TO KILL A MONKEY: A gritty Nollywood thriller that dares to dig deep

The thriller delivers a compelling storyline shaped around themes that feel all too familiar in today’s world. It dives deep into the murky waters of crime syndication, betrayal, and institutional corruption, weaving together a narrative that is both provocative and relevant.

From the outset, the production boasts a standout cast. William Benson, Bucci Franklin, Bimbo Akintola, Stella Damasus, Teniola Aladese, Lilian Afegbai, Ireti Doyle and Chidi Mokeme each bring depth and charisma to their roles. Their performances are consistently engaging, adding texture and emotion to an already layered plot.

The film’s pacing, however, reveals a few missteps. While its core story could have comfortably unfolded over four to six episodes, the format chosen feels slightly stretched. Several scenes are hindered by lengthy monologues and slower moments, which detract from the overall momentum. These segments, although perhaps aiming for dramatic impact, ultimately feel indulgent.

Policing scenes, in particular, mirror a familiar issue in Nollywood portrayals: over-dramatisation at the expense of realism. Some sequences lack the nuance and grounding expected in such a serious narrative, leaving viewers questioning their accuracy. While artistic liberty is part and parcel of storytelling, certain elements feel misplaced, with depictions neither convincingly fictional nor authentically true-to-life.

Despite these drawbacks, the drama remains enjoyable and thought-provoking. It presents a vivid look at societal issues without losing sight of personal stories and motivations.

A gripping drama that stirs and stumbles? I’d say ‘To Kill A Monkey’ is far better than that. There’s no denying the talent on display; the direction and the drama’s thematic ambition deserve recognition.

Verdict: 

A solid 8/10. 

Worth watching for its strong performances and timely message, but best approached with an understanding of its theatrical flourishes.

To Kill A Monkey is currently streaming on Netflix and entered the UK top charts within its first week of release.

Review by
Segun Martins Fajemisin
Publisher & Social Commentator