Suky Movie Review: A Gritty Nollywood Thriller That Hits Hard

Suky’s life flipped upside down the day he watched his father, his hero, get killed right in front of him. But the real twist was when his future somehow ended up tangled with the very man who pulled the dagger. Now, the only way to set things right is with his fists.

In the gritty underworld of Suky, fists fly, secrets unravel, and every punch comes at a price. What starts as a young boy’s admiration for his father’s boxing career turns into a brutal journey of revenge, survival, and a fight for honour. Suky, written by Isaac Ayodeji and directed by Ola Cardoso, is a wild ride of revenge, fate, and raw emotion. Catch it now, streaming on Prime.

Plot

Adigun, a beloved neighbourhood boxer, wasn’t just a champion in the ring—he was a hero to his son, Suky. But soon enough, he started noticing strange things: his father began throwing fights and taking money from dangerous men. One day, Suky confronted him, unaware that his father’s refusal to play along would lead to his tragic murder.

Twelve years later, Suky, now a man, lived with his uncle, a lawyer who had vowed to find his father’s killers. When his uncle finally exposed the man behind the murder, Sledgehammer, it seemed like justice was within reach. But before Suky could act, Sledgehammer struck again, killing his uncle and his wife. Suky awoke to a nightmare, framed for the crime, holding the murder weapon as the police stormed in.

Thrown into Aja Prison, Suky finds himself in a brutal world run by Marshal, a ruthless prison enforcer with ambitions beyond his station. Inside, the underground Dambe fighting ring wasn’t just a sport; it was a blood-soaked game controlled by the elite, including the corrupt Senator and the dangerous Aje Gang, where Sledgehammer held power.

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When the Aje Gang learnt that Suky had landed in Aja prison, they ordered Marshal to kill him. But Suky proved himself in combat, taking down the men sent to eliminate him. Impressed, Marshal convinced the Senator to spare Suky, believing he could be of use. Forced into the Dambe fights, Suky had no choice but to train under Ijaya, a former Dambe fighter who had once been a champion before an injury ended his freedom. As Suky fought his way to the top, he endured countless brutal battles, earning his place as prison champion and countless visits to the infirmary.

There, he met Simisola, a doctor trapped in Aja Prison against her will by the Marshal’s obsession. What started as brief encounters between them soon grew into something deeper, making her another pawn in the dangerous game that surrounded them.

As Suky gained the Senator’s admiration, the ultimate match was set: Suky vs. Sledgehammer—the fight that could finally bring justice for his father. But corruption never played fair. Marshal, desperate for revenge against the Senator, saw the match as an opportunity. He ordered Suky to throw the fight or he would kill Simisola.

Now, Suky stood at a crossroads, facing the same impossible choice that had once destroyed his father. Would he choose revenge or honour?

Cast

The casting of Suky was nothing short of brilliant—every role was carefully curated to bring the story to life. While the film featured some familiar faces, especially from the Yoruba Nollywood scene, the decision to not cast a well-known lead made perfect sense. The transition from Adigun, played by Tobi Bakre, to the main character, portrayed by James Damilare Solomon, was handled seamlessly.

James brought a cool, calm demeanour that set the perfect tone for the film. Suky leaned heavily on imagery over dialogue, a bold choice that paid off because James embodied the emotions flawlessly. His eye language spoke volumes, and when the moment finally called for an outburst, he delivered it with raw intensity—especially in that electrifying scene after he saw Sledgehammer for the first time in prison. Initially, it felt like Hermes (BBN star) could have also nailed the role, but James’s mysterious and composed presence made him the perfect choice.

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Another standout performance came from Olarotimi Fakunle as Marshal—a role he owned. His portrayal was so immersive that words don’t do it justice. You have to see it to believe it.

The film also boasted exceptional performances from Itele d Icon, Bimbo Ademoye, Femi Adebayo, Philip Asaya, Boma Akpore, and many more. Every actor brought their A-game, making Suky a thrilling and unforgettable viewing experience.

Language

Suky was predominantly in Yoruba, and this was beautifully expressed through both dialogue and music. The soundtrack was carefully crafted to fit the film’s tone, seamlessly blending with each scene. Even in moments where the music was simply a singer chanting a character’s name, it was skilfully mixed with the perfect sound and beats, adding depth and intensity to the storytelling. The music didn’t just accompany the film; it became a character of its own, amplifying emotions and making every moment more immersive.

Summary

At first glance, the title Suky doesn’t give much away, but that’s part of its charm. It builds intrigue, making you wonder what’s beneath the surface. And once the story unfolds, it’s clear that this film isn’t just about revenge—it’s about survival, honour, and the brutal cost of justice.

One of the best things about Suky was its unpredictability. While it was clear from the start that it was a revenge story, the journey wasn’t straightforward. Even hours into the film, it was hard to tell exactly where it was headed. This slow-burn approach might seem like a drag at times, but it was necessary to build tension, allowing the skilful storytelling to unfold naturally.

From casting to music and even costume design, every detail was carefully thought out. Take Marshal’s cat, for example—it was there but never forcefully noticeable, a small yet deliberate touch that you don’t often see in Nollywood films. However, one noticeable flaw was how Sledgehammer seemed frozen in time. While Suky visibly aged over the years, there was little to no effort in showing any transition for Sledgehammer. It was almost as if time hadn’t touched him, making that aspect of the storytelling feel slightly inconsistent. A little more attention to his transformation could have made the passage of time feel more authentic.

Now, let’s talk about the fight scenes. Raw, intense, and brutally real. This is easily one of the best portrayals of action sequences in Nollywood. Ola Cardoso’s direction of photography was masterful, especially in the way he switched lenses to capture the grittiness of each moment. Every punch felt organic, every movement unfiltered, making it look anything but rehearsed.

As for Suky and Simisola’s relationship, while some viewers might have wanted more, the film’s choice to keep it underdeveloped felt intentional. A fully fleshed-out romance could have made it predictable, and perhaps that’s a story for a sequel. Because let’s be honest—though Sledgehammer is out of the picture, the Aje Gang is still lurking, and justice is still far from being served.

Overall, Suky delivered a thrilling, immersive experience, blending action, emotion, and suspense seamlessly. It’s a film that doesn’t just entertain; it pulls you in and refuses to let go.