FILM REVIEW: Red Circle (2025)

In Red Circle, two best friends—Fake and Venita—find their lives violently upended after a night out leads to a deadly discovery. What begins as a seemingly ordinary tale of friendship soon spirals into a chilling mystery full of power, privilege, and secrets hidden in the underbelly of Lagos.

The Plot

Fake is an “IJGB” (I Just Got Back) journalist from a wealthy Lagos family, while her best friend Venita is a struggling musician holding her family together financially. One night at a club, Venita witnesses something disturbing—something no one else seems to care about. Except Fake.

Determined to get justice, Fake begins investigating, unravelling a sinister network of crime and corruption that threatens to consume them both. As the film unfolds, their bond is tested, and Lagos itself becomes a character—vibrant, chaotic, and dangerous.

Standout Performances

• Folu Storms (Fake) delivers a commanding performance. She brings grit and elegance to the role of an upper-class rebel willing to risk everything for her friend.

• Venita Akpofure (Venita) is equally compelling, portraying a young woman caught between dreams and survival.

• Bukky Wright is a standout. Initially frustrating as a seemingly passive mother, her character arc is unexpectedly poignant—proof of excellent direction and depth.

• Timini Egbuson, Tobi Bakre, and Lateef Adedimeji also shine, adding flair to a diverse and well-rounded cast.

Moments That Hit Hard in Red Circle

One of the most powerful sequences in Red Circle is a haunting parallel scene: Venita being suffocated while, across town, Fake is being choked during sex with Timini’s character. The editing here is bold, unnerving, and highly cinematic—one of the film’s best directorial choices.

The storytelling feels familiar, yet fresh—like King of Boys had a baby with early 2000s Nollywood cult thrillers (think Kalu Ikeagwu and Clem Ohameze classics), with a sprinkle of Korean noir tension (fans of Dear Hongrang will feel at home).

What Didn’t Quite Land

Not everything in Red Circle adds up. A major subplot featuring Orisco (Lateef Adedimeji), a gang leader, feels disconnected. There’s betrayal, murder, and rival gangs—but no clear tie to the main storyline. It hints at world-building or a potential Part 2, but for now, it leaves the audience puzzled.

Similarly, Venita’s death, while dramatic, feels under-explained. What did she really see? Why was it so threatening? These unanswered questions weaken the emotional impact of her fate.

Our final verdict

Red Circle is not a perfect film—but it is a gripping, stylish, and emotionally charged one. It’s elevated by strong performances, striking visuals, and a core friendship that feels deeply authentic.

While some plot threads are left hanging (perhaps intentionally), this film firmly positions itself within the new wave of bold Nollywood storytelling that blends street grit with cinematic polish.
Catch the Red Circle at Silverbird Accra Mall, West Hills Mall and Golden Eagle at Kumasi City Mall

viewGhana Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Bold. Suspenseful. Emotionally raw.
You’ll enjoy Red Circle if you liked King of Boys, dark Korean thrillers, or just want a gripping story that explores Lagos’ layered social realities.

We’re just hoping Part 2 isn’t far behind.