Red Circle is a Nigerian crime thriller directed by Akay Mason and produced by Rixel Studios. Premiering June 6, 2025, Red Circle follows journalist Fikayo Holloway as she uncovers a deadly crime syndicate. As Fikayo digs deeper into corruption and violence, she risks not only her life but also her loved ones’.
The star-studded cast includes Bukky Wright, Timini Egbuson, Tobi Bakre, Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch, Omowunmi Dada, Mike Afolarin, Ruggedman, and Debo Macaroni. Rated 18, Red Circle tackles themes of power, corruption and media accountability.
The Premise
Red Circle follows fashion journalist Fikayo Holloway, who seems to be thriving in her field but secretly longs to be more than just the “fashion girl.” Her parents, Alhaji and Alhaja Holloway, want her in the family business, but Fikayo has other dreams, much to her father’s disappointment.
Things take a dark turn when tragedy strikes. Her best friend, Venita, a struggling music artiste, witnesses a violent beating, is lured back to a club, and ends up murdered by a notorious gang leader known as Mr. A. With no word from Venita, Fikayo files a missing person report, only to learn that police had already found her body by a riverbank.
Grief-stricken and driven to uncover the truth, Fikayo teams up with Detective Kalu. She digs deeper, clashes with her boss, loses her job, and battles powerful figures determined to silence her completely. It becomes clear she’s getting too close to something dangerous: a secretive criminal syndicate operating in Lagos’ underworld. These men aren’t just criminals, they make arrest records vanish, silence witnesses, and ruin lives.
Fikayo investigates her friend’s death, uncovering buried truths, only to realise the real danger lies much closer than she imagined. Another heartbreaking loss fuels her final push, and with sheer will, she begins to piece it all together.
Ultimately, she may have cracked part of the case. But the Circle is a hydra; you cut off one head, and another appears. And when Fikayo finally sees who’s next… it shocks even her.
Casts and Performances
Folu Storms takes the lead as Fikayo Holloway, the fashion journalist turned reluctant investigator, and she delivers a convincing, layered performance, balancing vulnerability, tenacity, and emotional grit.
A standout performance comes from Lateef Adedimeji as Oshisco, Venita’s boyfriend. Lateef made the most of his underused character, bringing depth and subtle strength that lingered even after his scenes, despite limited screen time.
Femi Branch and Bukky Wright shine as Alhaji and Alhaja Holloway, bringing authority and realism to the role of Fikayo’s parents. Omowunmi Dada plays Venita with raw emotion, making her tragedy hit harder and her presence linger beyond her screen time. Tobi Bakre brings charm and quiet strength as Detective Kalu, grounding the story and building strong chemistry with Fikayo.
Supporting performances by Mr. Macaroni, Timini Egbuson, Ibrahim Suleiman, Mike Afolarin, Patrick Diabuah, Taye Arimoro, and Lizzy Jay round out a solid ensemble. Everyone brought their A-game, and if the film has any missteps, they certainly don’t come from the acting.
What I Liked
The first standout for me was the acting—it felt natural, grounded, and believable. Both the main and supporting cast delivered performances that drew me in and kept me invested in their journeys. That connection was also helped by the pacing, which stayed consistent and engaging from start to finish, with the tension and drama never letting up.
Cinematography deserves a nod as well. Crisp shots and thoughtful camera angles helped elevate the realism of the story. The set design and location choices also felt deliberate and fitting, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The story concept itself was compelling, and despite a few plot holes, the twist at the end was a satisfying payoff for all the tension that had been building up.
Weak Points
While the plot concept of Red Circle was solid, the inciting incident—Venita’s death—lacked the emotional and narrative weight it needed. She witnesses a beating, and they kill her because of it. It’s a significant leap in consequence that wasn’t fully justified on screen. Her killers would have raised the stakes if they targeted her over something more sinister, like a major drug deal, a secret recording, or a killing she witnessed.
Moreover, the scene inviting her to a record label interview just a day after she fled the same club felt too convenient and lacked the film’s realism. A little scepticism or hesitation from Venita would have made her decision more believable.
Another missed opportunity was in the development of Oshisco, played by Lateef Adedimeji. He comes across as a fiery, impulsive character who tortures a man just for touching his girlfriend. Naturally, after Venita’s death, one would expect a strong emotional or even violent response. Oshisco’s role remains subdued, and the story lets his character arc fizzle out without a payoff. He could have driven a sub-plot or added emotional intensity, but the film underused him.
These gaps didn’t ruin the film, but it missed the chance to deepen the emotional impact.
Final Thoughts
Red Circle is a gripping tale of corruption, power, and the courage it takes to pursue the truth, no matter how dangerous or close to home it gets. It delivers well on that promise, anchored by strong performances and a compelling central mystery. However, it slightly falters in its emotional depth and narrative impact, especially in how some key moments and characters are handled. That said, it remains an enjoyable watch, with enough tension and payoff—especially the twist at the end—to leave a lasting impression.
Rating
I will rate Red Circle 4 out of 5 stars.
If you found yourself in Fikayo’s shoes, armed with the truth but surrounded by power, danger, and silence, how far would you go to expose it?
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