Suspicion Movie Review: Nollywood’s Superhero Thriller

Directed by Tosin Igho, Suspicion is a gripping 1-hour, 55-minute crime drama now available on Amazon Prime. The film follows Voke, a man with extraordinary abilities, as he embarks on a quest for vengeance after his friend is murdered. As Voke delves deeper into the dark world of black magic, he is forced to confront both betrayal and complex moral dilemmas along the way.

Plot

In the opening scene of Suspicion, we are thrust into a world steeped in dark magic and mystery. A mother performs an intense ritual, bathing her son in hot, enchanted liquid, ensuring that no bullet can ever harm him. This son, Voke, is introduced as a man struggling with everyday life while carrying the weight of a profound family secret.

The film takes off with a tense, seemingly ordinary moment—a routine school run, which quickly turns into a kidnapping ordeal when the daughter of his friend, Rogba, is abducted. Despite a fierce effort to rescue her, the situation only grows more complicated, leading Voke to seek answers from his mother, a woman who possesses the ability to see the future. It’s revealed that Voke’s entire family has a legacy of black magic, but even this powerful gift is blocked by a more formidable force.

The plot thickens when Voke tries to use his mother’s magic to locate Rogba’s daughter, Lolu, only to discover that a greater power is shielding her whereabouts. In a devastating twist, Lolu’s body is later found with her eyes gouged out, and Voke is shot by a mysterious assassin. His mother warns him to abandon his investigation, suggesting the forces at play are far beyond his control, but Voke is undeterred.

Underground and determined, Voke throws himself into his work, using his abilities to dig deeper into the mysteries surrounding his friend and goddaughter’s death. During a key investigation, he uncovers that black magic was used in the murder of another victim. As Voke delves further, he experiences a vision of the murder weapon as such linking this crime to the earlier murder. The clues seem to tie together, but as Voke begins connecting the dots, the danger escalates.

The tension culminates when Voke, having uncovered several truths, is ambushed by a masked killer who seems to be systematically taking out everyone involved in the investigation. Just as it seems all hope is lost, Voke is saved by Chisom, who becomes a crucial ally. But the twists don’t stop there. Voke receives a life-altering call from Chisom while on his way to seek help from his mother, revealing that the killer was in her house and had killed Tony. Faced with a heartbreaking choice—save Chisom, risk his own life, or abandon her to save himself—Voke’s decision will change everything.

Cast

The casting for Suspicion was nothing short of exceptional, with each actor delivering a standout performance. Stan Nze, who plays the lead role of Voke, continues to impress with his powerful portrayal of the character. Known for his emotional depth, Nze brings Voke to life in a way that captivates the audience—his strength is evident in his investigative and combative moments, while his vulnerability shines through when he interacts with Chisom.

Tina Mba’s portrayal of Obatere is equally remarkable. She flawlessly embodies the role of a fierce, intimidating witch, while also showing the softer, more emotional side of Obatere as a wife and mother. From her first scene, Mba draws viewers in, making her character unforgettable.

Omowunmi Dada, who plays Chisom, Voke’s lover, also delivers an impressive performance. The depth of her character is brought to life through exceptional scriptwriting, as Chisom transitions from a woman deeply in love with Voke to one who seemingly moves on, only to reveal her awareness of the dark forces at play in their relationship.

Kalu Ikeagwu’s portrayal of Tony, though brief, is perfectly suited to the role. His use of Igbo, Pidgin, and English adds richness and authenticity to the dialogue, making the performances feel even more intentional and grounded.

Other notable performances include those by Shaffy Bello, Boma Akpore, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Uzor Arukwe, Uche Elumelu, Ron Mgbatoju, and the rest of the talented ensemble cast. Each actor contributes to the overall strength of the film, enhancing both the storytelling and the emotional resonance of the film.

Language

The movie is in English, Igbo, and Pidgin.

Summary

Suspicion is a film that will undoubtedly keep you glued to your screen. Every scene is carefully crafted and essential to the plot, demonstrating that the director was fully committed to creating a compelling and cohesive narrative. 

While the film falls within the crime drama genre, the infusion of paranormal elements adds a layer of realism, particularly given the prevalence of such beliefs in certain regions of Nigeria. What sets the film apart is how it avoids the typical Nollywood portrayal of witches performing incantations, a move that makes the story feel more grounded and relatable, rather than leaning into the clichés often seen in Yoruba films.

The casting, props, and setting are all on point, and the cinematography is impressive. However, one minor flaw lies in the transition of Chisom from an ex-lover to Tony’s wife. This shift felt a bit rushed, leaving some questions about the exact timeline and the events leading up to it.

Overall, Suspicion is a highly engaging watch with a compelling narrative and strong performances. It’s definitely a film that invites rewatching.