Movie Review: Double Dekoi Promises High Expectations but Serves a Heavy Dose of Disappointment

Double Dekoi, directed by Nnamdi Odunze, hit cinemas on December 1 with high expectations fueled by its intriguing name, synopsis, and cast. However, after seeing the film, our expectations were not only dashed, we were very much dissapointed and our time wasted.

Set in Lagos, the story follows Amanda played by Abimbola Esther as she visits her imprisoned brother, Steve played by Baaj Adebule, convicted of murder. Amanda discovers it’s a setup by StarCity Properties Ltd, an ostensibly legitimate estate development firm involved in illegal activities. Amanda’s father uncovered the truth and was silenced by the organization, led by the ruthless Madam Seggy played by Sola Sobowale, and Don Malaika played by Kanayo O. Kanayo. They aim to retrieve incriminating documents hidden by Amanda’s late father. To prove Steve’s innocence, Amanda infiltrates the criminal organization with her cousin Jaspa played by Nwekete Bright Chidi and Flecky played by Seyitan Adeyemi. Together, they seek evidence to clear Steve’s name.

Distributed by Blue Pictures, the film featurs Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo in lead roles as the masterminds of criminal activities within Starcity Properties. The cast also includes Hilda Dokubor, Tony Akposheri, Sunny Mcoon, Modella, Angel Phillips, Baaj Adebule, Franca Brown, Yinka Quadri, Roanoke Odunsanya, Septimus-The Great, Terry Cummings, Tracy Obonna, Rodney Perry, and others.

The film’s performance is a considerable disappointment, bordering on a visual discomfort. Amanda, the main character, delivers an erratic performance that feels overwhelmingly forced and lacks believability. Her acting struggles to convey appropriate emotions, and characters like Flecky and Jasper did no good in the acting department. Flecky’s strained attempt at a funny accent became particularly grating, she should learn a thing or two from the comedic prowess of Bimbo Ademoye or Funke Akindele in the accent department.

Numerous characters across the film appeared as if it were their first time in front of the camera. It is apparent that the movie is relying on the reputation of esteemed actors such as Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo to overshadow the shortcomings in the performances of most of the cast.

The fight scenes in the film are cringe-worthy, particularly the clashes involving Flecky and the female tout, as well as Chris and the cop. The fight choreography is subpar, blatantly revealing to viewers that the confrontations lack authenticity. Furthermore, the unrealistic nature of the fights becomes glaringly apparent, and the sound effects used during these scenes leave much to be desired.

The movie’s plot is generally acceptable, but the conclusion leaves us somewhat perplexed. The concept of a person getting arrested twice raises questions without delving into spoilers. The ending raises numerous queries, particularly regarding Madam Seggy and her DSP daughter. Was the daughter responsible for apprehending her own mother? The dynamics between the mother and daughter remain unclear, as does the fate of Ego. The double arrest scenario, particularly involving Don Malaika, adds a layer of confusion. His arrest after a police shootout is followed by another scene where he appears to be in custody once again, leaving us puzzled.

The portrayal of a dangerous drug cartel lacks depth, as the film does not explore how the criminal enterprise is managed. Additionally, the role of the herbalist in the storyline seems disconnected and lacks a clear connection to the overall narrative. The absence of a link between the herbalist and the main plot leaves viewers questioning the purpose of this character in the movie.

Despite the shortcomings in acting, storyline, and character coherence, the costume team excels in delivering impressive makeup and outfits for the characters. The characters consistently appeared well-suited for their roles, and the setting location, whether in Nigeria or America, are well-executed.

The film serves as an exposé, revealing how companies project a facade of operating in a lawful and organized manner, while in reality, they engage in illicit activities, including money laundering. It sheds light on the clandestine maneuvers of transferring illegal funds to international accounts, as exemplified by Don Malaika’s transactions with Dre. Additionally, the movie illustrates the ripple effects on the families of those involved, depicting the upheaval in Amanda’s family and the distress faced by Dre’s wife due to these illicit dealings.

The movie’s cinematography effectively captures various angles that immerse the audience, and the editing is reasonably well-done. However, the quality of the fight sounds leaves much to be desired. Ultimately, Double Dekoi unveils the shadowy activities concealed behind ostensibly legitimate companies, exploring the negative consequences of these illicit dealings and illustrating their impact on everyone involved.

While the cinematography and editing are commendable, the film’s shortcomings in acting, storyline, and character coherence contribute to a disappointing overall experience. From us at Kemi Filani, it’s a rating of 3.4 for Double Dekoi.