Movie Title: Tòkunbò
Language: English
Running time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Release date: 2024
Streaming platform: Netflix
Director: Ramsey Nouah
Cast: Gideon Okeke, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Darasimi Nadi, Majid Michel, Norbert Young, Ivie Okujaye, Tosin Adeyemi, Stanley Chibunna, Adunni Ade, Chidi Mokeme.
The movie ‘Tòkunbò’ serves as a poignant reminder that even those we trust and consider closest to us can harbor sinister intentions and plot against us, all while pretending to offer comfort and support.
This stark reality is exemplified through the character of Folashade, who faces a devastating betrayal at the hands of her own close friend, Deputy Governor Raymond, and personal assistant.
In a shocking turn of events, they conspire against her, orchestrating the kidnapping of her only daughter. This heinous act sets off a chain of events that exposes the dark underbelly of human nature and the evil that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly genuine relationships.
The film’s narrative also follows the story of Tokunbo, a former car smuggler who yearns to leave his perilous past behind and forge a better future for his family. However, his desire to provide for his loved ones leads him down a treacherous path when he becomes embroiled in a shady deal to raise funds for his ailing son.
As the story unfolds, Tokunbo’s journey serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of desperation and the devastating consequences that can arise when we compromise our values in pursuit of our goals.
Through its gripping storyline and complex characters, ‘Tokunbo’ masterfully explores the intricacies of human relationships, revealing the darkness that can lurk within even the most seemingly innocent individuals.
Plot
Tokunbo, a former car smuggler, makes a bold decision to leave his dangerous life behind after the birth of his son, Chris. He is determined to become a responsible husband to Lisa and a good father to his child, and so he starts working as a taxi driver. For eighteen months, he leads a peaceful life, but fate has other plans.
When his son falls ill, Tokunbo is faced with an impossible choice: watch his child die or return to his old life and seek help from his former boss, Gaza, a notorious gangster. Despite warnings from a friend who was also a victim of Gaza’s exploitation, Tokunbo feels compelled to reach out to him for assistance.
However, Gaza refuses to help, leaving Tokunbo with no other option but to continue driving passengers. It is then that he receives a mysterious phone call in the back seat of his car, instructing him to receive a package and deliver another shortly after.
Unbeknownst to him, this sets off a chain of events that puts him in the middle of a sinister plot. He finds a child, Nike, in his car seat and is given an ultimatum to deliver her to the Seme border within three hours. Unaware that Nike is the daughter of the Central Bank Governor, Folashade, Tokunbo is drawn into a web of deceit and danger.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems. Raymond, the deputy governor, is the mastermind behind the kidnapping, using Tokunbo to further his own interests. Folashade, trusting Raymond and her PA, is oblivious to the danger lurking close to home.
Meanwhile, Lisa, Tokunbo’s wife, is kidnapped and held hostage with their sick baby, and Tokunbo is pushed to the brink of despair. The story takes a dark and unexpected turn, leading to a tragic confrontation that ultimately seals the fate of Raymond, Folashade’s PA, and Gaza.
Character Analysis
The movie features Gideon Okeke as Tokunbo, a former car smuggler who seeks redemption and a responsible life, but finds himself in a desperate situation when his son falls ill. Okeke brings depth and nuance to the character, but his performance is unfortunately hindered by poor directing, which limits his full potential. Despite this, he delivers a compelling portrayal of a man torn between his past and present.
Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi takes on the role of Folashade, the Central Bank Governor whose daughter is kidnapped, and delivers a solid performance. While more was expected from her character, she brings a sense of gravity and concern to the role.
Darasimi Nadi shines as Nike, the kidnapped daughter, showcasing her impressive range as a child actor. She adeptly switches between moods, but could have benefited from more practical direction to elevate her performance.
Majid Michel plays Raymond, the deputy governor and mastermind behind the kidnapping, and brings a sense of tension to the role. However, his character’s impact could have been greater if he had continued to interact with Folashade after his true identity was revealed, allowing for a more intricate and suspenseful plot.
Tosin Adeyemi portrays Lisa, Tokunbo’s wife, as a caring and desperate mother, but her performance fails to fully connect with the audience, making her character’s impact less memorable than it could have been.
Chidi Mokeme stands out as Gaza, the notorious gangster, delivering a commendable performance that brings depth and complexity to the character.
His portrayal is a highlight of the movie, and his character’s presence adds to the overall tension and suspense. Despite some limitations in directing and performance, the cast brings the story to life, making for an engaging and thrilling ride.
Movie Analysis
“Tòkunbò,” directed by Ramsey Nouah, is a disappointing attempt at crafting a thrilling action movie. Despite exploring themes of betrayal, trust, and love, the film falls flat due to its predictable plot and lackluster performances.
The story centers around a man forced to engage in illegal activities to save his ailing son, but the sense of desperation and urgency is woefully lacking. The movie’s potential for memorability and engagement is squandered, leaving audiences craving a fresh take on a familiar narrative.
One of the primary issues with “Tòkunbò” is its failure to deliver on suspense. The plot is predictable from the outset, with the audience able to foresee the resolution of the kidnapping plotline and the eventual punishment of the antagonists. This lack of tension and surprise makes the movie feel dull and unengaging.
Furthermore, the acting is flat, with the cast failing to bring the necessary depth and emotion to their characters. The film’s aesthetics and cinematography are impressive, but they cannot compensate for the shortcomings in storytelling and performance.
The movie is also marred by unrealistic plot points and character decisions. For example, the police’s hesitation to apprehend Tokunbo at the film’s outset is perplexing, and Folashade’s decision to employ the man who kidnapped her daughter as her driver is baffling.
These moments detract from the viewer’s immersion in the story and highlight the film’s lack of attention to detail. With a more focused narrative and committed performances, “Tokunbo” could have been a compelling and thrilling ride.
Despite its flaws, “Tòkunbò” does show promise in its exploration of themes and its technical aspects. However, these positives are overshadowed by the movie’s overall lack of impact.
As an action movie, “Tòkunbò” fails to deliver the necessary suspense and excitement, leaving viewers underwhelmed. With some revisions to the script and a more dynamic cast, this could have been a memorable film.
“Tòkunbò” is currently available on Netflix, offering viewers a chance to experience the movie’s disappointing take on the action genre.
While it may not be the most engaging or suspenseful film, it does provide a thought-provoking exploration of betrayal, trust, and love. Nevertheless, audiences may find themselves wishing for a more polished and captivating cinematic experience.
Verdict: 6/10
