Shina Review: A Taxi Driver’s Turbulent Journey Through Crime And Sacrifice

Shina is a gripping crime thriller about a taxi driver caught in a web of political intrigue and personal peril. Desperate to secure medical treatment for his dying grandmother, Shina agrees to deliver a mysterious package, embarking on a journey fraught with unexpected twists and moral dilemmas. This heartfelt drama explores the subjects of sacrifice and loyalty. Timini Egbuson, serving as both an executive producer and lead actor, showcased his talent in the movie Shina. Directed by Muyiwa Adesokun and Carmen Okoro, Shina is now available for streaming on Netflix.

Plot

As the countdown to the governorship election looms, Shina finds himself in a whirlwind of challenges. Rushing his ailing grandmother to the almost dilapidated Imperial Medical Centre, he faces grim news from the doctors—a costly surgery to remove oversized polyps. With the clock ticking, he must secure four million naira, immediately needing one million for upfront costs. 

Morenike, the doctor in charge and fiancée of the people’s choice for governorship, Mrs. Ali Atanda’s campaign manager, encounters criticism from her colleague Bakare for her excessive compassion, which he believes is impacting the hospital financially. Despite this, Morenike decides to conduct tests on Shina’s grandmother without requiring upfront payment. While pressure intensifies as Shina embarks on a risky journey to raise funds, he inadvertently gets embroiled in a shootout while chauffeuring a client from a club. Despite the chaos, his resourcefulness manages to raise some fraction of the money.

Meanwhile, Ugo, who leads a gang of robbers notorious for terrorising Lagos, faces an assault from Ayo, the hitman working for ‘BB’ Bamidele Bankole. Ugo has an agreement with BB to operate his business freely as long as he delivers 80% of his earnings, under threat of harm to his family and his own life.

During his journey, Shina encounters road police officers determined to hinder him. Upon searching his car, they discover money and accuse him of theft, demanding to confiscate it. Shina reacts by assaulting the police officer, resulting in his arrest. However, he is swiftly rescued by Ayo and taken to meet BB. After discussions, Shina decides to undertake a task for BB to secure Ugo’s family’s safety.

The errand Shina undertakes leads to him witnessing a man’s murder and the alleged killing of Lagos’s favourite, Mrs. Atanda. Fortunately, Bankole pays his grandmother’s bills in exchange for his silence. However, guilt consumes him when he discovers that Morenike’s fiancé is the one murdered.

Overwhelmed by remorse and guilt, Shina decides to confess to the authorities. This decision unveils a secret that ultimately decides Shina’s fate.

Cast

Timini Egbuson takes on the lead role as Shina, delivering a compelling portrayal that demands a range of emotions including fear, anger, and frustration. 

Supporting him, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman’s portrayal of Morenike adds depth to the story, her character with Shina contributing significantly to the coherence of the plot. Dr Morenike’s fate in Shina leads to personal tragedy, culminating in the loss of her fiancé due to Shina’s desperate actions.

Alieru Idowu Keji, known as “Mama Rainbow,” shines in her role as Shina’s grandmother, displaying mastery in her performance.

The ensemble cast also features standout performances from Segun Arinze, Akin Lewis, Tope Tedela, Neo Akpofure, Shawn Faqua, and other talented actors.

Language

‘Shina’ incorporates English, Pidgin, and Yoruba languages, enriching the film with linguistic diversity and cultural depth.

Summary

In striving for depth and relevance, Shina spreads itself thin, resulting in a narrative rollercoaster that, while initially engaging, becomes overwhelming and hard to follow. This fragmented storytelling dilutes the audience’s emotional investment, leaving a sense of detachment from the film’s conclusion.

Meanwhile, the subplot like Morenike’s personal tragedy which was linked to Shina’s actions, felt hastily inserted and failed to deliver the intended emotional impact. Also, The introduction of BB and Shina’s involvement in criminal activities adds an intriguing yet disjointed layer to the already chaotic story.

The film’s ambitious scope results in a narrative that feels fragmented and challenging to fully engage with. Ultimately, while Shina offers glimpses of brilliance and societal commentary, its execution falls short of delivering a truly cohesive and impactful cinematic experience.