Slow Country

Slow Country is a Nigerian action-thriller movie directed by Eric Aghimien and released in 2017. The film casts Ivie Okujaye, Sambasa Nzeribe, and Tope Tedela in the lead roles, and it makes a strong, impactful statement with its brilliant performances, engaging plot, and high-octane action sequences.

The central character of Slow Country, portrayed by Ivie Okujaye, is Kome, a single mother who finds herself in a desperate plight. Kome's life takes a drastic turn when her world intersects with a perilous underworld ruled by a merciless drug lord, Tuvi, enacted by Sambasa Nzeribe. Caught in a web of drug trafficking and crime, Kome is ultimately compelled to fight against this entrenched criminal syndicate to protect her son.

Kome is one of the film's strongest assets with her captivating portrayal of a mother-figure turned unlikely-heroine. Her character transcends beyond the usual action-heroine trope, portraying vulnerability and strength in equal measure. Faired with this, her combat skills and agility give her a formidable presence on screen and cement her as a force to be reckoned with.

Sambasa Nzeribe, as the antagonist Tuvi, gives an intimidating performance. He excellently encapsulates the persona of a brutal crime lord, often ruling with an iron fist, and sends chills down the viewers' spines with his ruthless demeanor. Tuvi, despite his malice, paints a picture of a man who has been hardened and desensitised by the unforgiving world of crime.

Tope Tedela plays a determined intelligence police officer, DSP Peter, who is hell-bent on bringing Tuvi and his empire to justice. Peter's undying spirit and unwavering commitment to his duty add an additional layer of suspense and thrill to the narrative, serving as the moral compass throughout the conflict-ridden plot.

Director Eric Aghimien impressively wields the intense, multi-facet narrative of Slow Country. The film is not just a flurry of high-speed chases and pyrotechnic explosions but delves deep into the characters' drives and motivations. It is this human angle that amplifies the experience, making Slow Country more than just a whistle-and-bell action blockbuster.

The structure of Slow Country fluidly intertwines the characters' arcs, pulling together fragments of their lives into a coherent and compelling plot involving crime, justice, redemption, and survival. The camera work is expertly executed, and the cinematography elevates the action scenes' impact while nattily capturing the underworld's gritty reality.

The movie adopts a slow-burning, action-centered narrative, set against the grim and brutal backdrop of a dystopic society. The title "Slow Country" ironically amplifies the brisk pace of the film and its characters' lives subjected to crime and violence. This dramatic irony is a testimony to the carefully constructed narrative that lays a solid platform for exhilarating performances and arresting action sequences.

The brutality and ruthlessness of the criminal havens are contrasted against the resiliency and courage of the common man - a narrative that deploys violence and action as forms of revolution and survival. Thus, while being a pulsating action thriller, Slow Country also hovers around themes of societal decadence and moral dilapidation besides weaving a narrative of human resistance.

In a nutshell, Slow Country is not your typical action flick. It transcends the realms of a mere adrenaline-pumping ride and delves into depictions of humanity, resilience, survival, and motherhood. The skillfully penned-down characters, the intense narrative wrapped in a persistent air of thrill, the poignant portrayals, and the gripping action sequences make Slow Country a stand-out entry in the world of African cinema.

If you appreciate movies that don't shy away from portraying the grim reality, have substantial, three-dimensional characters and strike a fine balance between heart-thumping action and emotional depth, Slow Country is an absolute must-watch for you. This cinematic gem is sure to keep you hooked to the screen until the very end and leave you pondering over its nuanced narrative long after the credits roll.