Kemi Adetiba’s “To Kill A Monkey” Debuts on Netflix, Signaling a Bold New Era for Nollywood
What happens when ambition meets desperation, and one choice changes everything? That’s the pulse of To Kill a Monkey, the latest Netflix original series from acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker Kemi Adetiba, premiering July 18, 2025.
Known for redefining cinematic storytelling in Nigeria with King of Boys, Adetiba returns—this time with a new universe, a sharper edge, and a narrative steeped in suspense. To Kill a Monkey is not just a thriller; it’s a high-stakes character study that dives deep into the dark, digital underbelly of modern survival.
The series follows Efemini (played by William Benson), a man reeling from personal tragedy and financial collapse. When an unexpected encounter with a mysterious old friend (Bucci Franklin) pulls him into the world of cybercrime, Efemini must navigate a treacherous path where every decision inches him closer to either redemption—or ruin.
Spanning eight tightly written episodes, the series is a masterclass in tension and storytelling. It opens with the gripping “In the Beginning” (57 minutes), sets the stakes higher in “Hand of Friendship” (1 hour 4 minutes), and builds to a climactic finale in “Who Wins at the End” (1 hour 7 minutes). Each chapter is meticulously paced, balancing gritty action with psychological complexity.
Produced under Kemi Adetiba Visuals in collaboration with Remi Adetiba, the project was first announced in August 2023 and filmed entirely on location in Lagos, Nigeria. The ensemble cast includes Nollywood veterans Stella Damasus and Bimbo Akintola, whose performances add weight and texture to this layered narrative.
More than just entertainment, To Kill a Monkey marks a turning point in Nigerian streaming content. It’s a commissioned Netflix original—an indication that Nollywood is stepping confidently onto the global stage with original voices, bold themes, and uncompromising quality.
With this series, Kemi Adetiba proves once again that she’s not only a director but a cultural force—pushing boundaries, raising standards, and telling stories that demand to be seen.
