3 Working Days is a gripping and suspenseful Nollywood thriller directed by Jerry Okkai which showcases the severity of desperation, survivalism, and opportunism, all whilst fusing strong emotions and nail biting suspense. Further the movie shows the socio-economic imbalances and antagonistic hierarchies prevailing in Nigeria, especially during the cash scarcity, making the film relevant to the audience. The events that play out within the theory x society resonate with the audience even long after watching the title.
The events that play out within the movie include the character played by Deyemi Okanlawon who showcases an entirely new self sentiment from the start till almost the very climax of the movie, transitioning into a loving father struggling to keep his family afloat in a broken monetary society. It only becomes evident that losing his loved ones pushes him to possess toxic thoughts and ideas, forcing him into extreme measures owing to the situation. He recounts the day where he recalls asking for his money back from the bank, a simple but desperate act turned into violence. Something however was clear, he was not the only person visiting the bank that day.
Unbeknownst to him, a ruthless gang of armed robbers, led by Uzor Arukwe, has also chosen the bank as their next target. There follows an explosive coming-together of two desperate elements — the one man’s desire to protect his family against the onslaught of a criminal gang that plans a heist at his place of work. In the fray is Nancy Isime who gives a commendable performance as a suave bank worker who is more in the eye of a storm, giving her character a touch of the humane. Undoubtedly, members of the gang including Femi Adebayo and Mike Afolarin more than complete the picture as they portray roughness as well as depth in their characters.
The pregnant silence which permeates the atmosphere inside the bank is somewhat matched by the commotion outside, with embattled police officers, played by Mike Ezuruonye and Bolaji Ogunmola, trying to improvise for ways to bring the situation under control without threatening the lives of the persons being held hostage. Here every second increases the stakes and the film indirectly raises issues of ethics, virtue, loss, what is it to be on the edge etc.
“3 Working Days” stands out with its excellent cinematography, catchy soundtracks certainly would accentuate the emotional impact of the movie. This is a highlight in times of social injustices making it more than a thriller, but a story of fighting against the system.
Key Themes:
- The desperation of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.
- The moral gray areas of survival versus crime.
- A raw and emotional portrayal of Nigeria’s financial crisis.
Why Watch It? “3 Working Days” is not just a story about a bank standoff—it’s a film that speaks to universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the lengths to which people will go for those they care about. Its layered characters and sharp pacing ensure that viewers are riveted until the final, jaw-dropping twist.
