Entertainment Kemi Adetiba’s To Kill a Monkey: Netflix’s #1 Nigerian Thriller in 2025? Leyira Virtue BarisukaPublished: August 4, 2025 Last Updated on August 5, 202503.8K views If you’ve been searching for a Nigerian Netflix movie that will leave you thinking long after the final scene, To Kill a Monkey Movie is it. Released in July 2025 and produced by the acclaimed Kemi Adetiba, this new Nigerian series delves deep into themes of class, trauma, cybercrime, and justice. With unforgettable characters and layered storytelling, it’s already being praised as one of the best Nigerian Netflix movies of 2025. In this review, we’ll explore the plot, cast, performance highlights, production value, and the symbolic meaning behind the unusual title. Plus, we’ll answer the most common FAQs about the series. What Is To Kill a Monkey About? The story starts with a scene at a shrine where a masked figure, referred to as the “Monkey,” initiates a group of young men, requiring them to swear allegiance through blood rituals. One by one, the boys swear with their “life, blood, and flesh” to be loyal to a boss who then steps into the outdoor shrine in fashionable boots and an oversized mask. He lifts his mask without revealing his face to the camera, takes a drink from the vessel, and shouts to the skies. “Is this shout necessary?” an attentive viewer might ask. The answer is no. Following this, the series introduces Efemini “Efe” Edewor, a first-class graduate struggling with poverty and a secret life of stealing Wi-Fi to improve his programming skills. His wife is pregnant with triplets, adding to his financial burdens. As the plot of To Kill a Monkey unfolds, it shows how Efe—a man in dire circumstances—is enticed into cybercrime by an old friend and finds his morals questioned and compromised and inspired by the gritty drama of ‘To Kill a Monkey,’ where Efe, a reluctant fraudster, gets pulled into a deadly web of deceit, trauma, and survival after crossing paths with a Lagos cybercrime kingpin. This Nigerian Netflix series keeps you guessing, not just about who killed whom, but also about what happens in the next episode. To Kill a Monkey Performance & Reception: How Well Did It Do? Since its debut on Netflix Nigeria in July 2025, To Kill a Monkey has quickly made waves both locally and internationally. Here’s how the series has performed so far: Streaming Performance #1 on Netflix Nigeria within 72 hours of release, dominating the top charts and trending on social media. Cracked the Top 10 Netflix UK rankings, reaching No. 9, a rare feat for Nigerian series just a week after release. Estimated to have garnered over 3 million views in Nigeria alone within its first three days (based on media projections and trending data). Audience & Critical Reception IMDb users rate the show around 8/10, with many praising its depth, acting, and message. Premium Times gave the series a 7/10, calling it “chaotic yet gritty, with moments of brilliance.” Vanguard Allure described it as “a new benchmark for Nigerian prestige TV,” awarding it a five-star equivalent. Bucci Franklin’s performance as Oboz earned a 5-star review from Ranks Africa, citing it as one of the most magnetic screen portrayals of 2025. Social Media Buzz The show has sparked intense conversation across TikTok, Twitter (X), and Instagram, with hashtags like #ToKillAMonkey, #EfeEdewor, and #KemiAdetibaNetflix trending in Nigeria and the UK. Users praised: William Benson’s portrayal of Efe as “raw and heartbreaking” The realistic depiction of cybercrime and poverty The cinematography and haunting silence used throughout the series One viral tweet reads: “This isn’t just Nollywood. This is psychological warfare in 8 episodes. Kemi Adetiba snapped.” ALSO CHECK OUT: Top 5 Ali Nuhu Kannywood Movies That Shaped Northern Nigerian Cinema Queen Nwokoye’s Best Igbo Movie Roles That Defined Nollywood Family Dramas Top Nollywood Directors Behind Asaba Movies & Why They Matter Is To Kill a Monkey the Best Nigerian Netflix Series of 2025? There are many Nigerian movies on Netflix right now, but To Kill a Monkey stands out. It feels real. Everything from the acting to the editing to the quiet music all comes together to build tension and emotion. Even the camera angles add to the story, making us feel Efe’s fear and pain. It may not be a typical weekend watch, but if you appreciate thought-provoking content, To Kill a Monkey belongs on your must-watch list. What Does the Title To Kill a Monkey Really Mean? At first glance, the title seems strange, even shocking. But the “Monkey” is a metaphor , and a powerful one. The monkey represents: Lost innocence The neglected and marginalized in society Buried trauma and secrets Our fading sense of empathy and humanity Killing the monkey symbolizes killing our ability to care, forgive, and remain morally grounded. The title To Kill a Monkey is a warning and a message. It tells us what happens when we destroy the very things that make us human: our empathy, our compassion, and our truth. Who