Who wouldn’t want to discover why Boro must be killed and how he meets his demise, if at all when a film is titled ‘Kill Boro’? The title and trailer intrigued us from the minute they dropped, and although there were some delays with the release, we’re happy to have ‘Kill Boro’ streaming on Prime Video finally. And it’s safe to say that it might have been worth the wait!

Plot

‘Kill Boro‘ tells the harrowing story of Elijah, a young boy burdened by his father Boro’s relentless brutality against him and his mother. Driven by desperation, Elijah seeks an unthinkable solution from a notorious gang leader.

This premise is intriguing and offers many potential directions for the story. However, Boro’s change of character felt a little premature. Based on the premise, we expected to see more of his abusive behaviour toward his family. Although the film had only one major scene portraying this, it was powerful enough to set the tone.

Story

At its core, ‘Kill Boro’ is a story about family and redemption. While these themes are common in Nollywood, the film offers a refreshing and unique take. The gripping dialogue effectively builds tension, enhancing the story’s impact. The well-constructed narrative features a balanced buildup that engages the audience throughout. Elijah’s attempt to have his father killed serves as a powerful teachable moment, adding depth to the story.

However, it’s puzzling why Elijah would go to Jaguar’s camp alone or why Jaguar, a well-revered gangster is easily accessible and easily killed.. Despite hints at a major turning point, the plot remains unpredictable, keeping us intrigued until the twist serves its purpose.

Performances

Kosisochukwu Ogboruche delivers a solid performance as Elijah, though his strength varies across scenes. Ini Dima-Okojie steps into the role of Boma, and once we moved past our initial typecasting of her, her nuanced performance became evident. Philip Asaya’s portrayal of Boro is particularly noteworthy, as he fully embodies the character’s complex nature.

One scene that truly stands out, highlighting the exceptional performances of Ini Dima-Okojie and Phillip Asaya, is when they celebrate Boro’s successful sale of his watch, resulting in a substantial sum of money. Dima-Okojie’s infectious child-like joy is palpable as she jubilantly jumps for joy.

The cinematographer’s skillful panning to her feet captures this moment, effectively conveying the euphoria of the characters. Dima-Okojie’s portrayal is remarkably authentic and cute to watch.

Yibokoko, playing Jaguar, is convincing from the start, immediately establishing his character’s menace. Gregory Ojefua adds depth to the story with his compelling portrayal of Bossman. Despite her brief screen time, Hilda Dokubo makes a significant impact as Madam Fanta. The cast also features several new faces, all of whom hold their own admirably.

Technical Aspects

In every film, after the story, the visuals are what leave a lasting impression. In “Kill Boro,” the cinematographer, Motheo Moeng, crafts stunning compositions that enhance the narrative. His use of handheld techniques effectively conveys uneasiness, creating a tense atmosphere that deepens the film’s suspense. Moeng’s beautiful and deliberate visual work significantly complements and elevates the storytelling. The visuals are as rusty and rustic as the film’s setting, enhanced by a colour scheme that predominantly uses teal, orange, and blue adding a gritty texture.

Another standout aspect of this film is the authenticity of its setting and location adding believability to the story. Much like Dimeji Ajibola’s series “Slum King,” which depicts the crime and grime of some areas in Nigeria, “Kill Boro” vividly portrays the harsh realities of life in an oil-rich state. This setting provides a compelling backdrop, adding depth to the narrative and highlighting the prevalence of crime in such regions. The film’s realistic portrayal of its environment enriches the story, grounding it in a tangible and relatable context.

The soundtrack and score were used effectively to build suspense and complement the narrative.

Final Thoughts

From the first scene, the film employs a beautiful visual and sound motif to communicate the passage of time for Boro. The ticking sound of the watch sets the tone for the crime drama, emphasizing its significance to Boro’s character. This auditory cue immediately signals the watch’s importance, foreshadowing the life-or-death stakes surrounding Boro. Every step he takes is fraught with the timely cost of his life. This theme is artfully reinforced through the ticking sound, which is not so constant, but adds depth to the narrative. The presence of the tick-tock motif at the start of the film highlights the crucial role of time, while the unfolding events reveal the watch’s importance. Though a small detail, it demonstrates the director’s meticulous attention to detail.

The clever use of Boro’s name, given his reputation as a borrower, adds a layer of irony and depth to the story. Credit must be given to the casting director for selecting Angel Unigwe as young Boma whose resemblance to the adult character, is believable. The use of a quick fade editing further accentuates their similarities, enhancing believability and the audience’s connection to the storyline. Both the meticulous casting decision and the innovative editing technique are pivotal in improving the film’s authenticity and storytelling, a rarity in many Nollywood productions.

However, some scenes, such as the one with Angel Unigwe’s young Boma giving Philip Asaya’s Boro a forehead kiss, felt slightly off-putting. However, the scene was likely intended to underscore the significant age gap in their relationship from the start. The second act dragged for too long and the third act is, however, quite questionable and feels rushed. Much could have been done at the conclusion to make it better.

We were disappointed to see Angel Unigwe, who played Young Boma, omitted from the credits, along with errors in the names of other actors. While these may seem like minor mistakes, accuracy, and recognition are crucial in the movie industry.

Verdict

‘Kill Boro’ captivates from start to finish, keeping viewers engrossed in its well-crafted narrative. With its engaging characters and compelling depth, the film effortlessly draws us into their stories, making it easy to connect with the themes of family and redemption.

Despite its strengths, “Kill Boro” suffers in the plot. The convenient and rushed ending leaves some loose ends and may have benefitted from further development to provide a more satisfying conclusion.

The film showcases the talent of its first-time director, Courage Obayuwana, and represents a promising addition to the Nollywood landscape. “Kill Boro” demonstrates the emergence of quality filmmakers in the industry, warranting attention from audiences seeking fresh and engaging cinema experiences.

“Kill Boro” is currently streaming on Prime. What are your thoughts?

Rating: 3.5/5