Script written by Prisca Okeke, directed by Akay Mason and produced by Mercy Aigbe (also starring as Damilola Njoku), this whodunnit thriller drama titled “THINLINE” which was hitherto released to cinemas on the 13th of December, 2024, with a runtime of 2hours is now currently available for streaming on Netflix Naija and KavaTV (for diasporans).

SYNOPSIS: (MAY include spoilers) ‼️

Pastor Raymond ‘Ray’ Njoku (Uzor Arukwe) is a revered preacher with a loving, dutiful and caring wife, Damilola Njoku (Mercy Aigbe). When during a conference trip, Ray runs into Annabel ‘Annie’ Coker (Uche Montana), a notorious prôstitute, what started out as an innocent random encounter quickly spirals into a deadly outcome as the latter is found dėad in her hotel room. With three to four persons of interest including Pastor Ray, the question begging for answers, WHO IS THE KÏLLER?

MY TAKE:

This had a really strong start. Intriguing and suspenseful, it held my attention as it quickly drew me in instantly being engaging and captivating. However, in my opinion, as the film progressed, the plot started to weaken and continued to lose its grip slowly from around the end of the second act till the last scene. Which then felt somewhat underwhelming.

Funny, educational, engaging, entertaining and interesting, this had more potentials to be a more enjoyable masterpiece than its outcome. Still isn’t a disappointment in its entirety as most of the actors gave an impeccable delivery in the interpretation of their roles.

STORY/PLOT:

The story highlights faith, temptation, redemption, blackmail, kleptomania and personal vendetta. Its plot explores themes of faithfulness, transparency and accountability amongst couples as witnessed between Pastor Ray & his wife Dami. He was open to her and she loved him unconditionally in return.

DIRECTION/EXECUTION:

The sequencing and editing here carried the movie throughout. The pacing makes it engaging to watch as there were no dragged scenes nor unnecessary dialogues. The use of flashbacks and super-impositions of scenes made for intrigues most of the time. Character development was equally brilliant.

CASTING/PERFORMANCE:

We will all agree that most times, when a movie has so many A-listers, it struggles to deliver. This movie however begs to differ where most of the actors here were well tailored for their individual roles.

Uche Montana as always gave a powerful compelling performance so much so that every fibre of her was telling a story! Her facial expressions nuanced in its element, the on-screen chemistry between her and Uzor Arukwe who also did great, was simply steaming hot…my world. That was believable.

The actor who also caught my attention is the Chief who got robbed (the agbaya husband) as well as Cute Abiola (who played his driver). They were hilarious effortless in their role delivery too. Also, the wannabe Americana played by Ibrahim Yekini was another character that gave the movie another layer. Loved his act.

TECHNICAL ASPECT:

The cinematography, editing, sound and audio were all great. Nevertheless, I can’t say the same for the costumes and hair I’m afraid. The hairstyle on Mercy Aigbe wasn’t particularly flattering of her looks, especially in the last few scenes. She’s beautiful…oh undoubtedly so. A better hairdo would have done justice, if you ask me. Location wasn’t as natural as one would have hoped. It looked pretty much like most of the scenes were executed in hotels.

LESSONS:

Hmmmm… In all honesty, I’m still thinking what lessons I could take from this? Someone please help. If there were lessons, it’s hard to pin it down as they were not expressively conveyed.

OBSERVATION/QUESTIONS:

1. The character of Damilola should have been played by another actress. Mercy Aigbe is a talented actress no doubt about that. However, I couldn’t help but picture a different act playing that character. Besides, there was no on-screen chemistry between her and Uzor. Probably Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Sharon Ooja, Bisola Aiyeola, Bolaji Ogunmola, Uzoamaka Power or so, to me, would have been a better fit. No offence.

2. I’m still wondering if the approach by the detectives portrayed by Prisma James & her partner was professional or ethical. Would that not be classed as bullying & coercion? I mean for all we know an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent judge, right?

3. Damilola appeared too smart for the turnout of events here.

4. How did the police know to go interrogate Omoye (Yvonne Jegede)

5. Why did Pastor Ray not call “my Damilola” the moment he started to feel funny or dizzy?

6. A character appeared to have been left hanging. By this, I’m referring to Pastor Ray’s friend or partner. I mean the one with him at the hotel. What became of him? The last I saw of him was him knocking on the Pastor Ray’s hotel room door. Or did I miss something?

7. Why was Pastor Ray so careless with his drink in public? For a person of his calibre as we were made to perceive, why did he not have a PA?

8. The culprit gave in too easily especially for the tension that had hitherto been created.

There’s more but let’s stop here.

CONCLUSION:

This was enjoyable no doubt. It was suspenseful and intriguing from the beginning as mentioned earlier on. Just could have been a whole lot better had the third act or ending been as solid as the beginning. Something appears to have been missing as the tension wasn’t held long enough and the culprit gave in too easily which didn’t feel quite natural. Overall, it’s as entertaining as it could be…could have been more.

VERDICT: 6/10

Have you seen this? What did you think?