Movie review: Poor production makes Force Empire less engaging

Force Empire is a Nollywood movie that delves into the gritty realities of the Nigerian Police Force, spotlighting issues of corruption, sexual assault, and workplace harassment. The film centres around DCP Mfon, a top officer played by Nse Ikpe-Etim, who takes on the daunting task of exposing the dark side of the police force after her mentee, ASP Halima, is assaulted by a fellow officer. The film attempts to paint a picture of the internal struggles within the force, highlighting both the good and the bad.

The movie begins with ASP Halima, portrayed by Enwongoabasi Ibom, experiencing a traumatic assault by a male colleague. This event shakes her to the core, and she turns to her mentor, DCP Mfon, for support. Mfon, fueled by a sense of duty and justice, makes it her mission to bring the culprit to justice and, in doing so, expose the corruption that runs deep within the police force. The story follows Mfon as she battles against the top brass of the police, who are keen on covering up the incident to protect the institution’s reputation.

The cast is a strong point for Force Empire, featuring well-known names like Richard Mofe-Damijo, Segun Arinze, Mercy Aigbe, Tony Umez, and others. Each actor brings a level of professionalism to their roles, with Nse Ikpe-Etim standing out in her portrayal of Mfon. She convincingly embodies the strength and determination of a woman fighting against a corrupt system, making her character both relatable and inspiring.

However, despite the strong performances, the movie falls short in several critical areas. The cinematography, for instance, is a major letdown. Given the film’s heavy themes and intense storyline, one would expect a moody, gritty visual style to complement the narrative. Unfortunately, the color grading is lacklustre, almost as if the film was left in REC709 without any proper contrast or enhancement. This flat, uninspired visual presentation strips the film of the intensity it desperately needs, making it visually dull and unengaging.

The set design and lighting also leave much to be desired. The police uniforms and locations, such as the Nigeria Police Force headquarters, are adequate but nothing special. There was a missed opportunity to present these elements in a more dynamic and cinematic way, especially when introducing significant locations like the headquarters. Hollywood films often glorify such institutions in a way that adds grandeur to the narrative, but Force Empire fails to do so. This lack of attention to detail in the visual presentation makes the movie feel more like a low-budget production rather than a serious drama about corruption and justice.

The dialogue is another weak point. While the storyline has potential, the script is overly straightforward and predictable. The conversations between characters lack depth and nuance, making it easy for viewers to anticipate what will happen next. This predictability undermines the suspense and drama that the film is trying to build, leading to a less engaging viewing experience.

With better production quality and a more polished script, Force Empire could have been a powerful film. However, as it stands, it is a missed opportunity, earning a rating of 4/10.