Movie Review: Tokunbo
Ramsey Noah’s Tokunbo is a high-stakes drama that delves deep into the moral complexities of desperation and the dark underbelly of power politics in Nigeria. The film, starring Gideon Okeke, Nobert Young, Chidi Mokeme, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Adunni Ade, Darasimi Nadi, and a host of other talented actors, including a special appearance by Majid Michael, takes audiences on a tense journey where personal hardship meets systemic corruption.
Spoiler Free Summary
The plot follows Tokunbo (played by Gideon Okeke), who finds himself in a dire situation with a critically ill baby whose treatment requires a staggering 9.5 million naira. In his desperation, he takes on a job as a delivery driver for mysterious packages. The plot thickens when one of these “packages” turns out to be a young girl, unconscious and kidnapped, who he is tasked to drive to Seme Border. The girl, we learn, is the daughter of the Central Bank Governor, caught in a political scheme orchestrated by opposing parties to derail a policy that threatens their illegal operations.
What We Love
Ramsey Noah, who has garnered a reputation for his visual storytelling, does not disappoint in “Tokunbo”. The cinematography is exceptional, capturing the gritty reality of the underworld juxtaposed with the decent life of the upper echelon in the person of the Central Bank Governor.
The use of shadows and light effectively creates an immersive atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged. We also love how well-executed the night scenes were, particularly that it was bright enough to see the action sequences yet dark enough to tell that it was nighttime, all adding to the tension without feeling overdone.
Gideon Okeke, whom we haven’t seen in a while, delivers a compelling performance. He portrays a man torn between his morals and his desperate need to save his child. His portrayal is layered, capturing both vulnerability and strength.
Funlola Aofiyebi once again performs outstandingly as the principled Central Bank Governor. She effectively portrays the character’s tough exterior gradually crumbling when confronted with the horrifying reality of her daughter in danger. However, it seems she might be getting typecast, as this role closely resembles many of her previous characters, including her recent portrayal of Dr Amara Nwachukwu in the film “Criminal.”
Like Funlola, we fear Chidi Mokeme may also be getting typecast or simply unable to break away from the character of Scar in Shanty Town. We know him to be a great and versatile actor, and we wish filmmakers would give him the opportunity to do just that.
Perhaps one of the most charismatic child actresses, Darasimi Nadi, Norbert Young, and Majid Michael, bring gravitas to their respective roles.
Although Michael’s character lacks the menacing aura that one might expect from a villain in such a narrative, especially once revealed, his scenes did add a layer of unexpected nostalgia, reminding viewers of his past iconic roles.
On the technical front, Tokunbo benefits from a tight editing style that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The soundtrack, though not particularly memorable, complements the film’s mood, especially during its more intense moments. The sound design effectively amplifies the tension, particularly in scenes involving the car and the journey to the border.
Our Take
While Tokunbo excels visually, the narrative falters in parts. The plot is filled with intriguing twists and turns, but the pacing is uneven, leaving some story arcs underdeveloped. The relationship between the protagonist and the kidnapped girl, which is pivotal to the film’s emotional core, is not fleshed out enough. By the end, the decision of the girl’s family to accept him as her driver lacks sufficient build-up, leaving audiences questioning the plausibility of this resolution. The film’s ending is abrupt, with several loose ends and unnecessarily long scenes, leaving much to be desired.
“Tokunbo” is a visually impressive film showcasing Ramsey Noah’s directorial flair and attention to detail. However, it suffers from a script that feels disjointed in places and a narrative that doesn’t quite tie up all its loose ends. Despite its flaws, the film’s exploration of moral dilemmas and systemic corruption in Nigeria is compelling. For fans of drama and suspense, “Tokunbo” offers enough to keep you engaged, even if it leaves you either completely disagreeing with it’s ending or just wanting more clarity.
