I don't really like watching series, but when my partner told me there was a new movie I had to see, I said, "Okay, let's go." You know how falling into a well-written story makes you feel like life is a little more full? It's not only about getting things done; it's also about really living in and appreciating the world around us, even if that environment is a high-stakes crime thriller.
I really don’t know what to say. I mean, after finishing this movie, I’m speechless — but at the same time, I have so much to say. That’s the best way to describe how I feel. This is about the most selfish person on earth. And now, I think I have to believe that sometimes God doesn’t bless certain people because He knows the kind of disaster they’d cause if He did.
This guy betrayed every single person who stood by him from the beginning to the end.
Oh my God… you know the part that got me so emotional? It was the scene with the guy who helped him start the business. They were doing shady things together, and he had already set that guy up to be killed by the man who was making demands from them. And the worst part? The guy had apologized for his earlier outburst and said he had changed.
He had the chance to tell him to run. He could have said, “Leave the country.” But he didn’t. He still gave him up. And even before that—oh my God—when they came into the restaurant to kill him, he still thought they were coming to fight him and Efe. He told Efe, “Brother, I will protect you.” not knowing that Efe had sold him out.
And they shot him to death.
The Mastermind Behind the Madness: Kemi Adetiba
We need to talk about Kemi Adetiba, the brilliant mind behind this series, first. If you know anything about Nollywood, you probably recognize her name from the amazing movie "King of Boys" and the series that came after it. Kemi Adetiba wrote, produced, and directed "To Kill a Monkey." Her particular style, which combines severe realism with engaging stories and complicated people, is on display in every episode. She has a talent for making up universes that feel so genuine that you forget you're reading fiction.
The Story: A Descent into the Underworld
William Benson does a great job at playing Efemini in "To Kill a Monkey." He is a family man who is having a hard time making ends meet. After running with an old buddy, Oboz (Bucci Franklin), by chance, his life changes in a big way. Oboz pulls him into the exciting but hazardous world of cybercrime.
What really pulled me in is how the series explores the moral compromises Efemini is forced to make. It’s not just about the thrill of the crime; it’s about watching a good person grapple with increasingly difficult choices, questioning his principles as he gets deeper and deeper into this illicit world. The story is a raw, emotional look at how desperate people can get, how they can lie, and how much it costs to chase quick money. It makes you think about how far you'd go when you're pushed to the edge.
The Stellar Cast
The acting in "To Kill a Monkey" is out of this world. William Benson gives Efemini so much depth and humanity that you want him to win even when he makes bad choices. As Oboz, Bucci Franklin is quite interesting. He completely captures that deadly charm. Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola, Chidi Mokeme, Lilian Afegbai, and Sunshine Rosman are also in the series. Every actor gives it their all, making every character seem real and important to the story.
My Personal Takeaway
This series was a strong reminder for me, as someone who wants to live a happy and satisfied life, that true well-being doesn't come from outside accomplishments or fast fixes, especially not those that go against your principles. It's about the journey, the decisions you make, and keeping true to who you are, no matter what.
The pacing is fast, the images are rough, and the stakes are quite high. Kemi Adetiba has really surpassed herself by writing a story that is both exciting and makes you think. "To Kill a Monkey" is a Netflix show that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you think about bigger issues in life.
Did you see it yet? What did you think? Please tell me in the comments below.
This guy betrayed every single person who stood by him from the beginning to the end.
Oh my God… you know the part that got me so emotional? It was the scene with the guy who helped him start the business. They were doing shady things together, and he had already set that guy up to be killed by the man who was making demands from them. And the worst part? The guy had apologized for his earlier outburst and said he had changed.
He had the chance to tell him to run. He could have said, “Leave the country.” But he didn’t. He still gave him up. And even before that—oh my God—when they came into the restaurant to kill him, he still thought they were coming to fight him and Efe. He told Efe, “Brother, I will protect you.” not knowing that Efe had sold him out.
