‘Nganu’ Netflix Movie Review - A Powerful and Poignant Tale of Trauma and Redemption

Nganù is a 2023 African drama film directed by Kang Quintus and starring Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Kang Quintus, and Azah Melvin. The film, which is based on a true story, follows the life of Nganu, a violent and withdrawn man who abuses his wife and son due to the traumas he suffered in his childhood. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was released on Netflix on November 7, 2023.

Nganu (Kang Quintus) is a farmer who lives in a remote village in Cameroon with his wife Meukeuna (Azah Melvin) and their son Kum (Ayuk Gareth). Nganu is a troubled and angry man who frequently beats and insults his wife and son, blaming them for his misfortunes. He is haunted by flashbacks of his abusive father (Alenne Menget) who used to torture him and his mother (Muriel Blanche) when he was a child. Nganu’s violence escalates when he discovers that his wife is pregnant with another child, and he accuses her of cheating on him. He also suspects that his son is not his biological child, and he treats him with contempt and hostility.

One day, Nganu’s neighbors intervene and advise him to join the army, hoping that it will help him channel his rage and find a purpose in life. Nganu reluctantly agrees and leaves his family behind. In the army, he meets Captain Bello (Hakeem Kae-Kazim), a strict but fair officer who sees potential in Nganu and tries to mentor him. Nganu also befriends some of his fellow soldiers, such as Nabil (Nabil Fongod) and Ko-C (Ko-C), who share their stories and experiences with him. Nganu gradually learns to respect and trust his comrades, and he begins to show signs of improvement and remorse.

However, Nganu’s past catches up with him when he is deployed to a war zone, where he witnesses and participates in atrocities and violence that trigger his old wounds and memories. He becomes more aggressive and unstable, and he starts to lose control of his emotions and actions. He also receives news that his wife has given birth to a daughter, and he becomes obsessed with discovering the truth about his family. He decides to desert the army and return to his village, where he confronts his wife and son with a gun. He demands that they tell him the truth about their paternity and fidelity, and he threatens to kill them if they lie to him. What follows is a tense and dramatic showdown that will determine the fate of Nganu and his family.

Nganu is a powerful and poignant film that explores the themes of trauma, violence, redemption, and forgiveness. The film is well-written and well-directed, with a compelling and realistic plot that keeps the viewers engaged and invested in the characters and their struggles.

The film does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of war, abuse, and poverty, and it shows the devastating effects of these factors on the human psyche and behavior. The film also offers a glimpse into the culture and society of Cameroon, and it portrays the challenges and opportunities that the country faces in the modern world.

Kang Quintus delivers a remarkable performance as Nganu, the protagonist and the anti-hero of the film. He portrays Nganu’s complex and conflicted personality with nuance and intensity, and he makes the viewers empathize with his pain and anger, as well as despise his cruelty and violence. He also shows Nganu’s transformation and redemption arc with subtlety and sincerity, and he makes the viewers root for his character’s salvation and healing.

The film is not without flaws, however. The film could have benefited from tighter editing and a shorter runtime, as some scenes feel unnecessary or repetitive. The film could have also explored more of the backgrounds and motivations of some of the secondary characters, such as Nganu’s father, mother, and daughter, who are not given enough screen time or development.

The film's narrative at times feels disjointed, with some scenes lacking depth and emotional resonance. This disjointedness can be attributed to the film's ambitious scope, as it attempts to weave together multiple storylines and character arcs. While this ambition is commendable, it occasionally detracts from the emotional impact of individual scenes.

The film could have also avoided some clichés and stereotypes, such as the portrayal of the rebels and the villagers, who are sometimes depicted as one-dimensional and simplistic. The film could have also used more original and creative cinematography and music.

Nganu is a film that deserves to be watched and appreciated by a wide and diverse audience. The film is a captivating and touching story of a man who tries to overcome his demons and find his redemption. The film is a showcase of the talent and the potential of the African cinema and the Cameroonian film industry. The film is a testament to the power and the beauty of the human spirit and the human heart.

Final Score – [5/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Publisher at Midgard Times