The Party : A Murder Mystery That Finally Got It Right.

As someone who watches Nigerian movies with measured expectations — especially those that attempt to leave the well-worn path of romance and drama — I must confess: The Party genuinely exceeded mine. And that’s not something I say often.

We don’t get a lot of mystery-thrillers in Nollywood. And when we do, they often feel like lukewarm attempts — ambitious but poorly executed. Half-baked plots, unresolved arcs, forced twists, and characters who seem to have stumbled into the story rather than lived in it. So, you’ll understand my hesitation when I hit play.

But this? This was different.

From the very beginning, The Party hooked me. A brutal murder. A birthday party turned crime scene. And a host of suspicious characters — each with their own hidden motives and lingering tensions with the deceased, Bobo.

The storytelling invited me not just to watch, but to investigate. I found myself asking questions alongside the characters, trying to piece the puzzle together. The writing and direction did something many Nigerian mystery films fail to do: they kept me guessing. And when the murderer was finally revealed, I was truly shook. No eye-rolling, no “I saw that coming.” Just pure, shocking surprise and gripping tens

Strong Points

One of the film’s strongest points is its pacing— it didn’t drag or lose momentum. Every scene contributed to building tension, maintaining a steady rhythm of suspense and grief without unnecessary fillers.

The performances were another highlight. With standout actors like Femi Branch, Shaffy Bello, and Yomi Fash, the cast delivered believable, emotionally layered portrayals that brought authenticity to the story and the unfolding drama.

I also enjoyed the The cinematography effect ; from the carefully chosen lighting and color tones to well-composed camera angles, everything worked cohesively to match the film’s somber and intense mood' which elevated the emotional atmosphere.

Lastly, the character layering added richness to the plot. Bobo, the murder victim, wasn’t simply a casualty — he was a man with complex, often strained relationships, which meant anyone could be a suspect.

That intricate web of personal dynamics from most of the characters made the investigation tricky and all the more compelling. The overall complexity of the characters relationship with the victim added richness to the mystery.

The One Missing Piece

For all its brilliance, the reveal fell a little flat — not because of who the murderer was, because we are supposed to be shocked, but because of how little we were given afterward.

There was no deeper dive into the “why.” No emotional unraveling. No psychological context. The revelation served as a climax when, in truth, it should have led us into a proper denouement. A real resolution. Something to give the character's action a deeper meaning — or at least allow the audience to reflect more fully on the consequences.

It almost felt like the film needed one more episode or an extended ending to wrap up the loose emotional ends. We needed a moment to breathe, to understand, and to process the outcome of this complex investigation. The final moments rushed what could’ve been a deeply moving conclusion.

A Subplot That Deserved More

Another subtle yet significant subplot involved the female police officer leading the investigation — a woman whose personal history made it easy for her male colleagues to underestimate her judgment. Then there was the pastor who delivered the chilling prophecy about the murderer.

Both characters held narrative promise, hinting at deeper layers within the story. Unfortunately, like the ending itself, these threads weren’t given the time or space to fully unfold.

They lacked that pivotal “aha” moment — a missed opportunity to tie their arcs meaningfully into the core mystery. Their roles felt more like intriguing fragments rather than fully realized components of the story’s resolution.

Final Verdict.

In a world where Nollywood has often played it safe with genres, The Party dares to do something different — and for the most part, succeeds beautifully.

It’s not one of those “I knew the end in the first 20 minutes” type of stories. It kept me engaged, invested, and constantly reevaluating my suspicions. The performances were compelling, the visuals on point, and the pacing well-executed.

Yes, it could’ve done more with its ending. Yes, some character arcs were undercooked. But those are forgivable, especially when stacked against the fact that The Party actually delivers what so many mystery films fail to: genuine suspense.

Watch it for the thrill, stay for the story, and walk away hoping Nollywood gives us more of this genre — and gets even better at it.