Sylvia is a 2018 Nigerian supernatural thriller film directed by Daniel Oriahi, written by Vanessa Kanu, and produced by Ekene Som Mekwunye for Trino Motion Pictures. The film was screened at Nollywood Week in Paris on 5 May 2018 and was released in cinemas on 21 September 2018.
Richard Okezie decides to leave Sylvia, his lifelong imaginary friend and lover for Gbemi a flesh-and-blood real woman, but complications arise when Sylvia decides to destroy Richard's peaceful life.
The film was first screened in May 2018 at Nollywood Week Paris. The official trailer was released on 6 August 2018. After a premiere at Terra Kulture on 16 September 2018, the film was released in cinemas on 21 September 2018.
Sylvia received positive reviews from critics, with praise directed at its storyline, performances, cinematography, and themes. <br>Franklin Ugobude of PulseNG commended the performances of the lead actors and the film's score, highlighting its refreshing take on a familiar theme of spirituality that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Precious Nwogwu of MamaZeus called Sylvia "spellbinding" and praised its cinematography, casting, costuming, story, and locations, describing it as one of the best Nollywood films.
The Maveriq of Tha Revue described Sylvia as "one of the darkest thrillers" in Nollywood and acknowledged Trino studios for its departure from traditional Nollywood productions.
Oris Aigbokhaevbolo in his feature review on BellaNaija, wrote: "It was heartening to have the origin of the spirit-spouse be broached but never really explained. The film shows it is the product of a Nigerian mind in how the existence of the spiritual realm is taken as a given, and its characters are modern figures wrestling ancient myths, citified kids fighting what we think of us as village people".