'To Kill a Monkey' Captivates and Frustrates: Nollywood Thriller Shows Promise, Misses Key Connections

Kemi Adetiba's highly anticipated thriller series, 'To Kill a Monkey,' now streaming on Netflix, has ignited a flurry of reactions, praised for its bold premise, stellar performances, and striking visuals, yet criticized for its occasionally disjointed plot and underdeveloped character arcs. The eight-episode series plunges viewers into a dark world of cybercrime, spiritual horror, and economic desperation, leaving many applauding the ambition while simultaneously questioning some narrative choices.

A Gripping Premise and Standout Performances

The series centers around Efe (William Benson), a struggling tech professional whose life takes a dramatic turn after reconnecting with his affluent and enigmatic university friend, Oboz (Bucci Franklin). Their reunion leads Efe down a dangerous path into the world of cybercrime, all orchestrated under the guise of a mysterious monkey mask and ritualistic practices. From the outset, 'To Kill a Monkey' establishes a compelling atmosphere, drawing viewers in with its stylish presentation and palpable tension.

The performances are a significant highlight, with each actor delivering a captivating portrayal. Bimbo Akintola shines as Inspector Mo, embodying the character's grief, ambition, and professional frustrations with remarkable depth. Bucci Franklin commands the screen as the enigmatic Oboz, while William Benson effectively portrays Efe's descent into a world of moral ambiguity. Stella Damasus and Teniola Aladese also deliver memorable performances, contributing to the strong ensemble cast.

Technical Prowess Elevates the Experience

Beyond the performances, 'To Kill a Monkey' excels in its technical execution. The sound design, spearheaded by an original score from Oscar Heman-Ackah, Adetiba's husband, is particularly noteworthy. The music effectively amplifies the tension and atmosphere, creating a truly immersive experience. The cinematography further enhances the series' visual appeal, portraying Lagos as a character in itself, shifting between gritty backstreets and gleaming high-rises.

"The visual storytelling is a major strength," notes film critic Aisha Hassan. "The use of color, shadow, and camera angles creates a palpable sense of unease and perfectly captures the characters' internal struggles. The shrine scenes, for example, are visually stunning and deeply unsettling."

Plot Holes and Underdeveloped Characters Detract from the Overall Impact

Despite its strengths, 'To Kill a Monkey' occasionally falters in its narrative execution. Several plot points feel rushed or underdeveloped, leaving viewers with unanswered questions. The introduction of certain characters, such as Sparkle (the internet "baddie") and Teacher (the gang leader), feels somewhat contrived, lacking the necessary depth and motivation to fully resonate.

According to Dr. Kunle Adebayo, a professor of film studies at the University of Lagos, "The series suffers from a common Nollywood issue: a lack of attention to detail in the plotting. While the overall premise is intriguing, the execution sometimes feels rushed, and certain character arcs are not fully realized. This prevents the series from reaching its full potential."

The character of Inspector Mo, while compellingly portrayed by Bimbo Akintola, also raises questions. Her intense focus on the "Monkey" case feels somewhat disconnected from the broader realities of cybercrime in Nigeria, which often affects everyday citizens and businesses. A deeper exploration of this aspect could have added greater weight and relevance to her pursuit.

Missed Opportunities and Unfulfilled Potential

Another missed opportunity lies in the exploration of Efe's role in developing the AI technology used for the cyber scams. While the premise is intriguing, the series fails to showcase this aspect in action, leaving a potentially fascinating storyline unexplored. The lack of visual representation of the technology diminishes the impact of Efe's involvement and the overall sophistication of the criminal operation.

Final Verdict: A Promising Step Forward for Nollywood

Despite its flaws, 'To Kill a Monkey' remains a genuinely entertaining and visually impressive thriller. The series showcases the talent and potential of Nollywood filmmakers, demonstrating their ability to create compelling characters, build atmosphere, and deliver technically proficient productions. While the plot may not be perfect, the performances and overall execution make it a worthwhile watch.

'To Kill a Monkey' represents a step in the right direction for Nollywood, signaling a move towards more gritty, character-driven storytelling. With greater attention to detail in the plotting and character development, future productions can build upon the foundation laid by this ambitious and visually striking series.

Performances: Exceptional acting from the entire cast, particularly Bimbo Akintola and Bucci Franklin. Visuals: Striking cinematography and effective use of sound design create a compelling atmosphere. Plot: Suffers from occasional plot holes and underdeveloped character arcs. Overall: A promising thriller that showcases the potential of Nollywood filmmaking.