You’re Finally Thriving, then GBAM! Your Toxic Ex Uses A "Missed Flight" To Sneak Back In! Susan Pwajok's Laraba & Balarabe Is Too Real!

THE MANIPULATOR

Be honest, How many times have you been Laraba? You finally block your toxic ex, burn the photos, delete the entire Spotify playlist you made for them, and start living your best life? You’re doing well, you're thriving. Then, gbam! They show up at your door because they missed their flight. 

This is not a terrible dream, darling. This is the premise of "Laraba and Balarabe," the short film from the very talented Susan Pwajok and we are not okay. This film is so relatable it feels like a personal attack on anyone who has ever been stuck in the cycle of an emotionally draining relationship.

The Setup: A cheap Excuse and a Lingering Hope

The film centers on Laraba and Balarabe, months after their messy, unexplained breakup. Balarabe snaps back in, using the flimsy "missed flight" excuse and Laraba, bless her soul, lets him stay. This sudden, inconvenient reunion is Laraba's last chance to get the only thing that matters; Closure. She confronts him, desperately searching for the real reason he left, especially regarding the persistent rumor of another babe.

The Balarabe Masterclass in Emotional Manipulation

Balarabe, however, is a certified PhD holder in emotional evasion. Instead of giving a straight answer, he uses the classic toxic tactics, where they try to make you doubt your own memory by calling you unfair; then they quickly change the subject or pin the blame back on you and then, they suddenly turn sweet and vulnerable to get forgiveness, knowing that tactic is your weakness. 

See ehn, the part that actually sent chills down my spine and made me scream was that scene where she just did a soft-landing request; "You know it wouldn't hurt for you to say sorry." Guess what the Oga said, "I don’t know what I’m apologizing for, I mean I’ve hurt you in so many ways." Omo! that’s not a response; that’s an admission of being a professional heartbreaker! He literally made Laraba feel like she was the difficult one for wanting accountability.

The Ultimate Betrayal: The Spicy Noodles Incident

After all the emotional yeye talk and manipulation, Laraba’s guards drop. She makes him spicy noodles, of course, because nothing cures heartbreak like seasoning, hehehe and that brief moment of comfort gives her false hope.

The film's ending is what truly deserves a police report. Balarabe gets what he came for, shelter, attention, and food, and once his flight is sorted, he bounces, leaving Laraba exactly where he found her; heartbroken, confused and without the closure she desperately craved for. He treated her living room like a cheap hotel and her feelings like collateral damage. The absolute audacity!

Why This Film Hits Different

Susan Pwajok's Laraba and Balarabe is not just about a breakup; it’s a commentary on modern Nigerian dating and emotional vulnerability. The story succeeds because it captures the most painful part of modern heartbreak; the consuming and desperate need to seek answers that validate the doubts you impulsively felt all along. Laraba isn't just missing Balarabe; she’s fighting for the truth.

When a manipulator like Balarabe returns, it’s rarely because he has recognized his folly, it’s because he has temporarily run into trouble with his new relationship and he knows you are emotionally accessible. My darling, the peace you crave, the explanation, the apology, the validation, will never come from the source of the wound. Closure is an inside job, so, give yourself the damn closure!

We've broken down the film, but now we need to talk about real life. Every time a character like Balarabe pops up, the internet divides. Some say he’s just one bad guy and others say he’s the template! Enough of the whispers, we need to know your truth! Tell us where you stand in the poll below;

Is Balarabe’s emotional avoidance a common problem in the Nigerian dating culture?

• 0%Yes, it’s rampant! Nigerin men avoid accountability
• 0%No! Most Nigerian men are honest, its just a few bad eggs
• 0%Maybe. its only common among the emotionally immature ones