🎥 A Ruthless Power Play You Won't Forget
Created, Written & Directed by: Kemi Adetiba
Streaming On: Netflix
Episodes: 8
Genre: Crime Thriller / Political Drama
Starring: William Benson, Bucci Franklin, Stella Damasus, Chidi Mokeme, Bimbo Akintola, Lilian Afegbai
⭐️ Drimz Rating: 9/10
"Power is not given... it is taken." This potent declaration immediately sets the tone for "To Kill A Monkey," a series that quickly establishes itself as one of the boldest, most intelligently crafted, and darkest cinematic offerings to emerge from Nollywood in recent memory.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free Insight)
"To Kill A Monkey" defies the conventions of a typical political drama. Instead, it plunges viewers into a complex world teeming with clandestine agendas, profound betrayals, and unbridled ambition. Here, secrets are not merely inconvenient; they possess the power to irrevocably shatter—or even end—lives.
The narrative meticulously tracks a power-hungry elite circle embroiled in government conspiracies, ruthless cover-ups, and the unsettling revelation of dangerous truths. With each unfolding episode, new players emerge, long-standing alliances fracture, and the stakes escalate dramatically, often leading to brutal consequences. The central plot follows Efemini, a struggling man drawn into the perilous world of cybercrime after a chance encounter with an old friend, forcing him to confront difficult moral compromises.
What We Applauded
✅ Exceptional Writing & Direction: Kemi Adetiba's vision is incisive, relentless, and meticulously deliberate. She channels the raw intensity familiar from her King of Boys universe and amplifies it tenfold, transforming every scene into a calculated chess move within a high-stakes, deadly game.
✅ Stellar Acting Performances:
William Benson delivers a masterclass in quiet menace.
Stella Damasus marks her return with a commanding presence and an aura of dark elegance.
Bucci Franklin and Chidi Mokeme deliver powerful, unpredictable performances that stand out.
Bimbo Akintola provides one of her most impactful portrayals in years.
✅ Compelling Pacing & Episode Flow: Each of the 8 episodes is expertly crafted to conclude with just the right amount of suspense, compelling you to immediately click "Next Episode." There is no superfluous content; every scene, every line, serves a vital purpose in advancing the narrative.
✅ Superior Production Quality: From the meticulous lighting and strategic location choices to the dynamic camera angles and evocative music score, "To Kill A Monkey" boasts a truly cinematic aesthetic. It serves as undeniable proof that Nollywood is consistently elevating its production standards.
Areas for Minor Refinement
🟡 Some viewers might initially find the timeline jumps or intricate political jargon a tad complex, but perseverance is highly recommended. By Episode 3 and beyond, the series truly ignites! 🟡 A deeper dive into the backstories of a few specific characters could have heightened the emotional resonance of certain impactful moments.
Key Themes Explored
The intricate balance between power and responsibility
The pervasive nature of political corruption
The complex interplay of justice and revenge
The dynamics of loyalty, betrayal, and manipulation
The haunting and indelible weight of hidden secrets
Drimz Verdict:
"To Kill A Monkey" is far more than just a title; it’s a powerful metaphor for the arduous journey of confronting formidable forces in power—and the profound personal costs involved in bringing them down.
🔥 This is an absolute must-watch in Nigerian television. It delivers bold storytelling, richly complex characters, and top-tier execution from start to finish.
🏆 Final Rating: 9/10
If you were captivated by the depth of King of Boys, the intensity of Blood Sisters, or the gritty realism of Shanty Town—then "To Kill A Monkey" is undeniably your next essential binge!
Watch the trailer below;
