3 Working Days Movie Review: A Father’s Race Against Time And Conscience

In 3 Working Days, Jerry Ossai delivers a Nollywood thriller that dives deep into the chaos of Nigeria’s cashless policy. The film follows a father’s relentless quest to save his ailing son—a mission that tests his resolve, unearths his past, and challenges his moral compass.

Set against the backdrop of a crumbling banking system, this story is equal parts suspenseful and heart-wrenching. As the father battles bureaucratic hurdles and mounting tension, viewers are drawn into a nail-biting race against time where every second counts.

Plot

In 3 Working Days, Onari’s world shatters when a violent armed robbery claims his wife Valerie’s life and leaves his son Jack critically injured. While the film avoids showing Jack’s injury directly, the gravity of his condition is powerfully conveyed, setting the stage for a heart-pounding race against time.

With Valerie gone and Jack in need of urgent surgery, Onari faces an almost impossible task: securing the funds required to save his son within a system paralysed by Nigeria’s cashless policy. What was designed to modernise banking now becomes a nightmare, as digital failures and endless queues leave him clutching at straws.

Onari’s desperation brings him to a chaotic bank, where he navigates through a sea of frustrated citizens. A kind stranger offers a glimmer of hope, helping him bypass the queues, but relief is fleeting. After waiting endlessly, the bank’s customer service delivers a devastating blow: resolving his issue will take three working days. Meanwhile, Jack’s doctor drops an ultimatum—Onari has just 24 hours to pay 50% of the surgical fee.

Desperate, Onari turns to his former boss, a figure tied to a past he thought he’d left behind. But hope dwindles when the boss offers a conditional loan, urging Onari to return to his old ways. Rejecting the offer, Onari is forced into an even riskier gamble—a chaotic plan born out of desperation.

Unbeknownst to Onari, the bank he targets is tied to a larger, sinister scheme connected to his own past. His desperate act leads to an unexpected twist, landing him in prison and leaving viewers on edge. Does Onari’s sacrifice save Jack? Or does the father’s struggle end in heartbreak?

Cast

The ensemble cast of 3 Working Days feels like a classic Nollywood formula—stacking the roster with popular faces but failing to back it up with a compelling story.

Deyemi Okanlawon leads Onari, and as expected, he brings his signature charm and intensity to the thriller genre. However, his performance occasionally feels overburdened, as if he’s trying too hard to compensate for the script’s shortcomings. While Deyemi’s effort is commendable, it’s hard to ignore how the weak writing dilutes his impact.

Nancy Isime steps into the role of Queen, the film’s thug villain, but her portrayal falls flat. Her performance feels unconvincing and lacks the menace the character demands. Meanwhile, Mike Ezuruonye and Linda Osifo as detectives attempt to inject a Hollywood-esque vibe into the movie, but their efforts come across as forced and ultimately miss the mark.

On the brighter side, Uzor Arukwe shines as the bank manager, delivering one of the film’s most believable and grounded performances. Similarly, Adetola James also impresses in their role, adding a touch of authenticity amidst the chaos.

The supporting cast, including Tobi Makinde, Bolaji Ogunmola, Femi Adebayo, and Mike Afolarin, round out the lineup but fail to leave a lasting impression due to the film’s underwhelming narrative framework.

While the star power of 3 Working Days may initially draw viewers in, the lacklustre storytelling and uneven performances ultimately hinder its ability to truly captivate. It’s a reminder that a great cast can’t always save a weak script.

Language

The 3 Working Days movie was performed in English and Pidgin.

Summary

Reflecting on 3 Working Days, the film’s marketing created more buzz than its actual content. Controversy arose when promotional material suggested a character would wear a full hijab outfit. However, this does not play out in the film. Instead, there’s a fleeting scene featuring a hijab mask, falling far short of the provocative expectations set by the advertising.

Story-wise, 3 Working Days treads familiar ground, failing to carve out a unique niche. Similar films like Tokunbo and Saving Onome have explored comparable emotional narratives with far greater depth and resonance. In comparison, 3 Working Days struggles to evoke the same level of connection, leaving its story feeling predictable and underwhelming.

The cinematography is decent, delivering satisfactory visuals that complement the movie’s tone. While the technical aspects are competently handled, there’s a noticeable lack of innovation or standout moments to elevate the viewing experience beyond the average.

Ultimately, 3 Working Days presents a missed opportunity—an intriguing concept undermined by unfulfilled promises and a lack of originality. While it manages to hold attention in parts, it struggles to deliver the emotional or cinematic punch that would have made it truly memorable.