"To Kill a Monkey" Is Not Just a Film — It Is an Experience By 'PELUMI A. Pelumi-Folarin
“To Kill a Monkey” Is Not Just a Film — It Is an Experience By ‘PELUMI A. Pelumi-Folarin
There are films, and then there are experiences. To Kill a Monkey is unmistakably the latter. As a filmmaker myself, I felt compelled to lend my voice to the growing chorus of praise that this groundbreaking production has stirred across the globe. From everyday viewers to seasoned analysts, the consensus is clear: To Kill a Monkey is a landmark in African cinema.
Kemi Adetiba — as writer, director, and producer — has masterfully delivered a cinematic tour de force. Her storytelling is immersive, her direction both daring and disciplined. The casting, which was impressively handled by Adetiba in collaboration with Shola ‘Effective’ Samaiye, is one of the film’s most potent strengths. The result is an ensemble that feels organically tied to the world of the story — no performance felt out of place.
As someone who has always upheld the philosophy that “the story is king,” this film reaffirmed and even expanded that belief for me. Indeed, To Kill a Monkey demonstrates that while a powerful story lays the foundation, every aspect of filmmaking — from direction to performance, from cinematography to sound — holds equal majesty. A weak story in the hands of a masterful director can still move us. But a great story in the hands of an inexperienced one may fall flat. Kemi Adetiba is a living embodiment of intelligent, curious, collaborative filmmaking. Her work is further proof that African cinema has fully come of age.
The cast delivered at the highest level. William Benson, who played Efemini, gave such a hauntingly authentic performance that the lines between character and actor blurred from episode one to eight. He held the audience under a spell that rarely broke. Bucci Franklin (Oboz) did not disappoint — his presence was magnetic. Stella Damasus (Nosa) brought her signature elegance and depth to the screen, while Bimbo Akintola (Inspector Mo Ogunlesi) gave a performance that elevated an already brilliant career. My admiration for Bimbo, which has always been immense, has now reached a quantum degree.
The film’s cinematic language is bold. The themes are daring. The execution is nothing short of masterful.
With To Kill a Monkey, Kemi Adetiba and her team have proven that Nollywood is not just evolving — it is leading. This film is not just a production; it is a cultural milestone, a creative triumph, and a resounding affirmation that the African story is best told by African voices who know its rhythm, its rage, and its resonance.
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