Months after its theatrical release, Niyi AKinmolayan’s The Set Up is now available globally via Netflix. The film, a crime story with themes of revenge, child abuse, and social injustice, is a suspense-filled drama with a plotty plot.
Manipulation and personal vendetta collide when a con artist hires a young woman to assist in a scheme to marry a wealthy heiress.
Written by film executive, Naz Onuzo, The Set Up follows Chike and Grace from their abusive childhood to their drug-dealing days. After helping them escape arrest, a shady businesswoman, Madame, recruits them as soldiers for her personal and business battles.
The story kicks off when a socialite approaches Chike to aid him to marry a wealthy heiress. However, there’s more to the scheme than meets the eyes.
The film was well-received by critics. Oris Aigbokhaevbolo called it a smart Nollywood ride and praised its screenplay: “One reason for the uniform competence of the acting is that the film’s very plotty plot is its true star.”
Wilfred Okichie, writing for Ynaija, named it one of the best films of 2019. “Blending action, suspense, and thriller elements in a noir-adjacent atmosphere, The Set Up has a lot going on—perhaps too much—but it is thoroughly engaging and roars to a thrilling finish.”
The film stars Onuzo and Akinmolayan’s muse, Adesua Etomi, in a lead role. Other cast members include Joke Silva, Tina Mba, Dakore Akande, Kehinde Bankole, Jim Iyke, and Ayoola Ayolola.
You can watch The Set Up on Netflix.
