When I first opened Babátúndé Lawal’s screening link for Honeycomb, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The poster hinted at social commentary, but its unsettling vibe suggested something darker. Premiering at the Afropolis Festival, Honeycomb (a co-production between Lawal’s Arte House Studios and Meroestream) dives deep into a chilling vision of Nigeria in 2036, grappling with themes of justice, power, and decay.
Plot Overview
Written by Tobi Marho and Lawal, the film offers a bleak yet brilliantly layered narrative. It centers around two politicians—once powerful, now on the run from an anti-government militia called the Anti-Government Coalition (AGC). Desperate for refuge, they find themselves in the home of “The Doctor” (Chukwu Martin), a seemingly kind host whose actions suggest a more sinister undertone.
Lawal and Marho’s writing balances grim humor with razor-sharp tension, peeling back the Doctor’s intentions and creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and foreboding. The irony is palpable: these politicians, who once wielded power without consequence, must now rely on a family they may have previously disregarded.
Character Dynamics
A particularly poignant dinner scene encapsulates this irony. The Doctor’s wife (Isoken Aruede) serves the politicians a generous meal, but when they offer to pay, she dismisses the gesture with a chilling, “money has no value here anymore.” This line encapsulates the heart of the story—a stark reminder that in a fractured society, survival is the only currency.
The casting brilliantly showcases these layered dynamics. Martin’s portrayal of the Doctor is unnervingly charismatic, skillfully switching between fatherly warmth and cold calculation. His performance grounds the film, imbuing each gesture with deep significance. Aruede brings a quiet intensity to her role, shifting seamlessly between warmth and unnerving indifference, embodying a character hardened by survival.
Molayo Ogidan, playing the Doctor’s daughter, delivers a standout performance. Her innocence takes on an unsettling edge as she reveals glimpses of a darker side, especially when she calls Emeka (Ben McAnthony) by name despite his never introducing himself, evoking a sense of dread about the family’s true intentions.
Themes and Commentary
The film’s script invites viewers into a world where the politicians’ predicament feels like not just punishment, but a twisted form of justice—one they unknowingly set in motion. The Doctor’s family could easily be viewed as villains, yet they are complex characters representing a reckoning for a Nigeria shaped by inequality and corruption. This moral ambiguity makes Honeycomb both disturbing and thought-provoking.
The cinematography also deserves commendation. The restrained style, with crisp shot compositions, builds a claustrophobic feel within the Doctor’s home, contrasting with the emptiness outside. Lawal and cinematographers Oluwayinka Akintunde and Damilola Abiodun-Olabiyi use simple yet impactful visuals, creating an intimate and voyeuristic experience that heightens the unease.
Critique
However, Honeycomb isn’t without flaws. The film’s opening act, while immersive, occasionally drags, lingering too long on desolate streets and wreckage. While these scenes establish atmosphere, the pacing might challenge viewers seeking a quicker dive into the story.
Additionally, the Doctor’s family, while fascinating, could benefit from deeper backstory. Although hints at their philosophy are present, a more nuanced exploration of their motivations could elevate their roles from symbolic to fully realized.
Conclusion
Despite these minor shortcomings, Honeycomb succeeds as an unnerving reflection on survival and power. Lawal and co-producer Desmond Ekunwe ground the horror in recognizable settings—a once-prosperous suburb turned ruin, a family home concealing dark secrets. The contrast between normalcy and brutality gives the story an eerie intimacy, making it a plausible vision of the future.
Ultimately, Honeycomb transcends traditional horror; it serves as a social critique, using speculative fiction to hold a mirror to contemporary Nigeria. Through bold writing, it delivers a powerful narrative on survival where justice is as twisted as it is justified. This haunting meditation on the cost of survival challenges audiences to confront the consequences of a world where power and morality break down.
In its bleak beauty, Honeycomb presents a vision of Nigeria that’s hard to forget—and impossible to ignore.
Note: Honeycomb premiered at the 2024 Afropolis Festival and is not yet available on any streaming platforms