Criminal | Nollywood Reinvented

In her directorial debut, Dolapo Adigun helms Criminal, a thriller that unfolds over a single day. The film follows an ex-felon and his gang as they take a hospital hostage, demanding treatment for the gang leader’s dying brother.

Criminal wastes no time setting high stakes. Greenleaf Hospital, the film’s central location, becomes a chaotic scene after a bus accident floods it with patients. Amid the medical staff’s frantic efforts to care for the injured, a pregnant woman takes top priority. During this turmoil, Uzo (Uzor Arukwe) and his gang storm into the hospital, demanding immediate treatment for Uzo’s brother, who has been shot. Overwhelmed, the hospital staff are unable to comply, prompting Uzo and his gang to seize the hospital at gunpoint, turning an already dire situation into a life-or-death standoff.

For a hostage thriller, Criminal hits several key elements. The stakes are undeniably high, centering on Doctor Amara Nwachukwu (Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi), who faces the harrowing decision of prioritizing care amidst chaos. The urgency is palpable throughout the film. Interactions with law enforcement are nuanced and complex, particularly with the head of the police force, who feels a deep sense of responsibility for Uzo’s actions after facilitating his release from prison. Despite this burden, he is determined to protect Uzo and his brother, driven by his connection to their mother. While the authenticity of hospital operations might be debated, the movie excels in this area, especially impressive for a Nollywood production.

Criminal skillfully employs flashbacks to establish and deepen the emotional dynamics, particularly between the brothers. These glimpses into their pasts effectively illuminate Uzo’s resolute decisions. The dynamic between Uzo and Dr. Amara is equally compelling. Uzo…