‘Our Time Will Come’ Review: Two Orphans Journey to Accra to Find Their Kin in an Emotionally Absorbing Ghanaian Drama

In the sweltering streets of Accra, two orphaned teenagers navigate a treacherous landscape where family ties have been eroded and ethnic identity reigns supreme. Writer-director Amartei Armar’s feature debut, “Our Time Will Come,” offers a poignant portrayal of a Ghana in disarray, where protection is a luxury few can afford.

The film’s narrative masterfully blends atmosphere and emotion, shot through with the harsh realities of life on the margins. Armar’s vision of Ghana is one where traditional safety nets have been rent asunder, leaving individuals to fend for themselves in a dog-eat-dog world. This is not merely a story about two orphans; it’s an allegory for a society that has lost its way.

The bond between Owusu and Adobea, forged out of shared adversity, serves as a powerful counterpoint to the societal norms that have failed them. The film’s portrayal of Accra is a scathing critique of a system that prioritizes the interests of the few over the many. Billboards emblazoned with “#ReadTheBill” – part of a campaign against the 2024 “Family Values” bill – serve as a stark reminder of the government’s priorities.

By criminalizing the LGBTQ+ community, Ghana’s authorities have chosen to fan the flames of division rather than address the country’s real problems. The inclusion of these billboards serves as a jarring reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there are still those who seek to silence marginalized voices.

Armar’s use of music montages, while well-intentioned, disrupts the film’s momentum and feels like a misstep in an otherwise masterful narrative. Nevertheless, the cast shines, particularly Idrissu Tontie Jr., who brings a depth and nuance to his portrayal of Owusu.

The question remains: what does this film say about Ghana’s future? Armar’s intentions are clear – he aims to spark a national conversation about the state of kinship units in modern society. But will this conversation be enough to bring about change, or will “Our Time Will Come” remain a powerful indictment of a system that has failed its most vulnerable members?

As the world watches Ghana navigate its tumultuous present, it’s clear that Armar’s film is more than just a work of fiction – it’s a call to action. The shadows of Accra may be dark, but they also hold a glimmer of hope. For in the face of adversity, human connection can be a powerful force for change.

The government’s response to the #ReadTheBill campaign serves as a stark reminder that the path to reform is fraught with obstacles. But Armar’s film suggests that even in the darkest corners of Accra, there are those who will not be silenced. The bond between Owusu and Adobea may be tenuous at best, but it’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience.

As Ghana grapples with the consequences of its own fragmentation, “Our Time Will Come” offers a searing indictment of the systems that have failed the most marginalized members of society. Armar’s vision of Ghana is one of disarray – but it’s also a testament to the power of human connection in the face of adversity.

Ultimately, “Our Time Will Come” is a reflection of the world we live in today – a reminder that even in the darkest corners of Accra, there are those who will not be silenced. The shadows may be dark, but they also hold a glimmer of hope. And for that, we should be grateful.