Timini Egbuson Shines in ”Shina,” Despite Film’s Rough Edges

“Shina” emerges as a tale of one man’s moral struggle against the backdrop of a violent gubernatorial race. Directed by Muyiwa Adesokun and Carmen Lilian Ike-Okoro, this Netflix crime thriller attempts to navigate the treacherous waters but, ultimately, finds itself adrift in a sea of underdeveloped potential.

Oluwashina Akanji (Timini Egbuson), a taxi driver, finds himself at a crossroads when his grandmother’s critical condition demands medical care he can’t afford. Desperate, Shina agrees to deliver a mysterious package to save his friend Ugo (Tope Tedela), unwittingly plunging himself into a web of political intrigue and violence surrounding an upcoming governorship election.

“Shina” ambitiously tackles themes of love, sacrifice, and dedication. The film sets up a promising premise, juxtaposing Shina’s personal dilemma against the broader societal issues of political corruption. However, the execution falls short, with underdeveloped dialogue and haphazard scene sequencing that dilute the narrative’s impact. The film’s attempt to weave a complex story of personal and political narratives is commendable, but the threads often fail to connect cohesively.

The film’s redeeming quality lies in its performances, particularly that of Timini Egbuson. As Shina, Egbuson delivers a compelling portrayal, convincingly conveying a spectrum of emotions from fear and desperation to anger and guilt. His performance invites viewers to empathize with the troubled taxi driver’s plight. Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman as Doctor Morenike adds depth to the plot through her interactions with Shina, though her character’s arc takes a tragic turn. Supporting cast members, including Akin Lewis, Segun Arinze, and Shawn Faqua, contribute to pushing the narrative forward, despite their characters feeling underdeveloped and often typecast.

While “Shina” features some action-packed scenes, the overall technical execution leaves much to be desired. The pacing feels rushed, and the editing often fails to create smooth transitions between scenes. The use of flashbacks, while intended to add depth, sometimes confuses rather than clarifies. The cinematography and sound design do little to elevate the material, failing to create the tense atmosphere a crime thriller demands.

“Shina” attempts to carve out its niche but struggles to match the depth and polish of more successful entries in the genre. Its ambition is evident, but the execution falls short of contemporaries that have managed to blend personal stories with broader societal commentary more effectively.

The film deserves praise for its attempt to tackle relevant societal issues and for Egbuson’s strong central performance. However, it falters in its narrative structure, dialogue depth, and overall cohesion. The rushed feel of the storytelling and the lack of proper connection between scenes significantly undermine the film’s potential impact.

“Shina” presents itself as a crime thriller with aspirations of social commentary but lacks the finesse to fully realize its ambitions. While it offers moments of intrigue and solid performances, particularly from Egbuson, the film’s technical and narrative shortcomings prevent it from leaving an impression.

For fans of Nigerian cinema and crime thrillers willing to overlook its flaws, “Shina” might offer an interesting, if uneven, viewing experience. However, those seeking a polished, deeply engaging crime drama may find themselves wishing for more.

“Shina” is still streaming on Netflix.

Release Date: June 14, 2024

Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes

Streaming service: Netflix

Director: Muyiwa Adesokun and Carmen Lilian Ike-Okoro

Cast: Timini Egbuson, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Tope Tedela, Preach Bassey, Aleiru Idowukeji, Tolulope Adewumi, Neo Akpofure, Immaculate Oko-Kasum, Segun Arinze, Shawn Faqua.