The Origin: Madam Koi Koi
This two-part movie tells the story of Madam Koi Koi, a myth of a ghost that haunts boarding schools at night.
Split between two timelines (1971 and 1991), the main timeline introduces a new schoolgirl in a school that makes her ill at ease. Amanda (the new schoolgirl) navigates school life while being haunted by a vengeful spirit, delinquent fellow students and an egocentric Mother Superior. The alternate timeline delves into the origin of the myth, Madam Koi Koi.
The first part lays the groundwork for this flick, depending on its thrilling elements as it unfurls the tale, while the second part wraps up the story with relishing infusions of horror. The story here is portrayed in a simple and unpretentious manner, the action scenes aren't grand (which is fitting). This flick also manages to have an indelible feel of dread, and this is brought about by the stunning visuals, set designs and chilling soundtrack. The movie also does a fine job of avoiding unnecessary or filler scenes, each scene is purposeful to moving the story along. Due to the extended screen time, the pacing is handled well. There's also a true telling of boarding life in Nigeria. The only plot flaw is making the death of the delinquent boys occur off-screen, this detracted from the horror metre.
Themes of sexual assault, victim blaming and grooming are unflinchingly portrayed, whilst avoiding being gratuitous but staying true to how they occur.
The characters in Madam Koi Koi will make you feel something (apathy is impossible), you either like them or you hate them with vitriol, and this is brought about by the stellar performance of the cast. Martha Ehinome is an interesting lead. Ireti Doyle delivers arguably her best performance to date, giving her character a very nuanced portrayal. Off the heels of portraying a delinquent in Schooled, Chuks Joseph delivers another convincing role.
The Origin: Madam Koi Koi gives hope to what Nollywood can produce, and it is undoubtedly one of the best offerings from 2023 (if not the best.)
8-8.5/10.
