that reflects thoughtfulness and respect for the audience.

The film’s picture quality is solid, and its tone is often lightened by moments of well-executed humour. The acting, too, deserves praise. However, the character of Margret stands out as particularly puzzling. Her actions and expectations often seem contradictory. Knowing full well the background of both Frank and Luke from their college days (marked by moral failure and spiritual darkness), she still chooses to marry Luke and expects him to immediately embody the life of a godly man? Her choices lack the clarity and consistency that would make her journey fully believable. The timeline of her marriage with Luke also feels unclear. At times, they seem like newlyweds, yet their ages and dynamics suggest otherwise. That ambiguity makes it harder to connect fully with their situation.

Furthermore, there are scenes that could have been trimmed or removed to tighten the plot. Margret’s imagined lust for her pastor, for instance, feels unnecessary and doesn’t contribute meaningfully to the story. Likewise, the positioning of the flashback where Luke meets Jane is rather awkward. There’s also a lack of clarity around Luke’s “infidelity.” Margret appears satisfied with his explanation that Jane was merely a distraction; yet a flashback strongly suggests he was more deeply involved with another woman. This unresolved tension makes the narrative feel muddled in places.

The title ‘Maye’ itself isn’t exactly unambiguous. Its connection to the story or central themes isn’t immediately clear. The village scenes featuring an elder speaking about marriage (including the prologue[?]) also feel somewhat disconnected from the rest of the plot.

On a technical level, while the film features original soundtracks that enrich its emotional beats, the repeated use of Jay-Mikee’s “Price of Love” instrumental is overdone. The piece has become something of a default “solemn background tune” in Christian films, and for a production of this scale, something fresher would have been more effective. Oddly, the film also omits a credit for its editor – a small yet significant oversight that should be addressed in future projects.

Despite these areas for improvement, “Maye” grows stronger on a second watch. Some plot twists become more impactful with hindsight, and the interwoven narrative threads gain cohesion. A standout element is the turning point when Luke’s effort to end things with Jane leads to her unexpected reunion with Pastor Williams. That subplot is particularly moving: watching a pastor willingly step back from ministry to restore his home is both humbling and powerful.

The film also highlights the importance of balancing ministry with family, and it reminds us that even spiritual leaders are not immune to heartbreak or struggle. The confrontation of the demonic covenant binding Frank and Luke is intense and underscores a central truth: Jesus truly makes the difference in every life He is present in.

In the end, “Maye” is an ambitious and deeply stirring film. Its message is clear: communication is vital in marriage, and restoration is always possible when Christ is at the centre.

The links to the movie are:
Part 1 – https://youtu.be/J2TQzvwdMaQ?si=cioOgTExEpvU7qqL
Part 2 – https://youtu.be/KeVzTFQ4dto?si=ZiArn2QbPQbJAxxe

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits
MAYE (April 12, 2025)
137 minutes
Ropheka Ministries Production

Cast
Adesoji Adedoja as Frank
Tolu Adegbo as Luke
Adeola Salako as Margret
Modupe Adedoja as Raina
Jide Ogunmilade as Pastor Williams
Omowunmi Ogunribido as Jane

Crew
Screenplay
Adesoji Adedoja
Directors of Photography
Luke Reither and Ben Ope Johnson
Editor
–
Director
Kayode Babalola