“Criminal” 2024 Nollywood Thriller starring Uzor Arukwe

Are you willing to risk it all just to save your own blood from dieing?

“Criminal” (2024), directed by Dolapo Adigun and produced by Victoria Akujobi, is a captivating Nollywood movie that has garnered significant attention since its release on May 31st. With a talented cast, including Funlola Aofiyebi, Uzor Arukwe, and Segun Arinze, this film promises to deliver an intense and suspenseful experience.

Storyline:

The movie’s premise, centered around a principled doctor faced with a deadly dilemma, sets the tone for a gripping narrative.

Uzor (Uzor Arukwe), an ex-convict brings his gun wounded brother to the hospital under emergency. He was told by the assistant doctors that the hospital is occupied at the moment and he might need to take his brother to a nearby hospital for immediate attention which he refused because he had researched prior to when they got to the hospital and discovered that Green leaf hospital run by the principled Dr. Amara Nwachukwu (Funlola Aofiyebi) is the best.

Now, Dr. Amara has a critical case of a pregnant woman in labour to attend to.

She’s caught in between two seas. Who is she going to save? Will Uzor get away with his crime this time? How will the hostages make it out alive? Well, this is the more reason you should see “Criminal” the movie. It has answers to your burning questions.

Three lessons stood out for me in this film and that is; Morality will always win -There’s no gain in living a life of crime. Ethics can be compromised in extreme situations and redemption is possible but requires effort and sacrifice. The saying “You can take a pig out of his sty but you can never take the sty out of the pig” stands true in this film.

Cast performance:

Uzor Arukwe’s portrayal of the dangerous criminal is commendable. He bodied the role so well and delivered. His performance brought depth and nuance to the story. Funlola Aofiyebi shines as the principled doctor, delivering a convincing and empathetic performance. We need more Doctors like Dr. Amara Nwachukwu, her act was stellar.

Technical Aspects:

The soundtrack, a mix of pulsating rhythms and haunting melodies, perfectly complements the film’s tense atmosphere. The set design, capturing the chaos of a bustling Lagos hospital, is commendable. Costume and makeup are also noteworthy, adding to the overall authenticity of the characters.

Criticisms and Analysis:

The pacing could be tighter, with a few scenes feeling slightly dragging. However, “Criminal” is a well-crafted thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie’s themes of morality, ethics, and redemption are expertly woven throughout the narrative, adding depth and complexity.

“Criminal” (2024) is a captivating Nollywood thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its engaging storyline, strong performances, and impressive technical aspects, this movie is a must-watch for fans of Nollywood and thriller enthusiasts alike.

Rating: 7.9/10

“The Black Book” is another Nollywood thriller you should see. Check out the movie review here.