Kofa

“Kofa” delivers a thrilling narrative about eight individuals — four men and four women, Wale (portrayed by Daniel Etim-Effiong), Tosin (portrayed by Gina Castel), Nnenna (portrayed by Ijeoma Grace Agu), Nosa (portrayed by Charles Etubiebi), Hauwa (portrayed by Zainab Balogun), Paul (portrayed by Enyinna Nwigwe), Franka (portrayed by Beverly Naya) and Kenulu (portrayed by Shawn Faqua) — they all wake up in a dark room with no memory of who they are, where they are, or why they are there. Dressed in their underwear and filled with confusion and mutual suspicion, they must grapple with their predicament. Their only hope lies in their fragmented memories, which they believe hold the key to their escape. The arrival of an armed man, Archibong (portrayed by Udoka Onyeka) who picks them out one by one heightens the tension as they struggle to remember and survive.

The opening sequence of “Kofa” is captivating, reflecting some of the best recent work in Nollywood. It is suspenseful, dramatic, and presents a relatable scenario that resonates with the average Nigerian’s fears. This initial engagement sets the tone for the film, keeping the audience hooked and invested in the characters’ journey as they unravel the mystery of their situation. The shared cluelessness between the characters and the audience creates a unique bond, making each revelation impactful and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Jude Idada, the film’s writer and director, demonstrates a deep understanding of the thriller genre. His screenplay incorporates all the necessary elements to maintain engagement and suspense, with a touch of comic relief provided by the character Wale, played by Daniel Etim Effiong. Idada’s direction and blocking of scenes involving all eight characters in a single location are commendable. The use of long takes and handheld shots enhances the film’s realism and intensity, showcasing Idada’s thoughtful approach to visual storytelling.

Characterization is one of “Kofa’s” strengths. Each of the eight kidnapped individuals are distinctly portrayed, with each having a distinct and unique personality and character profile. Wale, an annoying yet smart character, makes fun of everything and everyone to mask his fears with humor. Tosin is level-headed, smart, and cool. Paul, a hunk and erratic stammerer, gets wound up at every opportunity over minor things. 

Nnenna is quiet and socially anxious but has a special ability to know how many hours they’ve been locked up and when the kidnapper arrives. Franka is livid and sassy. Hauwa is intolerant and doesn’t put up with nonsense. Nosa is fearful, naive, and easily picked on. Kenulu is not given enough screen time but lacks leadership qualities, unlike Wale and Tosin, who exude leadership under extreme pressure to survive.

Their differing ways of speaking, reacting, and thinking add depth to the narrative and create dynamic interactions that drive the story forward. This well-crafted character dynamics contribute significantly to the film’s suspense and engagement, keeping the audience engrossed until the unexpected twist at the end. Daniel Etim Effiong and Gina Castel’s character stands out, even in performance.

The casting director did an excellent job by selecting actors with a diverse range of skills who understand nuanced acting and are versatile. The supporting cast, including Kate Henshaw and Lucy Ameh, also brought their A-game. The five-second silence by the amazing Bucci Franklin was the spine-chilling moment I had been waiting for. The cinematography, lighting design, and sound design each told a story in their own right, contributing to the film’s rhythm and momentum.

The film’s climax reveals that it is not what it initially seemed, employing a clever misdirection that highlights social issues crucial to the national transformation of Nigeria and Africa. Jude Idada’s choice to deliver a social message through a suspenseful narrative, rather than a conventional preachy approach, is both effective and refreshing. The film’s ability to convey its message beautifully over an extended period is a testament to Idada’s storytelling prowess.

However, “Kofa” is not without its flaws. One significant issue is the poorly executed search sequence involving a drone in Lagos. The film does not establish whether the search team had any leads that suggested the victims were in Lagos. The drone appears to fly aimlessly over the city, which is implausible given Lagos’s vast population. This lack of specificity undermines the search’s credibility of the screenwriter. A more focused search in a particular region based on a lead would have been more believable and effective. Despite this flaw, the sequence serves as a plot device for the film’s misdirection, though it could have been executed more convincingly.

There are some flaws in the narrative, though the film has redeeming qualities. The lead of the search team from London, sent to help Nigeria find the victims, does not sound British despite the attempt to portray her as such—she just speaks very well. Additionally, the scene where Nnenna and Nosa try to have sex in the middle of their terrible and dehumanizing situation feels strange and implausible. A little romance or deep kissing might have been more believable as a way to calm themselves and build bonds, but sex seemed off. 

Also, the scene where Nnenna and Tosin remove their bras to save Wale, without establishing that he has crucial information, is also implausible considering how annoying and irritating his character is. Despite these issues, the film is still enjoyable for audiences who love thrills and suspense. While some might feel the first two sequences and the last sequence are like two separate films, this showcases the creator’s ingenuity in conveying his message in an unconventional manner, which works. The film is entertaining without being preachy.

In conclusion, “Kofa” is a masterfully crafted thriller that engages audiences with its suspenseful narrative, strong character dynamics, and unexpected twists. Jude Idada’s direction and storytelling shine, making the film a standout in it genre, especially in the catalog of film for impact, in Nollywood. Despite some imperfections, particularly in the drone search sequence, “Kofa” successfully delivers a compelling and socially relevant story that leaves a lasting impact.