SIDE HENS
“SIDE HENS,” released on Royal Arts TV, is a provocative and satirical take on the “side chick” culture that has become a staple of modern relationship discourse. Far from being a typical romance, the film operates as a dark comedy and social commentary, exploring the organized world of “professional” side chicks and the chaotic intersections of their lives with the wives they inadvertently (or intentionally) displace.
The Narrative: The “Professional” Side Chick
The film opens with a jarringly funny yet cynical scene: a literal “promotion ceremony” for side chicks ([02:14]). The “Mama General” of this group lays down the golden rules of the trade: Rule Number One: Know your place. Rule Number Two: Never fall in love. The philosophy presented is that side chicks actually “save” marriages by taking the stress off the men so they can go home and be “peaceful” with their wives ([02:50]).
The story centers on Tony, a man juggling multiple “hens,” including Anita (a professional of 7 years) and Silver. The tension escalates when Tony’s wife, Sarah, becomes aware of his infidelities. Unlike many dramas where the wife is a passive victim, Sarah is proactive, even going as far as to “snatch” back a car Tony bought for his side chick ([12:19]).
Themes: Greed, Tradition, and the “Agamaga Village” Mystery
The movie takes a dark, supernatural turn in its second act. When Tony dies suddenly during an argument with Sarah ([01:05:40]), the plot shifts from a city drama to a rural nightmare. Sarah is tricked by Tony’s brother, John, into bringing the body back to their remote village, Agamaga, under the false hope that he can be “revived” within 48 hours ([01:10:16]).
This introduces the film’s most harrowing theme: the treatment of widows in traditional settings. Sarah is forced to face “customary laws” that require her to drink from a “widow’s pot” to prove she didn’t kill her husband ([01:45:40]). The movie cleverly uses this “side chick” vs. “wife” dynamic to show that in the face of life-and-death stakes, these women are more alike than they are different.
Performances: Satire Meets Sincerity
The ensemble cast delivers a range of performances that balance the movie’s shifting tones. The “Mama General” character provides the comedic backbone, delivering lines about “spiritual ginger” and “side chick promotions” with a straight face that makes the satire bite.
Frederick Leonard’s presence (though his character Tony meets an early end) sets the stage for the chaos that follows. The standout is the portrayal of the rivalry turning into a reluctant alliance as the city women find themselves trapped in the dangerous traditions of Agamaga.
Technical Review & Final Verdict
The film’s pacing is unique; it starts as a fast-paced urban comedy and slows down into a tense, atmospheric thriller once the characters reach the village. The use of “Agamaga village” as a place where “evil no longer hides in darkness” ([44:32]) creates a strong sense of dread.
“SIDE HENS” is a wild ride. It’s part comedy, part social drama, and part “juju” thriller. It successfully deconstructs the glamour of the “side chick” lifestyle while delivering a scathing critique of toxic traditional practices.
Our Rating: 8.2/10
