🎬 To Kill a Monkey — The Nollywood movie EVERY Nigerian Is Talking About Right now by Kemi Adetiba

Kemi Adetiba, the force behind The Wedding Party and King of Boys, has once again delivered—a bold new crime‑thriller series on Netflix titled To Kill a Monkey. Released on 18 July 2025, this eight‑episode saga explores poverty, cybercrime, morality, and survival in modern Nigeria.

A Story of Desperation and Betrayal

The series centers on Efemini (“Efe”), played by William Benson, a debt-laden graduate struggling to support his family. With his wife Stella Damasus on the verge of delivering triplets and funeral costs looming, Efe’s chance meeting with former friend Oboz (Bucci Franklin) ushers him into the precarious world of cyber-fraud. His morals compromised, his rise mirrored by a fall blurring the lines between ambition and ethics

Why It Resonates

• Authentic storytelling: Adetiba masterfully weaves grief, mental strain, and the harsh realities of poverty into a seamless narrative. It’s gritty, raw, and socially conscious

• Inventive themes: Cybercrime, loyalty, betrayal, and moral erosion are all placed under the microscope—forcing viewers to reckon with the societal structures that push people into darkness.

Standout Performances

• William Benson nails the arc from desperate graduate to morally conflicted strategist, delivering a layered performance that lingers.

• Bucci Franklin shines as the brash, streetwise Oboz—commanding in Pidgin-English and swagger, offering a stark contrast to Efe’s vulnerability.

• Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola (Inspector Ogunlesi), and Lilian Afegbai offer deeply affecting portrayals, each carrying emotional nuance and gravitas.

Technical Excellence

Adetiba’s signature visual flair is on full display. Stunning cinematography complements immersive lighting and set design. Costume details—from Idia’s chaotic wardrobe to Sparkles’ stylistic swagger—elevate the storytelling. The original score by Oscar Heman-Ackah and Jacob Hunter adds emotional weight to pivotal scenes.

Room for Improvement

• Pacing concerns: Critics say several episodes felt drawn-out, slowing the narrative momentum m.imdb.com.

• Missed potential: Some reviewers argue the central tension—the masked “Monkey”—was underdeveloped, and subplots (e.g. Sparkles–Teacher romance, Inspector Ogunlesi’s rapid reinstatement) felt underexplored or convenient

Final Verdict

Most viewers and critics agree this is “another Nigerian masterpiece”—a cinematic tapestry that dramatizes societal vulnerabilities while propelling Nollywood into new narrative terrain. While flaws persist, the positives—powerful script, premium production values, standout cast—elevate the series to must-watch status. Ratings hover around 9/10 from Ranks Africa, 7/10 from Premium Times, and glowing reviews from The Guardian for thematic depth and character 

Why It Matters

With this series, Adetiba proves again why she remains Nollywood’s most dynamic storyteller. Her ability to foreground complex social realities within engaging narratives continues to set the bar higher. To Kill a Monkey is both entertainment—and a mirror reflecting Nigerian society’s challenges.

🌍 Who Should Watch

• Fans of crime dramas with conscience.

• Viewers craving high production quality from Nollywood.

• Anyone interested in social commentary encased in suspense, ethics, and emotional truth.

Head to Netflix now to see why To Kill a Monkey is sparking debate—and redefining storytelling from Nigeria to the world.

Follow 9jafinds.com for more in-depth reviews, cultural perspectives, and entertainment features from the continent.