Watch Catch.er

Catch.er is a Nigerian crime drama thriller directed by Walter 'Waltbanger' Taylaur. The film was released in 2017 and features a cast full of diverse and talented actors, including Gbenro Ajibade, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Omowunmi Dada, among others. Set in Lagos, Nigeria, this film offers a sleek and stylish narrative that weaves together the themes of crime, mystery, and intricate human relationships.

The film begins when an ambitious career woman is found murdered on her wedding anniversary and her husband becomes the prime suspect. However, this is no straightforward case. As the investigation unfolds, the story deepens, revealing a complex web of intrigue, lies, and deceit within the couple's close-knit group of friends.

Gbenro Ajibade plays the role of the husband, a man suddenly entangled in a murder investigation that threatens to unravel his life. He delivers a compelling performance as he navigates the tension between maintaining his innocence and the reality of the incriminating evidence stacked against him. The film forces the audience to question his character's truth and barriers, as Ajibade masterfully portrays the depth of his character’s distress and turmoil.

Blossom Chukwujekwu plays the lead detective, charged with the heavy responsibility of solving the murder. Chukwujekwu’s portrayal lends authenticity and gravity to the narrative, as he brings to life the astute observance and meticulous approach needed for such a perplexing case. His character is thorough, perceptive, and not easily swayed by appearances, which becomes essential as the story's complexity grows.

Omowunmi Dada stands out with a performance that adds a significant layer to the narrative. As she interacts with other characters, the audience is introduced to an array of possible motives and secrets that each character harbors, painting a picture of a social circle that is as convoluted as it is close.

Catch.er delves deep into its characters' psyches, exploring how friendships and relationships can be tested to their limits when faced with extreme circumstances. The film does an excellent job of displaying the socio-economic layers of Lagos society, as it portrays the lives of the affluent and their entanglements with one another.

Visually, Catch.er is slick and modern, with cinematography that captures the energy and vibrancy of Lagos. The filmmakers employ an effective use of flashbacks and non-linear storytelling, which adds to the suspense and mystique of the unfolding investigation. The pacing is tight, keeping the audience on their toes as they sift through the red herrings and plot twists that pepper the narrative.

Themes of justice, loyalty, and betrayal run strong in the film. As the investigation progresses, characters are forced to confront their own moral compasses and the lengths to which they will go, either to protect a friend or to reveal a painful truth. The movie poses engaging questions regarding the nature of truth and justice in a society where status and connections often speak louder than facts.

What sets Catch.er apart from other crime dramas is the way it embraces its Nigerian setting, both in its visual aesthetics and narrative structure. The film does not shy away from showcasing the cultural elements specific to Nigerian society, including its language, mannerisms, and class dynamics. This cultural infusion gives the film a unique identity and positions it as a fresh entry into the crime genre, from a typically underrepresented perspective in global cinema.

The script is tight and cleverly constructed, allowing the audience to uncover small pieces of the puzzle as the story progresses. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the essence of human interaction in high-stress situations, with smartly written lines that serve to compound the tension in crucial moments.

Moreover, the score of Catch.er is reflective and atmospheric, threading through the scenes and accentuating the dramatic tension without overpowering the action. The music choices effectively complement the narrative's mood, ensuring that the audience remains immersed in the evolving mystery.

The movie's strength lies not just in its narrative or its creative delivery but also in its ability to provoke thought long after the final credits roll. It raises poignant questions about the nature of crime, the depth of human relationships, and the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of everyday interactions.

Catch.er is a film that will appeal to fans of murder mysteries, detective stories, and thrillers, as well as those who appreciate cinema that provides a window into different cultures. It is an engrossing tale of murder, mystery, and the human condition, all set against the backdrop of one of Africa's most populous cities. With its unexpected twists and turns, the film engages the mind and keeps the audience guessing until the very end.

Catch.er is a 2017 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.