When I first saw the trailer for “Criminal,” I was unimpressed. The fact that it was Dolapo Adigun’s debut as a director didn’t fill me with confidence. And the unusual theme left me wondering how they’d pull it off. But, as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover.
The Plot Unfolds
“Criminal,” the latest film from Anthill Studios, is a hostage drama set within the walls of a hospital. Written by Niyi Akinmolayan and directed by Dolapo Adigun, a product of a directing training program led by Akinmolayan, the film tells the story of a criminal gang leader who holds a hospital hostage to get lifesaving treatment for his wounded brother. Niyi Akinmolayan is not just a talent trainer but a genius who transformed Dolapo into a masterclass editor and now a director.
The Hospital Under Siege
Greenleaf Hospital, led by Dr. Amara Nwachukwu (Funlola Aofiyebi), has just admitted a large number of patients after a horrific road accident. Some are dead, while others are in critical condition, including a pregnant woman in urgent need of surgery. Amid this chaos, Uzo (Uzor Arukwe) and his gang enter the hospital with his gunshot-wounded brother (Austin Onuoha), demanding immediate attention from Dr. Amara.
Despite the hospital staff’s efforts to explain their situation and persuade the gang to seek help elsewhere, Uzo insists on Dr. Amara attending to his brother. When they learn the police have been contacted, the gang pulls out their guns, taking patients and staff hostage, and threatening to wreak havoc if their demands are not met.
At first, I was curious about Uzo’s actions, this is a hospital, not a bank. But his serious intent became clear when he beat a doctor to a pulp and killed the security guard. The entire hospital staff and patients in the reception area were rounded up.
The Flaws in the Story
Of course, there are some inconsistencies. Uzo’s brother was supposedly shot a day before and bleeding out massively, yet his condition didn’t seem dire enough. There was no visible blood from his gunshot wound, and the film failed to convey the urgency of his situation as effectively as it did the hostage crisis. If his condition was truly that severe, he should have been on the brink of death.
Stellar Performances
Uzor Arukwe delivers a commendable performance as a hot-headed thug who believes brute force solves everything. His character’s intensity is evident, making you hate him one moment and pity him the next. Funlola Aofiyebi, on the other hand, shines as a defiant and unyielding doctor who refuses to be bullied. She brings a defiant strength to her role that is truly commendable.
A Promising Debut
“Criminal” is a surprisingly good movie, especially for Dolapo Adigun’s directorial debut. She outshines many seasoned directors who still can’t get it right. I would rate “Criminal” a solid 8/10 and look forward to seeing more of Dolapo Adigun’s work.
