Criminal

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 is a man driven to extremes to save his brother, even willing to take lives, while Dr. Amara is equally resolute, prioritizing her patients and refusing to deviate. This clash of wills is what propels the story of Criminal.

However, the real-life plausibility of their actions might frustrate viewers. One might wonder why Uzo doesn’t seek help for his brother elsewhere instead of engaging in a prolonged standoff with the doctor. On the flip side, Dr. Amara’s refusal to comply with Uzo’s demands, despite the mounting casualties, also raises questions. The lives lost are pointless. Additionally, the lack of immediate first aid for Uzo’s brother by the hospital staff seems implausible. Despite these points, the film utilizes tension and character conflicts to make it riveting.

Criminal attempts to create a sense of prior connection between the lead characters, only to later dismiss it. When Uzo bursts into the hospital, he specifically demands Dr. Amara, leading viewers to believe he is familiar with her skills or has some personal knowledge of her. However, it is later revealed that Uzo only found her name while searching for a nearby hospital using phone maps. This fixation on Dr. Amara treating his brother suggests an intimate awareness of her capabilities, which ultimately proves to be unfounded.

This narrative choice adds an intriguing layer of misdirection, initially hinting at a deeper backstory that never materializes. It underscores Uzo’s desperation and the chaotic nature of the situation, as he clings to any semblance of control or hope, even if it’s based on a coincidental discovery rather than a well-informed decision.

Criminal delves into several compelling themes, including survival, family, brotherhood, heroism, courage, and ethical dilemmas. The bond of family and brotherhood is central to the relationship between the brothers, emphasizing their loyalty and dedication to each other. Dr. Amara embodies the themes of heroism and ethical dilemmas as she navigates the challenging decisions she must make under pressure. While these themes are presented throughout the film, they are not all explored with equal depth. Nonetheless, Criminal succeeds in provoking thought and leaving audiences with lingering questions. Viewers are prompted to consider what decisions they would make in Dr. Amara’s situation. The film raises important moral questions, such as whether one life is more valuable than another or if the ultimate goal is simply to save a life, regardless of the circumstances. These themes would encourage audiences to reflect on their own values and the difficult choices faced by the characters.

Criminal aims to deliver a compelling plot but still leaves viewers with perplexing questions and illogical decisions. One such issue is the escape of the disguised blood bank officer, which feels conveniently played out off-screen. Showing this escape would have added to the tension and believability. Another puzzling moment is the decision of the police officer to meet Uzo face-to-face. With Uzo already feeling trapped and agitated, this move seems reckless, especially since the officer was unarmed and vulnerable. It’s a scenario that could have easily ended in more disaster than what was shown.

Additionally, the film raises questions about the severity of Uzo’s brother’s injury. Despite being shot, he survives for almost an entire day, which contradicts the movie’s portrayal of his dire situation. Furthermore, while the hospital is depicted as being overrun with critically injured patients, only the pregnant woman receives visible treatment. This selective focus raises doubts about the urgency and critical nature of the other patients’ conditions.

For all the possible flaws Criminal may possess, the performances in the movie aren’t one. Uzor Arukwe and Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi adequately balance one another in their steamed performances. Their bullheaded dynamic is brought to life splendidly by both acts. The rest of the cast also deliver fitting performances for their characters but the performance by Chuks Joseph can’t be lost in the sea of secondary characters. Chuks is surely solidifying himself as an actor with all of his performances thus far being great, Criminal not being an exception.

In conclusion, Criminal is a gripping thriller that successfully captures intense drama and moral complexity. While it may grapple with some plot inconsistencies and unanswered questions, its strong performances, elevate the film and keep it engaging. Overall, Criminal offers a compelling viewing experience that will provoke thought and leave a lasting impression, despite its narrative flaws.