''Swallow'' is a 2021 Nigerian film directed by

Kunle Afolayan Kunle Afolayan (born 30 September 1975) is a Nigerians, Nigerian actor, producer, and director. He is credited for elevating the quality of Nollywood movies through larger budgets, shooting on 35mm, releasing in Movie theater, cinemas, and impro ...

, written by Sefi Atta and starring Niyola,

Deyemi Okanlawon Deyemi Okanlawon (born 19 April 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria) is a Nigerian film, television, theatre, and voice actor. He is widely recognized as one of the most dynamic talents in the Nigerian film industry, earning the distinction of being the hig ...

, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha and

Ijeoma Grace Agu Ijeoma Grace Agu is a Nigerian actress. She hails from the South - Eastern part of Nigeria and was born to Igbo Parents She received a best supporting actress nomination at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards. She also won most promising actr ...

. It was released on 1 October 2021, by

Netflix Netflix is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service. The service primarily distributes original and acquired films and television shows from various genres, and it is available internationally in multiple lang ...

Plot

Tolani Ajao and her friend Rose, who are also roommates and works in the same bank. Rose's Boss Mr. Lamidi Salako is a very promiscuous man who abuses his power to harass his secretary. No one can stand up to him as he has the personnel department in his grip. He fires Rose because she refuses to be continuously harassed by him, and specifically asks for Tolani as replacement. As predicted by Rose, he harasses Tolani too, who files a complaint in response to his memo accusing her of insubordination. Her complaint is refused by Ignatius in Personnel for his fear of ruining Mr. Salako's image as a married man. Mr. Salako later suspends Tolani when she asks for a vacation, of which she is rightfully due. Rose meets ‘OC’ an American returnee who introduces her to the world of drug trafficking. She tries to get a defeated Tolani to join her, and almost does when her boyfriend Sanwo is swindled of all her savings she borrowed him to start a business. In the end, Rose travels alone to London after swallowing the drugs, but they burst in her stomach mid flight, killing her. Tolani moves back to the village, where Sanwo comes looking for her and tells her that her boss Mr. Salako was suspended by Personnel. He also tells her about his new job at a consulting firm and returns her money.

Cast

* Niyola as Tolani Ajao *

as Sanwo * Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha as Mama Chidi *

as Rose Adamson *

Mercy Aigbe Mercy Aigbe (born 1 January 1978) is a Nigerian actress, director, fashionista and businesswoman. She is best known for her Yoruba language movies. Early life Mercy Aigbe was born on 1 January 1978 in Edo State to Pa Aigbe and Mrs. Abisola Gr ...

as Violet * Omotunde Adebowale David as Franka * Kelvin Ikeduba as O.C. *

Frank Donga Kunle Idowu (), popularly known as Frank Donga, is a Nigerian actor and comedian. He rose to fame through the webseries, ''The Interview,'' on Ndani TV about an unassuming job-seeker for which he was nominated for Best Actor in a Comedy in the ...

Eniola Badmus Eniola Badmus (born 7 September 1982) is a Nigerian professional film actress, script writer, entertainer and a social media influencer. She came into the limelight in 2008 after she was featured in the movie '' Jenifa''. Early life and educ ...

as Mrs. Durojaiye *

as Pastor Fred * Joseph Jaiyeoba as Hakeem * Kayode Olaiya as Ajao * Anthony Edet as Johnny * Joke Muyiwa as Arike * Segun Remi as Mr. Lamidi Salako * Oreofeoluwa Lawal as Ayo * Eniola Akanni as young Tolani

Production

The Screenplay for the novel's adaptation was co-written by Sefi-Atta, the author herself, a playwright, and

. Principal Photography took place in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Reception

Afolayan received knocks for his use of singers in the lead role of his movies. A reviewer for ''Pulse Nigeria'' said "Afolayan has a good eye for art direction and is an all round impeccable producer. In 'Swallow', he brandishes his expertise with the portrayal of the fashion, language and events (sometimes monotonous) of the era that the film is set. The screenplay, on the other hand, barely does justice to the literary piece. Though supervised by Atta, 'Swallow' the film feels choppy, missing out on the juices that make the novel stand out." Grace Agu received praise from the reviewer for her role as Rose. A reviewer for ''

Premium Times ''Premium Times'' is a Nigerian online newspaper based in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. The newspaper was launched in 2011. The online medium is notable for investigative journalism and reports, among other fields. Recognition * Nominated ...

'' praised the set designers for their attention to detail and also praised the use of indigenous languages in the film. Grace Agu was also praised for her acting while Niyola was said to have struggled with the role. Concluding, the reviewer wrote "It is a good movie worth watching especially as a family. It is didactic and entertaining." rating the movie 6/10.

References

External links