To Kill A Monkey

Finally we got to watch 'To Kill a Monkey' after waiting for a very long while😃 Kudos to Kemi Adetiba for always coming up with original stories, it's fascinating how her brain works!

DELICIOUS

-Hats off to the production designer for a job well executed: from the costume and set designs to the props, every detail was meticulously crafted with the script and characters in mind!

-We didn't have any concern about William Benson (Efe), Bucci Franklin (Oboz), and Teniola Adelese (Ivie) because they ALWAYS deliver😊Stellar performances!!

-'To Kill a Monkey' is another proof that Kemi Adetiba is growing. There were major production improvements noticed compared to her beginning stages with 'Wedding Party' in terms of sound engineering, direction and cinematography

BLAND

-The title was more poignant than the actual story...You think the series was all about trying to kill "the monkey", when on the contrary, it centered more on Efe. Leaving us in total confusion.

"The monkey" should have been designed as a terrifying character due to his mask and renown, but unfortunately, he never uplifted the story with any powerful influence

-Chidi Mokeme's role was not quite necessary as it did not add much depth. Which notorious gangster only requires 30% off a deal😳 He was not intimidating, and was constantly "falling short" of his goals

-Many scenes were stretched or repetitive without providing new insights, especially the Oboz-Efe moments in the restaurant and Efe-Amanda moments.

-How did the opening scene affect the whole story? It was fearful and spicy but had it been omitted, it wouldn't have made much difference as it had little impact🙁

Overall, great initiative from Kemi Adetiba and team, and we wish them the best as they continue improving their skills!

This film delivers a powerful punch from start to finish. The storyline is deeply engaging, layered, emotional, and full of tension that keeps you glued to the screen. What truly elevates it, though, is the cast. Every actor brought their A-game. Oboz (F. Bucci) and Efemini (William Benson) both delivered raw, believable performances that gave life to their characters. It's rare to see such across-the-board excellence in a cast.

This isn't just a film you watch, it's one you feel. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates strong storytelling and exceptional acting.

To Kill a Monkey is one of those shows that grabs you from the very first episode and refuses to let go. Kemi Adetiba has created a special crime thriller that's as emotionally gripping as it is visually stunning.

The story follows Efemini, a struggling programmer whose life takes a dangerous turn after he reconnects with an old school friend. That reunion drags him deep into Lagos's cybercrime underworld, a place filled with fast money, deadly risks, and impossible choices. William Benson plays Efemini with such honesty that you can't help but root for him, even when he's in over his head. On the flip side, Bucci Franklin as Oboz oozes charm and menace in equal measure every scene with him keeps you on edge.

What really makes the show stand out is how it captures Lagos in all its raw beauty. The neon lights, the shadows, the bustling streets that make all feels alive, almost like the city itself is a character in the story. The sound design and music add to that energy, pulling you further into the world without ever distracting from the drama.

But it's not just about style. To Kill a Monkey digs into real human struggles such as poverty, betrayal, ambition, and the cost of survival. The characters feel layered and real, which makes their choices hit harder. You might not always agree with what they do, but you understand why they do it.

Kemi Adetiba's storytelling is bold, confident, and unapologetically Nigerian. This isn't just a great crime drama; it's proof that Nollywood can stand toe-to-toe with the very best from anywhere in the world.

The only off is the fact that the concluding part was hastened unlike the starting episodes. Overall, the movie is thrilling, emotional, and unforgettable.

This was an interesting watch. Loved how they incorporated several Nigerian languages in different scenes, it made it more relatable.

Loved the character of Amanda; she carried herself with so much charisma in every scene she was shot. The cinematography must be commended as well.

In the pilot episode, the hospital scene to be precise; where the lady asked Efe to go with her into the office; the lighting was poor I must say. The office could pass off as an interrogation room rather than an office due to the poor lighting. I am guessing the night scene was shot during the day.

I also understand that Nosa wanted the mum to give them some space at the hospital but asking her mum to go buy cold pure water seemed out of place for someone who just went through CS.

Chidi Mokeme's daughter lost her children in the car blast; wished there was a grieving scene of her which also shows her blame her father Chidi for the demise of her kids.

Despite these drawbacks, I must say the acting was above average as the actors delivered their lines effortlessly. I enjoyed their performances; especially that of Oboz and Ms Sparkles. It was an interesting watch but the ending was pretty rushed in my opinion.

I believe the series had potential but ultimately fell short in its storytelling, despite some standout elements. The production quality and cinematography were solid, and performances by William Benson and Bucci Franklin were impressive. However, the plot lacked cohesion and depth, with several missed opportunities that weakened the overall impact.

Key Issues: **Misleading Opening Scene The first scene seemed designed to set the tone for the entire series, but it ended up being irrelevant. Throughout the show, I kept thinking Efe's misfortune was somehow connected to that opening moment, but it never tied in meaningfully.

**False Sense of Suspense When Oboz introduces Efe to his "inside business," the scene was shot with such intensity that I anticipated something dark or sinister. Instead, it turned out to be a scam operation-disappointing and anticlimactic given the build-up.

**Unrealized Potential with AI and Juju Efe mentions that he can elevate the scam business using AI, which could have been an exciting and modern angle. Unfortunately, we never actually see this idea developed. The story jumps ahead 4 years, and suddenly they're wealthy, with no exploration of how the AI or juju was used in their schemes. It felt like a major missed opportunity.

**Underused Cyber Detective The cybercrime detective character had potential but was underutilized. Given her role, it would have added realism and depth to see her engaged in actual investigations-analyzing data, tracking networks, etc.-rather than just appearing with conclusions.

**Misleading Title The title To Kill a Monkey suggests a central plot element or metaphor that never materialized. At no point in the story does it become clear who or what "the monkey" is, or why anyone is trying to kill it.

**An Underwhelming Ending The conclusion lacked the punch it needed. A more compelling twist-such as revealing that Oboz's wife was the mastermind or heir to his operation-could have added the suspense and complexity the story was missing.

This series had strong acting and visual direction, but the writing let it down. With tighter plot development and follow-through on its more intriguing ideas, it could have been truly memorable. Instead, it leaves viewers with more questions than answers.