Watch The Naked Poet

The Naked Poet is a gripping drama film that follows the intriguing story of I.K. Gold, a British poet of Nigerian descent who finds himself torn between two worlds. The movie is set in London and focuses on the complex themes of love, identity, and self-discovery. Babatunde Aleshe stars as I.K. Gold, an enigmatic poet who has gained a reputation for his emotionally charged performances. Aml Ameen plays Ade, I.K.'s best friend and business partner, who struggles to help his friend overcome the personal demons that threaten to destroy him. Jason Barrett rounds out the cast as Tee, I.K.'s loyal manager, who works tirelessly to promote his client's art.

The Naked Poet opens with I.K. reluctantly attending his father's funeral in Nigeria. The trip forces him to confront his estranged family and the cultural differences that make him feel like an outsider in his own family. The trip also reignites a long-standing pain in his relationships with women which makes him confront his self-destructive behavior.

Back in London, I.K. tries to focus on his career, but his personal life continues to unravel. He becomes involved with Vanessa, a beautiful and ambitious fan, but their relationship is complicated by his feelings for his ex-girlfriend, Kemi. As the pressure mounts, I.K. begins to spiral out of control, and his friends are forced to intervene to prevent a tragedy.

The movie is directed by Jason Barrett, who also co-wrote the script with Babatunde Aleshe. Together, they have created a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of modern life. The Naked Poet touches on issues such as immigration, racism, mental health, and the role of the artist in society.

One of the most striking things about The Naked Poet is the way it blends genres. On one hand, it is a character-driven drama that delves deep into the emotional lives of its protagonists. On the other hand, it is a celebration of spoken-word performance, with several stunning sequences of Babatunde Aleshe performing his poetry live.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, with a moody and atmospheric visual style that captures the urban landscape of London in all its gritty glory. The film's soundtrack is also particularly effective, with a mix of African rhythms, hip-hop beats, and soulful ballads that reflect the film's diverse cultural influences.

There are several standout performances in The Naked Poet, particularly from Babatunde Aleshe, who brings an intensity and vulnerability to his portrayal of I.K. Gold. Aml Ameen also impresses as Ade, who juggles his loyalty to his friend with his growing frustration at his self-destructive behavior.

Overall, The Naked Poet is a stylish and engrossing film that will appeal to both poetry lovers and fans of character-driven drama. It's a rare gem that explores the challenges of modern life with insight and sensitivity, and it's a must-see for anyone looking for a rich and rewarding cinematic experience.

The Naked Poet is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.