Kill Boro Review: A Decent Cinematic Tale Of Niger Delta Reality

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. Meanwhile, Boro battles to keep himself and his family alive from the hands of his former boss and gang leader, Jaguar.

Courage Obayuwana, the director of the film explores the complexities of family, survival, the consequences of choices, and the enduring possibility of redemption. Kill Boro is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

Plot

Kill Boro delves into the lives of Boro and his family, offering a glimpse into a world where survival hinges on debts and allegiances. The story opens with Boro confronting Jaguar, a formidable gang leader notorious for his violent exploits, including sabotaging oil wells and orchestrating murders. Boro, once in Jaguar’s employ, now finds himself in dire straits, desperately pleading for an extension to settle his debts. However, Jaguar, relentless in his pursuit of power, demands Boro’s return to his ranks. Defiant, Boro refuses, prompting Jaguar to issue a daunting ultimatum: three weeks to repay his dues.

Against this backdrop, we meet Elijah, a young boy, Boro and Boma’s son, who is drawn to the allure of Bossman, a figure of authority in their community. Despite his father’s warnings, Elijah would rather hang out with Bossman’s gang than come to his car workshop. However, tensions escalate when the lifeless body of Mr. Emma, a victim of Jaguar’s brutality, is brought ashore, sparking a volatile feud between Bossman and Jaguar. As the community teeters on the brink of war, Bossman mobilises his forces, preparing for a showdown with his ruthless adversary.

Boro was notorious not only for his debts and incessant borrowing but also for his brutal treatment of his wife and son, particularly when intoxicated. A single scene depicting this violence sufficed to convey the gravity of his actions. This abuse led Elijah to both revere and detest his father. Amidst this turmoil, Boma discovered she was pregnant. When she disclosed the news, Boro reacted indifferently and insisted she terminate the pregnancy. Overhearing this conversation, young Elijah became incensed and sought assistance from Bossman, thus setting the stage for the film’s title: Kill Boro.

Bossman, initially surprised by Elijah’s request, was well aware of Boro’s mistreatment of Elijah and his former love interest, Boma. Bossman, whom Boro referred to as Atemie, owed Boro a debt of gratitude for saving his life years earlier. After considerable persuasion from Elijah, Bossman agreed to take Boro’s life on the condition that Elijah pays him 200,000 naira.

Desperate to eliminate his father to protect himself, his mother, and his “yet unborn baby brother,” Elijah embarks on a mission to raise the 200,000 naira. He takes on menial jobs to accumulate the necessary funds. Concurrently, Boro undergoes an epiphany. Despite its premature occurrence, it prompts him to cease drinking, treat his wife with respect, and strive to be a better family man while attempting to repay his debts. Despite these changes, Elijah remains resolute in his decision.

One day, Boro decides to escort Boma home from work, and they encounter Jaguar’s men. This intense encounter reveals to Boma that Boro is indebted to Jaguar.

As Elijah endeavours to gather money to have his father killed, Boro is equally determined to earn money to stay alive. During this period, Elijah confides in his friend Orabere (Beloved Osagie), a pivotal moment that may ultimately determine Boro’s fate.

Cast

Philip Asaya’s (Enakhe) portrayal of Boro in Kill Boro is particularly noteworthy, as he fully embodies the character’s complex nature. His ability to seamlessly display both anger and fear underscores his exceptional acting skills.

Ini Dima-Okojie takes on the role of Boma and does not fall short of expectations. One scene that truly stands out, highlighting the exceptional performances of both Ini Dima-Okojie and Philip Asaya, is when they celebrate Boro’s successful sale of his watch, which results in a substantial sum of money. Ini’s portrayal of joy as she jumps jubilantly, skillfully captured on screen, radiates to the audience and is a delight for the viewers.

Kosisochukwu Ogboruche’s performance as Elijah is top-notch. As a young boy, he makes the role relatable and believable with his effortless yet amazing acting.

Yibokoko, playing Jaguar, is convincing from the start, immediately establishing his character’s threat. His performance in the last scene was also compelling and commanding, slowly building tension that was hard to miss.

Ojefua Gregory 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 and talented actors.

Language

Kill Boro authentically portrays Nigerian culture through a significant amount of Pidgin English, along with slang and native language from Port Harcourt. It captures the true essence of street life, immersing viewers in its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.

Summary

Kill Boro stands out as an impressive cinematic experience, excelling in both plot and cinematography. Through the lens of cinematographer Motheo Moeng, the film delivers stunning compositions that elevate its storytelling. The visuals authentically reflect the rustic and rugged setting, adding a layer of realism to the narrative. The authenticity of the location further immerses viewers into the story, enhancing their overall experience.

From its opening scene, Kill Boro employs a captivating combination of visual and auditory elements to symbolise the passage of time for Boro. The ticking of the watch sets a gripping tone for the crime drama, highlighting its significance to Boro’s character. 

Despite its considerable strengths, Kill Boro struggles due to its rushed conclusion. While some scenes were unpredictable, some ultimately failed to meet expectations and maintain credibility. Specifically, the portrayal of Elijah’s journey to Jaguar’s territory, alone and unarmed, feels contrived and lacks believability.

Nevertheless, Kill Boro remains a commendable movie that leaves a lasting impression on its audience.