Collision Course (2022 AMVCA Winner – Best Movie West Africa) tells the story of Mide – an upcoming artist (played by Etim Effiong) and Magnus – a struggling police officer (played by Kelechi Udegbe). One fateful day, Magnus sets up a roadblock to collect bribes, Mide drives past the roadblock and refuses to give him any money, one thing leads to another and Magnus mistakenly kills Mide.
Collision course is not entertaining, so if you are looking for entertainment this is not the movie for you. But I am sure the people behind this movie did not intend to entertain, instead, I believe their goal was to join the ongoing conversation about police brutality in Nigeria. Collision course is deep, it is a potent drama that addresses some of the ills faced by Nigerians in Nigeria today. This is a movie that resonates because every Nigerian has experienced the issues addressed in one way or the other, directly or by extension.
Let me start by saying I enjoyed this movie.
The storytelling technique employed was really good, my heart was actually beating fast at some point, I was looking forward to the next scene , I felt the shock Magnus must have felt after he realized that Mide was dead. I enjoyed the simple and calm romance between Mide and Hannah. The movie was sweet, then it was sad. The ability to properly express all these emotions was quite impressive.
Acting and Casting was a big win. It is no secret that I think Etim Effiong is an amazing actor but in this particular movie, Etim did not shine alone because the others did really well too. Kelechi Udegbe was goooood and I liked BamBam’s performance.
Read the review of Gone here.
Back to the movie, I liked the setting, I liked the soundtrack, plot progression was coherent and I loved the themes addressed. This movie did not only spotlight the issue of police brutality, it addresses the moral decadence that has taken over some units in the police force and it sheds light on the struggles faced by our police officers. This movie humanized our police officers and showed how they have been unfairly treated by the government. While we have corrupt officials, we have some police officers who are just struggling to make ends meet. It was an eye opener and it was really sad to watch.
Most importantly, this movie was passing across a message that we are all victims. Victims of the corrupt system that continues to punish all of us.
I loved the fact that they incorporated the EndSars shots and the names of some of the people who have been victims of this systematic injustice.
Let’s talk about the way the movie ended. On one hand, I felt like it ended too soon, I was wondering is that all? Shouldn’t there be more? What happens to the TARZ unit? Will they just continue like that? Will Magnus be charged for murder? There is actually no proof that Magnus killed Mide except they find a camera showing how the incident actually happened.
So for someone who likes happy endings and appreciates closure, It seemed like the movie did not close properly.
But on the other hand, one would realize it was a very befitting ending. Closure? Not possible because these issues are our lived realities, the story is still being written, people are dying everyday, corrupt police officers are thriving. Even if Magnus is charged or not, there is no win because one good man is dead and another has become a murderer. That unsettling feeling that lingers after watching the movie is in itself something that works really well for this movie.
I noticed a small mistake though. The commander shot Mide twice on his back but in the next scene, no gun shot injuries could be seen on his back, his jacket was just fine, no blood stain and no gun shot holes. I guess they forgot that tiny detail.
All that being said, Collision course was a very good watch. Deep and compelling story, memorable performances and great directing. If you have not seen it, you should definitely check it out.
Have you seen it? Thoughts?
Rating: 8.5/10
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