Budget Brilliance: Nigerian 'John Wick' Takes Netflix by Storm, Defying All Odds
Nigerian filmmaker Editi Effiong's Netflix sensation, The Black Book, skillfully uncovers Nigeria's turbulent history as a vengeful father seeks justice With local talent and limited resources, this enthralling production captivates and resonates with audiences worldwide
Hollywood transcends beyond star-studded and costly films that shatter box office records. Challenging Hollywood norms in terms of budget, the Nigerian film The Black Book has conquered the Top 10 list on Netflix. Films have become a worldwide passion, captivating audiences across nations, while also inspiring individuals to envision their own narratives for television or cinema. Editi Effiong, thanks to the tremendous triumph of his crime thriller The Black Book, has found himself basking in the limelight, with the film quickly gaining widespread popularity on the Netflix platform.
The Nigerian movie and its main characters have garnered global love, leading to comparisons with Keanu Reeves's popular action franchise, John Wick. This is a well-deserved compliment, as the film delves into Nigeria's tumultuous history of military regimes and current issues of police brutality. The story revolves around a former gang member who, driven by the tragic loss of his son, embarks on a quest for vengeance. With a budget that has left many in awe, The Black Book has emerged as a major success on Netflix.
The Black Book stars and was funded by Nigerians to tell their story
Editi Effiong's debut feature film, The Black Book, received support from Nigerian experts and founders in the country's tech ecosystem to achieve its $1 million budget. The movie has consistently ranked third among Netflix's top 10 English-language titles for several weeks.
The captivating crime thriller begins with the abduction of Professor Craig's family, compellingly portrayed by Bimbo Akintola. Their tragic demise is a consequence of her involvement in exposing the ministry's hidden secrets. To conceal their heinous acts, the perpetrators frame Damilola Edima, excellently played by Olumide Oworu, the son of Paul Edima, portrayed by Richard Mofe-Damijo, a former gang member turned deacon. With his innocent son's life taken away, Paul embarks on a quest for vengeance against his former boss, the one truly accountable for this tragic loss.
Released on September 22, 2023, The Black Book quickly became one of Netflix's most popular releases, garnering a significant following within its first week. Within just 48 hours, the movie accumulated an impressive 5.6 million views. By the second week, it had become one of the most-watched films in 69 different countries.
Effiong's film has received widespread critical acclaim and has gained international recognition for being financed on a modest budget by Nigerians, while also featuring a fully Nigerian cast. It has further enriched the legacy of Nollywood's impressive cinematic history since the 90s. In an interview with AP, Effiong expressed that although the film is a work of fiction, it reflects elements of Nigeria's past reality.
“The Black Book is a movie crafted entirely by Black individuals, including Black actors, Black producers, and being funded by Black money. Remarkably, it has achieved blockbuster status on a global scale," expressed the director. In a statement, Netflix declared their unwavering commitment towards presenting an increased abundance of African content and narratives to viewers. Effiong emphasized that it is high time for the world to acknowledge this.
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