Higher Crime unravels a gripping tale centred around a blogger, Tife, who got sued after she decided to reveal the truth about the r*pe suffered by Cynthia. Her challenge appears mountainous as the suit is filed by an influential philanthropist, Jeffrey, who levelled allegations of defamation against her. Tife’s effort at vindicating herself and getting justice for Cynthia made her discover yet another r*pe case in need of her help.
The movie showcases a vibrant ensemble cast, blending seasoned Nollywood heavyweights with promising new talents. Femi Branch delivers a chilling performance as Jeffrey. Bimbo Akintola stars as Jeffrey’s loyal yet naive wife facing internal struggles. A new entry into Nollywood and social media influencer Enwongoabasi Ibom shines as Tife, the fearless blogger determined to fight for justice. Her portrayal captures a woman’s courage and determination against societal and legal challenges. Keppy Ekpenyong, a Nollywood legend, takes on the role of Jeffrey’s lawyer, using shared political connections to try to silence Tife. Meanwhile, newcomer Folashade Abimbola delivers a poignant performance as Ruby, another victim of abuse whose story adds further complexity to the narrative. The film is produced by actress Aniebiet Francis, who blended social commentary with intense drama to shed light on critical issues within Nigerian society.
Despite its compelling story, strong performances and good dialogue, Higher Crime will face challenges in its reception, particularly among fans of the new Nollywood industry. The inclusion of Nollywood legends in prominent roles just doesn’t blend well with today’s reality. At some point, I thought I was seeing an old Nollywood movie, especially seeing Ekpeyong’s face. I felt that these seasoned actors should transition to behind-the-scenes roles, such as directing or producing, rather than returning to the screen after long absences.
The cinematography of Higher Crime leaves much to be desired. While Hollywood often compensates for a low-budget production with high-quality cinematography, the same cannot be said for Nollywood films. The colour grading and lighting effects are subpar, detracting from the viewing experience. No matter how delicious a food is, a shabby presentation of it will take away half of its taste. That is what happens to a good story with poor picture quality. This aspect of production aligns Higher Crime with other Nollywood movies that have struggled in cinemas, such as Uno: The F in the Family and Home and Away, both of which failed to make a significant impact at the box office. No news of their first-week openings is out there.
Ultimately, Higher Crime is a mixed bag. It succeeds in telling a powerful and relevant story with strong performances from its cast. The portrayal of Tife’s battle for justice and the exploration of systemic issues within Nigerian society are compelling and thought-provoking. However, the film’s story type will hinder its potential to captivate a wider audience. Whether Higher Crime will find its footing in cinemas remains uncertain, but it undoubtedly contributes to Nigeria’s ongoing dialogue about justice and accountability. It gets a 5/10.
