Tòkunbò Movie Review: Racing Against Time To Save Family

TÒKUNBÒ a thrilling action film directed by Ramsey Nouah, follows the story of an ex-car smuggler who is given a dire ultimatum: deliver a government official’s daughter to her captor within three hours, or his family will face grave consequences. The film was released on Netflix in August 2024 and produced by Odeh Chris and Joy Odiete.

Plot

The movie opens with a driver attempting to smuggle a stolen car into the country at Seme, only to be chased by the police, referred to as “Ovia.” During this high-stakes pursuit, his pregnant wife calls to inform him that she is in labour. This scene establishes Tokunbo as a savvy, streetwise individual who, with the help of his friends, manages to evade the police.

In the next scene, we meet Gaza, the individual for whom Tokunbo apparently stole the car. Gaza is a car thief who dismantles vehicles for spare parts and employs several young men in his operation. However, Tokunbo decides to leave this life behind, choosing to focus on his family. This drop-off for Gaza marks his final involvement in that line of work.

Eighteen months later, Tokunbo became a cab driver, though his earnings were insufficient. His son has been hospitalised due to a congenital condition, and Tokunbo desperately seeks assistance to raise 9.5 million Naira for the necessary surgery, but he finds no support. In a state of frustration, he returns to Gaza to request financial help, who agrees to assist him—but only on the condition that Tokunbo completes one final job for him.

Simultaneously, a news broadcast introduces the newly appointed Central Bank Governor, Miss Folasade Balogun-Smith. Her key policy initiative aims to stabilise the naira by advocating for the Central Bank to regulate the unregulated cryptocurrency market, which becomes a significant element of the film’s narrative. Additionally, the story features Nike, the daughter of Folasade and Bankole. A talented swimmer and martial artist, she is a source of pride for both parents, yet remains unaware of the underlying tensions in their relationship.

While performing his routine cab duties, Tokunbo discovers a phone left in the backseat of his car. Upon inspecting it, he finds messages detailing mysterious pick-ups and drop-offs in exchange for money. To his dismay, the final assignment involves delivering Nike to a specified location for a hefty sum of 10 million Naira. Caught in a moral dilemma, Tokunbo receives a call from an unknown number, where a distorted voice offers him three times the payment if he completes the delivery.

Meanwhile, in the office of the Commissioner of Police, a shadowy figure called Folasade. This mysterious individual demands that she reschedule her upcoming press conference, where she is set to announce her pivotal policy initiative, in exchange for Nike’s safety. This tense negotiation adds a layer of intrigue and urgency to the unfolding drama.

Tokunbo encounters numerous obstacles as his mission proves far more complicated than anticipated. In a desperate move to expedite the situation, the shadowy figure behind the phone call abducts Tokunbo’s wife and child. As Tokunbo races against time to save them, Folasade and Bankole, in their turmoil, face the grim reality of potentially losing their only child. Tragically, Tokunbo ultimately suffers the unimaginable loss of his child.

In the midst of the chaos, Tokunbo’s wife manages to escape and calls him, delivering the devastating news of their child’s death. Overcome with grief and despair, Tokunbo loses control, crashing his car off a bridge while being pursued by the police.

Meanwhile, Aziba, Folasade’s assistant, inadvertently reveals critical information during a call with the mysterious figure. Expressing her frustration about how far things have escalated, she is overheard by a police officer, who promptly reports her. This leads to her blowing the whistle on the caller, who is identified as the deputy governor, Raymond.

Miraculously, Tokunbo and Nike survive the crash, but they find themselves in the clutches of Gaza. He reveals that ‘Agba,’ or Raymond, has been orchestrating all the illicit activities in Labule. After enduring considerable torment, Tokunbo demands a confrontation with Gaza.

The climax raises crucial questions: Did Tokunbo prevail in his confrontation? What becomes of Nike? And what is Gaza’s fate?

Cast

TÒKUNBÒ features a well-curated cast, with each actor delivering compelling performances that enhance the film’s impact. Gideon Okeke, known for his role in Tinsel, takes on the lead as Tokunbo, embodying the desperate father’s struggle with impressive emotional depth that keeps the audience engaged throughout.

Darasimi Nadi, the fast-rising Nollywood child actor, shines brightly in her role, delivering a captivating performance that truly steals the spotlight.

Chidi Mokeme portrays Gaza, as a menacing thug whose mere presence commands fear. Despite limited screen time, he effectively embodies the character, showcasing his talent as expected.

Funlola Aofiyebi takes on the role of Folashade, skillfully navigating the transformation from a powerful, untouchable woman to a vulnerable mother terrified of losing her child.

Other notable performances include Majid Michel as Raymond/Agba, Ivie Okujaye as Aziba, Adunni Ade as Iya Mulika, and Funnybone, among others, all contributing to the film’s strong ensemble cast.

Language

TÒKUNBÒ is primarily an English-language film, yet it creatively incorporates Pidgin English, effectively capturing the essence of Nigerian street culture. Additionally, the inclusion of Nigerian music enriches the film, further enhancing its cultural authenticity.

Summary

TÒKUNBÒ themed as an action thriller, unfortunately, falls short of delivering genuine excitement, with viewers likely finding themselves disengaged by the halfway point. While the film opens with an engaging premise, it lacks originality, presenting a storyline that feels familiar and leads to an almost predictable conclusion.

Despite its shortcomings in plot and narrative engagement, the casting is a strong point. The actors successfully convey the story through their performances, adding depth to the material.

However, the film concludes with unresolved questions that linger in the viewer’s mind. The motivations behind Raymond’s kidnapping of Nike remain unclear, as do Aziba’s intentions, which are only vaguely hinted at—most notably in the scene where Folashade dismissively refers to her shoes.

Furthermore, Folashade’s decision to employ the man responsible for her daughter’s abduction based on a ten-year-old recommendation feels unrealistic and undermines the narrative’s credibility.

While the colour grading effectively enhances the tone of the action sequences, the overall plot ultimately falls flat, resulting in a lacklustre viewing experience. The film struggles to maintain engagement, leaving audiences feeling it was tedious and uninspired.