A juicy round-up of the thrillers and dramas that kept me up this month—from A Quiet Place: Day One to Nollywood’s Suspicion. I’m giving you the tea, the ratings, and the faces you’ll recognise from everywhere.
I don’t know what was in the air this month, but I found myself gravitating towards drama, mystery, and that slightly twisted edge of storytelling that makes you pause the movie and go: “Hold up… did that really just happen?” Whether it was a post-apocalyptic silence or a sleek femme fatale with a killer wardrobe—these films delivered.
1. The Trafficking of Maya – 8/10
Let’s start heavy. This film grabbed me by the throat—and I stayed because of the performances. Maya is played with gut-wrenching precision by Debbie Allen (yes, THE Debbie Allen from Grey’s Anatomy and Fame) and her co-star Angela E. Gibbs brings emotional grit to every scene. The story tackles the harrowing world of human trafficking, but with dignity and zero sugar-coating.
If you watched Taken and thought “what if this was real and the girl didn’t have Liam Neeson for a dad?”, this is the film for you. Raw. Brave. Important.
2. The Assessment – 7/10
Okay, let’s slow things down and stretch your mind a bit. The Assessment is dystopian, cerebral, and stars none other than Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl, Tomb Raider) and Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal, Venom). Together? A dream team.
Imagine a world where love and relationships are literally scored by the government—talk about pressure! It’s eerie and a little too realistic in the era of dating apps and “social scores.” Slow burn? Yes. But it gives Black Mirror energy in the best way.
3. Another Simple Favour – 8/10
Now THIS was my mid-month cocktail in movie form. Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are back and bringing their full chaotic glam energy in this sequel to A Simple Favour. Blake—our eternal Serena van der Woodsen—slays in tailored suits and sharp one-liners while Anna plays neurotic perfection like only she can.
Add a few plot twists, a fabulous wardrobe, and crime that feels oddly fun and you’ve got the recipe. If Gone Girl had a fashionable little sister who occasionally laughed at herself? It would be this movie.
4. A Quiet Place: Day One – 8/10
You know what’s scarier than silence? Watching the world crumble into it in real time. This prequel gave me chills from the first 10 minutes. The always-excellent Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave, Us, Black Panther) delivers a stunningly human performance amid all the monster mayhem.
And let’s not ignore Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things, Hellfire Club forever!) bringing his soulful British energy to the chaos. The film gives us a front-row seat to the day the noise died—and somehow makes it feel brand new.
5. Suspicion (Nollywood on Prime)
Nollywood said don’t blink and I listened. Suspicion is that messy family drama-meets-domestic thriller that hooks you with the first scene. Featuring Stan Nze, Uzor Arukwe (Nollywood breakout star) and Richard Mofe-Damijo Nollywood Veteran actor, the tension here isn’t about jump scares—it’s about secrets, betrayal, and yes, black magic. The movie was a statement from Nollywood cementing their presence in the global film industry with outstanding visuals, a strong storyline and cliffhanger that had me on the edge of my seat. 
If you loved The Wedding Party or The Arbitration, you’ll eat this up. It’s drama with teeth and a serious fashion budget.
Final Takeaway:
I laughed. I cried. I paused to Google actor names because I knew I’d seen them somewhere before. This month’s movie list was a rollercoaster—and I’m not getting off anytime soon.
If you’ve seen any of these, I need to hear your thoughts in the comments. And if you haven’t, grab your popcorn and clear a weekend. You’re welcome.