Are you the only one who hasn't watched Behind the Scenes? Yes, definitely

Behind the Scenes is a record-breaking 2025 drama film produced and directed by Funke Akindele. It follows Aderonke, a woman who constantly drains herself financially by funding her siblings' expensive lifestyles and supporting the lavish lifestyles of her friends 

Over time, she begins to suspect that the very people she sacrifices for may not have her back. Fearing for the future of her children if anything were to happen to her, she makes a drastic decision: she fakes her own death to test their loyalty.

And let's just say most of them failed woefully.

The film raises uncomfortable questions about love, boundaries, betrayal and human nature. 

It may leave you angry at Aderonke's family and friends, sympathetic towards her struggles or simply entertained by the twists. But if you look closely, there are also valuable lessons for anyone working in the corporate world.

Here are five that stood out

1. Be loyal, but know when to stop

Loyalty is admirable, but blind loyalty can cost you.

Johnson and Oluchi, Aderonke's staff, remained faithful to her until the very end. Although they were not related by blood, they proved to be the people she could trust most with her children. At the same time, they secretly pursued a relationship despite company policy prohibiting workplace romance.

Aderonke had legitimate reasons for the rule, as office relationships can create conflicts and complications. But should someone pass up the love of their life simply because of an HR policy? Probably not. The key is handling such situations responsibly.

The lesson actually goes beyond romance. Be committed to your employer, but never sacrifice your own future, happiness or well-being in the name of loyalty.

2. Everyone is selfish

One of the harshest truths the film highlights is that most people put themselves first.

Several characters abandoned Aderonke's children the moment they believed she was gone. Adetutu, her elder sister, who even swore on her life that she would stand by her, ended up maltreating her children. Even Afeez, the driver, who preached loyalty before Aderonke's supposed demise, tried to sell her car illegally. 

The corporate world is often similar. No matter how often a company says, "We're one big family," it is ultimately a business that exists to make a profit. If your role no longer adds value, you could lose your job.

Likewise, employees often stay only until a better opportunity comes along.

That doesn't make either side evil. It's simply reality. And if you don't look after yourself, guess who will? Nobody. 

3. Even your work bestie can snitch on you

Mariam was one of Aderonke's closest friends, yet jealousy and greed drove her to blackmail someone she supposedly cared about 

The same thing can happen at work.

Sharing lunch, jokes and inside stories doesn't always mean someone will protect your interests when the stakes are high. Be friendly, but think twice before sharing confidential information, office gossip or opinions that could later be used against you.

Professional boundaries exist for a reason.

4. Office politics is real, so learn how it works

If Aderonke had not carefully planned her fake death, she would have continued trusting the wrong people, and her children might have ended up in the wrong hands.

Many employees claim to hate office politics, but they deal with it every day without realising it.

Playing office politics doesn't mean manipulating colleagues or being dishonest. It means understanding influence, building relationships, communicating effectively and knowing how decisions are actually made within your organisation.

Ignoring it completely can leave you at a disadvantage.

5. Don't ignore your own well-being

Aderonke spent so much time solving everyone else's problems that she neglected herself.

Ironically, within days of believing she had died, many of the same people she had sacrificed for had already moved on with their lives.

Work can be like that too.

No deadline, client or quarterly target is worth sacrificing your physical or mental health. Take your annual leave, rest when needed and set healthy boundaries. You'll not only protect yourself but also perform better in the long run.

It’s true that life is not nollywood but there are indeed corporate lesson

Final Thought

The aim of this piece is not to make you cynical about work. But at the same time, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with so you don’t end up being naive at work.

Naivety has cost many people their jobs, and in worse cases, their mental health. 

Yes, you should look out for yourself, but that doesn’t mean you should stop being kind. There is still a place for humanity at work.

It also helps to manage your expectations. When you understand that people will often choose themselves, you are less likely to feel betrayed or heartbroken when colleagues prioritise promotion, protection, or personal gain, even if it means throwing others under the bus.

Work can be fair, but it is not always fairytale.