Understanding the Ending of 'The Black Book': Does Victoria Grant Paul Forgiveness?

The Big Picture

The Black Book is a thought-provoking action thriller that explores human savagery and redemption through a dramatic ending.

The film boasts an extensive cast, which can be occasionally bewildering, but ultimately enriches the story with its depth.

Journalism assumes a pivotal role in unraveling mysteries and propelling the narrative, resulting in an alliance between the main character and a journalist with whom he shares a connection.

The Black Book, directed and co-written by newcomer Editi Effiong, surprises viewers with its thrilling action and thought-provoking exploration of human savagery and redemption. The film's dramatic yet satisfying ending serves as a powerful culmination of an urban cultural safari through African cinema. Similar to other revenge-themed action movies, The Black Book leaves audiences with a bittersweet conclusion, where the protagonists pay a fair price for their desires, and the villains face the consequences of their actions. Additionally, the film features a diverse cast in significant roles, although this may occasionally lead to confusion.

In essence, The Black Book can be likened to the tale of a wounded buffalo being poked. The story revolves around Paul Edima (Richard Mofe-Damijo), a retired mercenary soldier turned deacon, who is shaken when his son Damilola (Olumide Oworu) is unjustly killed by corrupt police officers attempting to cover up a politician's son's involvement in a kidnapping scandal. Initially, Paul believes he is being punished for his past mistakes, hoping for a confession from those responsible so he can properly bury his son. However, when his plea is denied, he transforms into an injured buffalo, taking matters into his own hands to teach the powerful and dangerous men a lesson.

Victoria’s Link to Paul Is Key to the Ending in ‘The Black Book’

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Journalism has played a crucial role in uncovering hidden secrets both in the real world and in cinema. Similar to the film "Spotlight" by Tom McCarthy, where journalists exposed child abuse within the Catholic Church, Effiong's "The Black Book" tells the story of Victoria Kalu, a journalist who strives to continue her late mother's fearless investigative legacy, leading to her mother's murder. Victoria's encounter with Paul, a man connected to her mother's death, occurs when she witnesses a confrontation between Paul and a gang at his place of work. Paul's possession of articles about Victoria and her mother suggests he holds information she is unaware of. When Paul confesses to being her mother's killer, Victoria's anger causes her to act recklessly, resulting in her kidnapping by General Isa's gang.

Paul, seeking redemption, not only aims to bring down the corrupt elements responsible for his son's death but also feels compelled to protect Victoria. Fortunately, just after her kidnapping, Big Daddy, who initially hesitated to assist Paul due to fear of General Isa, has a change of heart when the General attacks her establishment. This decision favors Paul's cause. Paul's secret weapon is the Black Book, which had previously granted him freedom and saved his life. Before leaving General Isa's gang, Paul had been assigned to murder Victoria's mother, who was investigating a drug operation involving now-Senator Dipo. Director Effiong highlights the corrupt practices within democracies, showcasing how individuals like Senator Dipo use ill-gotten money to fund campaigns and manipulate the system for their benefit.

Paul Edima & Big Daddy's Alliance Propels 'The Black Book'

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Together with Big Daddy, the widow of Paul's former soldier colleague and friend, they set out on a mission to eliminate the formidable General Isa and extract Victoria, in a slightly less intense version of Extraction. Their first step is to rendezvous with Paul's inside source, who aids their efforts by providing valuable information about Victoria's whereabouts, the means to access her location, and the location of the Black Book. To divert attention away from General Isa's ranch, where Victoria is being held captive, they instruct the insider to orchestrate an explosion at a nearby football field to free the police and military personnel patrolling the area.

With the distraction underway, Big Daddy's all-female squad of villains, reminiscent of the legendary all-women army from West Africa that inspired Gina Prince-Bythewood's The Woman King, march towards the battleground disguised as workers, seamlessly blending in with General Isa's militants. Meanwhile, Paul chooses to enter the ranch unarmed, giving General Isa the false impression that he has surrendered. Simultaneously, Big Daddy and two of her team members, including a highly skilled IT specialist, execute another diversion by seizing the Black Book and a hard drive containing incriminating video evidence of General Isa's men executing military officers who questioned his corrupt oil mining activities. As the General's men chase after them, believing they have reached a dead end, Big Daddy's IT expert decrypts the video and transmits it to military officials. Big Daddy tricks Angel into thinking he has trapped them, only to lead him to the video that has just been dispatched to army headquarters, causing Angel's men to abandon him. Outmaneuvered and with no other choice, Angel surrenders.

Paul, on the other hand, seems to have the upper hand over General Isa. The General comes close to persuading Victoria to turn against Paul, but he narrowly avoids being shot when she misfires. Upon hearing Paul's revelation that the General lacks complete control, General Isa retaliates by ordering their execution. Remarkably, the soldier tasked with carrying out the order turns out to be one of Paul's loyalists and fellow tribesmen, speaking the same ethnic language as him. Curious about the arrival of the army, the soldier inquires with Paul, who confirms its impending arrival with a nod. Without further hesitation, the soldier abandons General Isa by relinquishing his weapon.

‘The Black Book’ Offers Satisfying Answers to the Questions It Asks

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With Victoria's successful extraction and the Black Book now in Paul's possession, the leaked video of General Isa executing military personnel serves as undeniable evidence against the wrongdoers. Paul presents General Isa with a choice: either take his own life to avoid the consequences brought by the law or suffer the legal repercussions. This ultimatum mirrors the one the General once offered Paul when he failed to eliminate both Victoria and her mother. However, instead of complying, the General turns the gun towards Paul. Fortunately, Paul preemptively clears the chamber, perhaps anticipating the General's egocentric tendencies. Furthermore, Senator Dipo is apprehended for his involvement in the corrupt activities.

Paul, however, leaves Victoria a guide detailing where she can find the Black Book. He implores her to embody the courage of her mother, emphasizing the importance of never being silenced, as he believes "silence is the enemy," echoing her mother's beliefs. Despite the potential repercussions of his dark past, Paul requests that Victoria grant him a day to mourn his son before making the contents of the Black Book public. Up until this point, Victoria has been unable to forgive Paul, but she consciously seeks him out and discovers him at his son's resting place. As Paul emotionally lays his son to rest, a mutual understanding passes between them, hinting that Victoria may have found it in her heart to forgive him. The conclusion of the Black Book fittingly reinforces the opening message of the film, "The past must die to truly serve the future."

You can stream The Black Book exclusively on Netflix.

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