Produced To Kill a Monkey? This is not just any movie; it’s a Kemi Adetiba movie. But who is Kemi Adetiba? Kemi Adetiba (born 8 January 1980) is a Nigerian filmmaker, television director, and music video director whose works have appeared on Channel O, MTV Base, Sound City TV, BET, and Netflix. Kemi Adetiba was born in Lagos, Nigeria, to Dele and Mayen Adetiba. She featured in a television commercial for the detergent brand OMO as a child. Adetiba holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Lagos. On 8 September 2016, Adetiba’s first feature film, The Wedding Party (a Nigerian Rom-com film), premiered on opening night at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as the opening film of the City-to-City Spotlight. She is also the producer of King of Boys, and fans of King of Boys or The Wedding Party know she doesn’t do anything halfway. As the producer of the To Kill a Monkey movie, assisted by her brother Remi Adetiba, Kemi Adetiba goes in a very different direction this time. This film is slower, deeper, and more emotional. It’s not a popcorn movie; instead, it focuses on the little things like long silences, painful flashbacks, and complex questions. To Kill a Monkey Cast – Powerful Performances All Around One of the biggest strengths of the movie is its cast. The actors bring so much emotion and truth to their roles. These casts are: William Benson: Plays Efemini, a character who abandons his values and enters the world of cybercrime. Bucci Franklin: Plays Oboz, a former campus cultist turned “yahoo” kingpin. Stella Damasus: Plays Nosa, wife of Efe Bimbo Akintola: Plays Inspector Mo Ogunlesi. Michael Ejoor: Plays Inspector Onome. Chidi Mokeme: Plays Teacher. Sunshine Rosman: Plays Amanda Sparkles. Ireti Doyle: Plays Sp Babalola. Teniola Aladese: Plays Ivie. Lilian Afegbai: Another member of the cast, though her specific role isn’t mentioned in the provided context. The team took their time picking the right actors because everyone fits their role perfectly. Critique of “To Kill a Monkey” Even though it’s one of the most talked-about Nigerian Netflix movies of 2025, To Kill a Monkey isn’t without flaws: Slow Start: The first 30 minutes may feel uneventful or cryptic for some viewers. Underdeveloped Characters: A few roles lack backstory or depth. Open-ended Questions: The series ends with ambiguity, which may frustrate viewers expecting clear resolutions. Still, the strength of the performances, themes, and dialogue outweighs these issues. Final Thoughts: Nigerian Movies on Netflix To Kill a Monkey is not just a film, but it shows what many Nigerians experience today. It’s one of those stories that makes you pause and think about life, power, and pain. As Efe stated in the movie, even as a first-class graduate, you can still be poor in Nigeria. He initially says no to join Oboz’s shady business, but in a rat-race world, values don’t feed families. When your wife stares at you with acute hunger in her shrunken eyes and your newborn twins won’t stop crying because their mother’s breasts cannot produce milk, the only thing louder than your honest principles is your failure. Kemi Adetiba’s latest project shows just how far Nigerian movies on Netflix have come. It proves that Nigerian filmmakers can tell world-class stories that are deep, emotional, and unforgettable. This might not be your usual Friday-night fun flick, but it’s a must-watch for anyone who values bold storytelling. Whether it’s the acting, the story, or the deeper messages, there’s something in To Kill a Monkey that will stay with you. Showcase Nigeria Through Your Lens – Join Our Open Call for Creators Are you a photographer, videographer, or content creator passionate about capturing Nigeria’s beauty, from fashion runways and cultural festivals to tourist landmarks and local events? Our Open Call for Content Creators in Nigeria is your opportunity to get featured, collaborate, and bring authentic Nigerian stories to life. Whether you’re into travel, lifestyle, or visual storytelling, we want to see Nigeria through your eyes. Discover the Latest Buzz in Nigeria’s Entertainment Scene — Stay updated with breaking stories, celebrity news, and cultural happenings on our Nigeria Entertainment News page. FAQs – Everything You Should Know About To Kill a Monkey 1: Is To Kill a Monkey based on a true story? No, the story is fictional. But it’s inspired by real social issues in Nigeria. 2: Where can I watch To Kill a Monkey? The movie has been streaming exclusively on Netflix since July 2025. 3: Who is the producer of To Kill a Monkey? Kemi Adetiba produces it alongside her brother Remi Adetiba, one of Nigeria’s top filmmakers. 4: How many episodes are in To Kill a Monkey? “To Kill a Monkey” is an 8-episode series. The series, created by Kemi Adetiba, is a Nigerian crime thriller that explores the consequences of choices in the world of cybercrime. 5: What is the main theme of To Kill a Monkey? The movie explores justice, trauma, and how society treats the powerless.