In 2004, Nollywood presented one of its most talked about action movies till date; Teco Benson’s ‘State of Emergency’. At the time, there were many reasons why the movie worked.
Of course, there was the genre; action. A genre that until then had not been really explored. There was also the lead – the late JT Tom West, the villain who at the time was one of Nollywood’s ‘most wanted’ bad boys.
And then, there was the most important part – the film dared to speak about one of the most troubling issues in the country at the time – terrorism/hostage situation.
At the time, Nigeria was not new to news of different dignitaries being taken hostage or kidnapped because of something they had directly or indirectly been involved with. Of course, most of the time, they were always guilty.
As time passed, more movies had the nerve to call out Nigeria on its BS and the nerve to poke corrupt leaders in the nose through daring stories.
In 2019, Code Wilo is about that life.
Taking its viewers on a journey of a dark twisted plot filled with gasps, surprise and side-eye moments, Code Wilo has no issues at all with telling you like it is. It basically reminds you what election is like in a country like Nigeria (blood-filled, gory and nerve-wracking) and is extremely unapologetic about that.
Which is probably why many Nigerians can and will continue to relate.
Of course, like its predecessors, the movie employs a talented cast to tell a story that can never be tired.
Like the 2004 blockbuster, State of emergency, Code Wilo does not shy away from a talented cast that will drive the message home.
Eucharia Anunobi, Zack Orji, Kalu Ikeagwu, Bikiya Graham-Douglas and Gbenga Titiloye are some of the Actors that drive this story to its required destination.
Gabriel Afolayan stars in a role that should definitely become a regular for him in Nollywood movies because through Code Wilo he takes yet another opportunity to showcase his talent and how diverse he can be.
His amazing performance, coupled with some of his cast members is why this film not only works, but is timely.
It is also why it is being talked about and totally relatable.