“Gingerrr” Delivers Action and Drama Amid Narrative Hiccups

Gingerrr opens with a flurry of characters, locations, and conflicting tones, leaving viewers wondering what kind of story they are stepping into. 

Within the first few minutes, the film juggles action, comedy, and drama, presenting multiple plot threads that only start to connect as the story unfolds. 

Directed by Yemi Morafa, the movie features an ensemble of familiar and talented faces including Bisola Aiyeola, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Bolaji Ogunmola, Faithia Williams, KieKie, Lateef Adedimeji, Mr Macaroni, Odunlade Adekola, Ogogo, Shaffy Bello, and Timini Egbuson.

 At its core, Gingerrr tells the story of four women brought together by fate and circumstance, driven into a daring heist that tests their loyalty, their ambitions, and their ability to trust one another.

The film’s ambition is clear, but its execution is uneven. Characters often appear suddenly and leave just as quickly, with motivations that remain unclear, particularly Blossom Chukwujekwu’s Abula. At times he is the villain, at others a hero, yet the reasons behind his actions, especially his interference with Ade Shine are never fully explained. Similarly, the background of the “Ginger” girls is underdeveloped. We first see them together as teenagers at a birthday party, and then abruptly as adults pursuing separate paths, with their reunion feeling convenient rather than earned.

One sequence that highlights both the film’s creativity and its flaws is Omotolani Makinwa’s scene trying to crack Baba Goldy’s box(admist flying bullets). The arrangement of culturally authentic items—palm oil, yam, egg—adds texture, yet the logic behind the box’s unlocking remains vague. It feels lifted from Hollywood spectacle rather than organically integrated into the story. The same can be said of the repeated video of Goldy reading his will to Remi Blaq; initially engaging, the scene loses impact through repetition, though it does underline the chaotic family dynamics and Remi’s fiery temperament.

Despite these narrative issues, the performances anchor the film. Bisola Aiyeola as Da Silva is a standout, moving effortlessly between an American accent and a French accent, the latter enhanced by a period-style costume that elevates her presence. Odunlade Adekola’s Ade Shine is layered; the film gradually reveals his complexity, showing him as an underworld figure whose actions are shaped as much by circumstance as by choice. Timini Egbuson and Shaffy Bello capture a convincingly toxic mother-son relationship, adding depth to the ensemble’s interpersonal drama.

Costumes and production design largely support character and story. Ade Shine’s Danshiki attire grounds him in Isale Eko underworld culture, while Timini Egbuson’s rock star look reflects his spoiled, reckless persona. Bisola Aiyeola’s Victorian-inspired outfit complements her French accent scene beautifully. Minor flaws, like Blossom Chukwujekwu’s contact lens effect and Shaffy Bello’s heavy makeup, are noticeable but don’t derail the viewing experience. Locations, particularly Makoko and the rooftop sequences, are effectively utilized, and the lighting for interior and nighttime scenes is commendable. Color grading remains serviceable rather than striking, but the sound department supports dramatic and comedic beats well, especially in accent-heavy dialogue.

Gingerrr occasionally leans on familiar Nollywood tropes—villains repeatedly agreeing to settle matters physically or conflicts that resolve through fistfights—which, while entertaining, have become predictable. Yet the film balances this with well-timed humor and action, keeping the pacing lively despite moments of congestion.

Ultimately, Gingerrr is a film of ambition and uneven execution. Its strongest points are the performances, the ensemble’s chemistry, and moments of creativity that hint at larger cinematic potential. The weaknesses; rushed subplots, unclear motivations, and occasionally over-stylized sequences are noticeable but do not completely undermine the experience.

Release Date: September 26, 2025

Runtime: Approximately 2 hours

Streaming Service: None, Cinema release 

Directed by: Yemi Morafa (Filmboy)

Cast: Bisola Aiyeola, Bolaji Ogunmola, Bukunmi ‘KieKie’ Adeaga-Ilori, Wunmi Toriola, Shaffy Bello, Odunlade Adekola, Adedimeji Lateef, Timini Egbuson, and Blossom Chukwujekwu.