The Fire and the Moth
| The Fire and the Moth | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Taiwo Egunjobi |
| Produced by | Emiola Fagbenle |
| Starring | Tayo Faniran, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Ini Dima-Okojie, Olarotimi Fakunle, William Benson |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Amazon Prime Video |
Release date |
|
| Languages | English, Yoruba, French |
The Fire and the Moth is a 2025 Nigerian Afro‑Western crime thriller film directed by Taiwo Egunjobi, written by Isaac Ayodeji, and produced by Emiola Fagbenle. It was produced by Nemsia Studios, co‑produced with Sable Productions, and distributed internationally via Amazon Prime Video, debuting on 3 June 2025.[1][2][3][4][5][2]
Plot
In a remote settlement in western Nigeria, Saba, a smuggler entrusted with transporting a stolen and culturally significant Ife bronze head across the border. When corrupt police officer Opa Stephens murders the thieves and threatens Saba, he escapes custody. As Saba lurks in the abandoned home of two enigmatic sisters, a ruthless enforcer known only as the Contractor, dispatched by European art collector Francois, hunts him down. A determined customs officer, Teriba Bello, emerges as another force pursuing the artifact. With danger at every turn, Saba must navigate betrayal, violence, and moral compromise to survive and free himself from the consequences of trafficking sacred art.[4]
Cast
Leads
- Tayo Faniran as Saba
- Jimmy Jean‑Louis as Contractor
- Olarotimi Fakunle as Opa Stephens
- Ini Dima‑Okojie as Abike
- William Benson as Teriba Bello
Supporting
- Amanda Ugoh as Arike
- Kuchi Chris as Queen
- Olufemi Samuel Ademiluyi as Oga Ibrahim
- Dami Deremi as Akinloye
- Olatubosun Odunsi as Saba's father
- Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey as Alimi Tanko
- Ronya Man as Lisa Brennan
- Awoyomi Akorede Yemi, Adedeji Busayo Michael, Abayomi Agboade, Israel Joshua, and Martin Nwachukwu appear in additional roles.
Production
The film was produced by Nemsia Studios. Known for works such as Before 30 (2015), Banana Island Ghost (2017), God Calling (2018), Breath of Life (2023), and Suky (2025), Nemsia Studios continues its partnership with Amazon Prime Video on this title.
Reception
Reviewers likened its tone to No Country for Old Men while recognizing it as distinctly Nigerian in theme and atmosphere. On Film Efiko, Victory Hayzard Solum lauded the film as "brutal, beautiful," highlighting its sparse dialogue, gritty realism, and compelling performances, particularly by Faniran and Jean-Louis. The film received a 7/10 rating.[1][6][2][4]
External links
References
- ^ a b Nwafor (3 June 2025). "Nemsia Studios releases The Fire and The Moth globally on prime video". Vanguard News. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
- ^ a b c "The Fire And The Moth Now Streaming on Amazon Prime Video". Gadgets 360. 4 June 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
- ^ Reviews, Rinzy (28 June 2025). "The Fire and The Moth: When Culture, Crime, and Chaos Collide". 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑶𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝑷𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝑵𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒚𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
- ^ a b c Solum, Victory Hayzard (6 June 2025). ""The Fire And The Moth" Review: Taiwo Egunjobi Has Crafted A Brutal Beauty". Film Efiko. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
- ^ Amos (9 May 2025). "Nemsia Studios unveils trailer for crime thriller The Fire and The Moth". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
- ^ Nemsia Studios (20 May 2025). The Fire & The Moth | Tayo Faniran, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Ini Dima-Okojie | Watch now on Prime Video. Retrieved 4 August 2025 – via YouTube.