MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Penance’ is a gripping thriller with moral dilemma

‘Penance‘, a movie produced and directed by Awal Abdulfatai, premiered on Prime Video on January 5. It featured Wale Ojo, Uzoamaka Onuoha, Greg Ojefua, Rachel Isaac and Nonso Bassey. Despite initial low expectations, the film delivered an impressive plot twist that made up for its flaws.

SYNOPSIS

Penance follows the story of a young NYSC member who is strategically posted to the law firm of a man she secretly holds a deep grudge against. Determined to make him pay for his past wrongs, she carefully sets her plan in motion — a scheme that ultimately costs him his freedom and career.

THE STRONG POINTS OF THE FILM

The plot itself is not particularly unique, but its execution sets it apart from other films with similar storylines, which is impressive. What makes it stand out is the well-crafted suspense that kept me guessing, combined with the strategic use of flashbacks that add layers to the narrative. These flashbacks are not just fillers — they heighten the mystery, presenting different perspectives that make it difficult to determine the truth until the final reveal. The way these elements are woven together gives the story a more compelling and fresh feel.

The cast, especially the lead actors, delivered outstanding performances. One of the highlights was how their characters evolved, revealing unexpected layers. Gregory Ojefua, for instance, initially appeared as a disinterested police officer, but his character took an intriguing turn. Ojo, as expected, embodied the role of a frustrated and confused accused. Onuoha, on the other hand, brought her character to life through both her words and expressive facial reactions. Their performances were compelling and played a key role in elevating the film.

Another noteworthy aspect of the film is its thought-provoking themes, including karma, avenging, accountability, justice, the power of money, and infidelity. These themes were seamlessly woven into the narrative, sparking deeper reflection on the choices and consequences explored in the film even after it ended.

Not to be overlooked, the cinematography in the film is equally impressive, with high-quality visuals and camera angles.

THE WEAK POINTS OF THE FILM

While the main cast delivered strong performances, some minor roles, particularly Majek’s business partner and wife, fell short. Not only did their acting fail to meet expectations, but their presence in the film also seemed unnecessary. The story could have progressed effectively without them, which raises the question of why they were included in the first place.

The makeup in the film was also one of its flaws as it didn’t quite support the emotional depth of the story. Uzoamaka’s character, portrayed as a traumatised rape victim, looked too put-together, with powder and lip gloss in scenes that should have shown more vulnerability. Even after she returned from the hospital following her suicide attempt, her appearance remained too polished. I feel a more thoughtful approach to her makeup could’ve better conveyed the emotional struggle. Also, the suicide scene didn’t feel authentic, with the cut looking more like a taped effect than a real cut.

The way the evidence — a button — was discovered also felt too convenient. It was found too easily in a place that raised questions. Had the office not been cleaned since the incident? If it had been, finding the button there would have been nearly impossible. This made the discovery feel unrealistic and somewhat forced within the storyline.

Also, I feel the epilogue was unnecessary. Does this mean the movie is justifying Alice’s strategy of committing a crime and falsely accusing someone to get justice — even going as far as calling her a “superhero”? A better approach like leaving the ending open-ended, sparking debate on the morality of seeking justice through unethical means. While the film explores important themes, its seeming glorification of false accusations raises moral concerns, making it easy to misinterpret or take out of context.

FINAL VERDICT

‘Penance’ gets a 6/10