The Netflix Movie No One Saw Becoming A Massive Hit
No one ever expected Editi Effiong’s The Black Book to show up on Netflix’s Top 10 chart, because no other Nigerian-made film had ever done it before. But this revenge thriller surpassed expectations and made history as the first Nigerian film to secure the third position on Netflix’s global film charts.
The Black Book Budget
The Black Book was made with $1 million. While that amount seems infinitesimal compared to the major blockbuster budgets, which average around $65 million, the modest sum is a huge amount by Nigerian movie standards.
The film used its budget well, with the results culminating in an impressive 5.6 million views within 48 hours of its September 22 release on the streaming platform.
Over the subsequent weeks, The Black Book captivated more than 20 million viewers, earning a spot in Netflix’s Top 10 list in over 69 countries.
Revenge Narrative
The Black Book’s success is attributed not only to its compelling revenge narrative but also to its authentic depiction of Nigerian history and societal issues.
Starring Richard Mofe-Damijo as Paul Edima, a deacon seeking retribution for his son’s wrongful framing, the film seamlessly blends action with a poignant exploration of Nigeria’s political landscape over the past four decades.
Authenticity A Key
Director Editi Effiong emphasized, “Authenticity was key for us, showing Nigeria as it is, in a way that Nigerian people would recognize.” The Black Book tackles prevalent issues such as government corruption, police brutality, and the struggles of ordinary Nigerians for justice, setting the stage for its remarkable action sequences.
The triumph of The Black Book establishes a new benchmark for Nigerian cinema, marking a pivotal moment for the industry. With the African subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) market poised for substantial growth, the film’s success underscores the global appeal of African cinema.
Effiong contends that the world is at a juncture where it must take notice of the Nigerian movie industry.
High Standards
In an interview, Editi Effiong reflected on The Black Book’s unexpected success. Contrary to surprise, he expressed confidence in the project from its inception, recalling conversations with investment partners and even predicting, “This will be the biggest film out of Nollywood.
His conviction stemmed from his commitment to high production standards, including an extended pre-production period and meticulous attention to detail.
Comparisons To John Wick
Effiong acknowledged comparisons between The Black Book and Hollywood action movies like John Wick but stressed the film’s distinctive Nigerian identity. He attributed the film’s resonance to its authenticity, portraying Lagos from various perspectives—rich, middle-class, and poor—and addressing societal issues like police brutality from a uniquely Nigerian viewpoint.
Global Reach
Interestingly, The Black Book’s themes have resonated with audiences worldwide. Effiong shared messages from viewers in countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, India, and Pakistan, expressing that the story mirrored their own struggles against dictatorship, corruption, and violence.
Boosted by The Black Book’s success, Effiong is looking ahead at what he might do next. The director hinted at discussions for a biopic of a major African figure and revealed ongoing efforts to secure funding for a multi-picture slate. Effiong envisions spending the next five years telling the next generation of African stories.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