And they shot him to death.
The Mastermind Behind the Madness: Kemi Adetiba
We need to talk about Kemi Adetiba, the brilliant mind behind this series, first. If you know anything about Nollywood, you probably recognize her name from the amazing movie "King of Boys" and the series that came after it. Kemi Adetiba wrote, produced, and directed "To Kill a Monkey." Her particular style, which combines severe realism with engaging stories and complicated people, is on display in every episode. She has a talent for making up universes that feel so genuine that you forget you're reading fiction.
The Story: A Descent into the Underworld
William Benson does a great job at playing Efemini in "To Kill a Monkey." He is a family man who is having a hard time making ends meet. After running with an old buddy, Oboz (Bucci Franklin), by chance, his life changes in a big way. Oboz pulls him into the exciting but hazardous world of cybercrime.
What really pulled me in is how the series explores the moral compromises Efemini is forced to make. It’s not just about the thrill of the crime; it’s about watching a good person grapple with increasingly difficult choices, questioning his principles as he gets deeper and deeper into this illicit world. The story is a raw, emotional look at how desperate people can get, how they can lie, and how much it costs to chase quick money. It makes you think about how far you'd go when you're pushed to the edge.
The Stellar Cast
The acting in "To Kill a Monkey" is out of this world. William Benson gives Efemini so much depth and humanity that you want him to win even when he makes bad choices. As Oboz, Bucci Franklin is quite interesting. He completely captures that deadly charm. Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola, Chidi Mokeme, Lilian Afegbai, and Sunshine Rosman are also in the series. Every actor gives it their all, making every character seem real and important to the story.
My Personal Takeaway
This series was a strong reminder for me, as someone who wants to live a happy and satisfied life, that true well-being doesn't come from outside accomplishments or fast fixes, especially not those that go against your principles. It's about the journey, the decisions you make, and keeping true to who you are, no matter what.
The pacing is fast, the images are rough, and the stakes are quite high. Kemi Adetiba has really surpassed herself by writing a story that is both exciting and makes you think. "To Kill a Monkey" is a Netflix show that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you think about bigger issues in life.
Did you see it yet? What did you think? Please tell me in the comments below.
sound interesting movies.... wish to watch it....
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your review
You will like the movie.
DeleteParece interesante. Tomo nota. te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteInteresting at every point.
DeleteMelody, I love monkeys!
ReplyDeleteLol but it is more like a name, not about monkeys.
DeleteSounds ok, it's on our Netflix here in Australia too.
ReplyDeleteYou should see it.
DeleteI'm not sure that this one's for me, but thank you for your honest review! xxx
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome.
DeleteI haven’t seen it or heard of it until now. I like series but usually of the mystery variety. We shall see.
ReplyDeleteThen you will definitely like this one.
DeleteThis hits home. Happiness as a byproduct of integrity, not hustle. It’s comforting (and challenging!) to remember that the ‘right’ path often looks nothing like society’s noise. 🌱 Thank you for sharing this—it’s a message we all need revisited."*
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome.
DeleteA very interesting series. I'll watch it when I have the chance. Melody, I salute you!
ReplyDeleteYou should; you get to learn alot.
DeleteNão assisti,mas me parece bem forte, instigante e assustador! beijos, tudo de bom,chica
ReplyDeleteIt is a movie that takes you back but teaches alot.
DeleteNo sigo los seriales televisivos, aunque tan poco soy de ver la televisión y de lo que veo son documentales y programas de la televisión regional sobre viajes en la región.
ReplyDeleteSaludos.
Fair enough, enjoy.
DeleteIt does sound like a well acted movie, but not one I would care to watch. I think it would be too much for me.
ReplyDeleteLoved " true well-being doesn't come from outside accomplishments or fast fixes, especially not those that go against your principles. It's about the journey, the decisions you make, and keeping true to who you are, no matter what.