“Tòkunbò” is a new Nigerian film directed by Ramsey Nouah. The film centres on Tòkunbò (played by Gideon Okeke), an ex-car smuggler who became a taxi driver and is desperate to save his newborn child. He is thrust back into the criminal underworld when he is given a dangerous ultimatum to deliver a government official’s daughter to her captor within three hours or face deadly consequences for his family. The film’s story combines action, suspense, and political intrigue with the backdrop of contemporary Nigerian society.
The plot kicks off with Tòkunbò’s dilemma when his newborn son requires an urgent medical procedure. Tòkunbò is offered a substantial sum to complete the dangerous mission of delivering a kidnapped girl. The government official, who is the mother of the kidnapped girl, is involved in a contentious political debate concerning cryptocurrency reforms in Nigeria. Her policies have attracted powerful enemies, setting the stage for the kidnapping. As Tòkunbò navigates a web of crime lords, corrupt politicians, and treacherous allies, the movie explores themes of sacrifice, desperation, and the moral dilemmas people face when their backs are against the wall.
Throughout his journey, Tòkunbò’s character reveals layers of his past, showing how his criminal background and fractured family life intersect with his current struggle. The film weaves in subplots, including a political conspiracy connected to cryptocurrency, which adds complexity but also slows down the narrative in some places. Tòkunbò’s interactions with the villain, Gaza (played by Chidi Mokeme), are the highlights of the film. Gaza is portrayed as a ruthless yet charismatic figure, elevating the tension and drama.
Visually, “Tòkunbò” excels with its striking cinematography and atmospheric scenes that showcase Nigerian urban landscapes.
The film employs a mix of genres combining thriller, drama, and even elements of dark comedy. However, despite these strengths, the movie has received criticism for its reliance on well-worn tropes, particularly in its resemblance to films like “The Transporter”.
The film places a significant emphasis on the motivations of its characters. Tòkunbò’s desperation is rooted in his love for his family driving him back into a world he had left behind. However, this desperation is inconsistently portrayed. Some reviews note that while the character’s plight is the core of the story, his detachment from his family and the lack of depth in his relationship with them undermine the emotional stakes. The lead character is shown to be both physically strong and mentally capable, but his reactions often feel at odds with the intensity of his situation.
The film introduces multiple antagonists with Gaza (played by Chidi Mokeme) as the standout. Gaza’s character is a formidable, yet one-dimensional villain who exudes menace with limited screen time. However, the secondary villains are less impactful. The white collar corporate villain feels unnecessary and doesn’t add much value to the overall plot. This undercuts the tension and reduces the complexity that could have made the antagonists more engaging.
While the movie starts strong with fast-paced action and a clear narrative direction, the introduction of a political subplot in the second act slows the story down. This subplot revolves around the government official’s controversial cryptocurrency reforms and how they connect to the kidnapping. Although this adds thematic depth, it also complicates the pacing and creates disjointed transitions between the action sequences and the more dialogue-heavy political scenes. The climax attempts to tie everything together, but some of the twists and plot resolutions feel predictable and lack emotional impact.
One of the strongest aspects of “Tòkunbò” is its visual execution. The cinematography captures both the gritty underbelly of the Nigerian urban environment and the luxurious settings of its wealthier characters. The creative use of shallow depth of field keeps the focus on key characters and enhances the film’s atmospheric tension. The set design, particularly in Gaza’s lair, reflects the stark contrasts within the story from the opulence of the political elite to the poverty-stricken conditions of those on the criminal fringe.
“Tòkunbò” is a well-crafted but imperfect thriller that stands out more for its visual appeal and strong performances than for originality in storytelling. It delivers a gripping narrative, although it sometimes falls into predictable territory. Nevertheless, it is a notable addition to the growing catalogue of Nigerian films on global platforms like Netflix.
