Nigerian cinema continues to reach new heights with the arrival of Thicker Than Water, a psychological thriller from Nemsia Studios now available on Prime Video. Having made its exclusive debut on Friday, October 10, 2025, the film is fast becoming the subject of vibrant discussion among local and continental film enthusiasts. Nemsia Studios, widely recognized for pushing narrative and visual boundaries in Nollywood, delivers yet another project that signals not only industry evolution, but also Nigeria’s increasingly confident voice on the global cinematic stage.
The movie is the latest creation of director Yomi E. Adejumo, headlined by acclaimed actors Bimbo Ademoye and Ada Obi. According to Adejumo, the intention was to create “a film that delves beneath the surface—to show Lagos not just as a city but as a labyrinth of secrets and emotions.” The outcome is a suspenseful and visually layered thriller that explores familial ties, obsession, and the consequences of uncovering painful truths.
A Story of Family, Secrets, and the Dark Side of Lagos
At its core, Thicker Than Water tells the story of Ese, a 28-year-old photojournalist, on a haunting quest to find her estranged sister. Ese’s search unexpectedly turns ominous when she discovers a journal filled with troubling secrets and cryptic entries. Each page reveals fragments of betrayal, buried traumas, and layers of psychological manipulation that draw her deeper into a sinister maze. Her investigation is soon complicated by unreliable narrators and shifting alliances, blurring the line between victim and perpetrator.
The film stands out for its ability to weave emotional realism into a tense atmosphere, keeping audiences alert even in quieter moments. According to Lagos-based film critic Tolu Adeyemi, “This is not your typical run-of-the-mill thriller—Thicker Than Water masterfully builds suspense, making viewers second-guess every character’s motive and loyalty.”
The narrative explores the tenuous boundaries between family loyalty and unhealthy obsession, showing how grief can warp perceptions and judgment. While there are no overt supernatural elements, the haunting power of hidden secrets is ever-present. The result is a taut psychological puzzle that speaks to both the visible and invisible costs of love and loss—universal themes, yet distinctly rooted in the bustling landscape of contemporary Lagos.
The Team Behind the Tension
The direction of Yomi E. Adejumo is central to Thicker Than Water’s impact. Rather than relying on dramatic spectacle, Adejumo leans into character-driven storytelling: silence, careful facial expressions, and subtle visual cues carry as much weight as dialogue. This approach reflects a growing Nollywood trend towards “show, don’t tell” filmcraft—one that mirrors trends in global cinema.
Producer Joshua Enakarhire, known for his knack for emotion-driven narratives, collaborated closely with Adejumo to maintain a tone of constant suspense. The visuals, crafted by cinematographer Daanong Dwain, present Lagos in a way both starkly familiar and deeply unsettling—a city of luminous beauty and brooding shadows. In the words of executive producer BB Sasore, whose previous credits include highly celebrated works, “We wanted to illustrate how home can be both a comfort and a challenge—a reflection of the complexity many Nigerians feel about their cities.”
Industry insiders note that this combination of emerging and established talent is part of the film’s appeal. “This project brings together directors, producers, and actors who are all at the top of their craft,” commented Abuja-based entertainment analyst Chukwudi Eze (October 2025). “It’s a deliberate step towards mature, layered storytelling that can stand alongside international thrillers.”
Nemsia’s Track Record Speaks for Itself
Nemsia Studios is no newcomer to success. Founded in 2009, it has played a key role in shaping what is widely called the ‘New Nollywood’—a movement toward higher production quality, thoughtful narratives, and audience-centric innovation.
The studio’s prior works include the award-winning Breath of Life (2023), which clinched Best Movie at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, as well as the popular supernatural drama God Calling (2018) and the quirky action-comedy Banana Island Ghost (2017). In 2025 alone, Nemsia has already released Suky, an action drama featuring a strong ensemble cast, and Ms Kanyin, a supernatural thriller that pushes genre boundaries. This consistent track record demonstrates Nemsia’s focus on balancing authentic local stories with global standards of filmmaking.
Industry experts believe Nemsia’s model is setting a new benchmark. According to Professor Ifeoma Oloko of the University of Lagos (Film and Media Studies), “Studios like Nemsia make African stories more accessible and resonant—both for continental viewers and the diaspora—from emotional dramas to complex thrillers like Thicker Than Water.”
Redefining Thrillers in Nigerian Cinema
The introduction of psychological thrillers into Nollywood’s lineup reflects changing tastes among Nigerian and African audiences. As more platforms like Prime Video and Netflix invest in local content, filmmakers are responding by embracing sophisticated themes and diverse genres.
For many viewers, Thicker Than Water signals a move away from older conventions of romance or comedy, embracing instead the world of unpredictable, mind-bending suspense. “We’ve always loved stories that challenge us, that leave us thinking,” remarked Ghanaian audience member and blogger Nana Kofi during a recent screening at Accra Mall. “Nollywood is showing it can deliver those experiences at an international standard.”
In a 2025 market report by Filmhouse Group, 65% of surveyed Nigerian viewers under 35 expressed strong interest in genres beyond drama and comedy, notably thrillers and crime mysteries—suggesting the industry’s creative pivot is both strategic and audience-driven.
Challenges and Critiques: Navigating a New Era
Despite widespread praise, some critics urge caution, noting the risks in localizing global genres. “Nollywood’s thrillers face unique production and censorship challenges—tight budgets, limited access to cutting-edge equipment, and the need to balance bold storytelling with cultural sensitivities,” explained Lagos filmmaker Oluchi Akintayo in an October 2025 interview.
Others point out that deeper psychological storytelling relies on strong scripts and meticulous direction—qualities that can lag behind due to the industry’s rapid growth and demand for fast turnarounds. Still, as Thicker Than Water and similar releases gain traction, many believe these hurdles will inspire greater professionalism and creativity over time.
A Promising Watch for Nigerian and African Film Lovers
The buzz surrounding Thicker Than Water shows no sign of slowing down. Social media reactions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram reflect widespread anticipation, with conversation ignited not only by the nail-biting trailer but also by the broader aspirations it represents for African filmmakers. For emerging directors and producers across Nigeria and West Africa, Nemsia Studios’ latest release is proof that the region’s creative industry can rival the best on the world stage.
Ultimately, Thicker Than Water sets a new bar for local thrillers: one that demands more from its audience, rewards attention to detail, and positions Nigerian stories for international acclaim. With its strong performances, bold direction, and fresh approach to suspense, it stands as further evidence that the future of African cinema is bright—and unapologetically homegrown.
How do you feel about the rise of complex psychological thrillers in Nollywood? Are Nigerian films successfully representing local realities while meeting international standards? Drop your comments below, and stay tuned for more insights and reviews on the evolving world of African entertainment.
