The Black Book

The Black Book

Year: 2023

Runtime: 2 h 4 m

Language: English

Director: Editi Effiong

Thriller

A deacon's life is shattered when his son is wrongly accused of kidnapping. Driven by a desperate need to clear his name, he embarks on a dangerous quest for the truth, uncovering deep-rooted corruption within the authorities. His search for justice puts him on a collision course with powerful figures and exposes a world where nothing is as it seems.

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Timeline & Setting – The Black Book (2023)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Black Book (2023). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Set in contemporary times, the narrative reflects current-day Nigeria’s struggle with crime, media influence, and corruption. The characters move through urban institutions—police, journalism, and political power—against a backdrop of modern technology and public outcry.

Location

Lagos, Nigeria

The story unfolds on the crowded streets of Lagos, a sprawling urban hub where commerce, crime, and media pressure intersect. Key scenes shift between bustling city streets, a church raised by Vic Kalu, and the gang’s fortified headquarters. The setting highlights a modern Nigerian metropolis grappling with corruption, impunity, and powerful private forces.

🌆 Lagos 🕵️ Crime 🇳🇬 Nigerian setting

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:59

Main Characters – The Black Book (2023)

Meet the key characters of The Black Book (2023), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paul Edima (Richard Mofe-Damijo)

A grieving father whose son’s death propels him into a ruthless pursuit of the gang. He evolves from a determined investigator into a figure willing to break rules to uncover the truth, embracing morally gray methods in his fight for justice. His resolve fuels the open war against General Issa and the criminal network.

🧭 Determined 🗡️ Vengeful ⚖️ Justice-seeker

Vic Kalu (Ade Laoye)

An aspiring journalist driven by truth and accountability. She pushes to uncover the conspiracy behind the kidnapping and murder, facing professional and personal risks as she challenges powerful figures. Her persistence helps drive the investigation forward, even when warned to back down.

🧠 Investigator 🎤 Journalist 📡 Media-savvy

Big Daddy (Shaffy Bello)

A powerful businesswoman with her own private army, she orchestrates operations to influence outcomes and protect those who align with her interests. Her leadership and tactical thinking make her a pivotal force in storming the gang headquarters and shaping the final resolution.

💼 Power 🧭 Strategist 🗡️ Ruthless

General Issa (Femi Branch)

Leader of the gang and a symbol of entrenched corruption. He uses violence and political leverage to maintain control, confronting Paul Edima in a high-stakes power struggle. His schemes are central to the conflict and the ultimate confrontation.

🔥 Villainous 🎖️ Military 🧠 Cunning

Damilola Edima (Denola Grey)

Son of Paul Edima whose murder acts as the catalyst for the film’s escalating conflict. His death exposes the brutality of the gang and catalyzes investigations, making him a driving force behind the quest for justice.

💔 Tragedy 🔎 Catalyst 🕊️ Innocence

Editor (Taiwo Ajai-Lycett)

The editorial figure overseeing Vic’s reporting, who becomes a gatekeeper of information. The tension over releasing or destroying incriminating material highlights the control media outlets wield in shaping public narratives.

🗞️ Editor 🧭 Gatekeeper

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:59

Major Themes – The Black Book (2023)

Explore the central themes of The Black Book (2023), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Corruption

The film centers on a web of corruption that tangles criminals, security forces, and political elites. Acts of violence are rationalized through corruption, allowing the guilty to evade accountability for long. The pursuit of justice becomes a dangerous game of leverage, blackmail, and power plays. The narrative shows how corruption distorts truth and cripples institutions meant to protect the public.

🛡️ Vigilantism

Paul Edima embraces a path of vigilante justice after losing his son, taking extraordinary measures to confront the gang. The story probes the lure and danger of taking law into one's own hands when official channels fail. It questions whether violent retribution restores balance or deepens the cycle of brutality. The climax hinges on private intervention resolving public crisis.

📰 Media & Truth

Journalistic pursuit and media pressure shape the investigation, yet power brokers attempt to suppress information. The SD card with the confession becomes a weapon in a battle over which truths get exposed. The film explores how media, gatekeepers, and sensationalism influence public perception and accountability. It also highlights risks journalists face when editors and bosses manipulate outcomes.

👩‍💼 Power & Gender

Big Daddy represents female power and organized force, challenging traditional male-dominated structures of crime and control. Her private army and strategic acumen illustrate how women can wield influence in high-stakes confrontations. The narrative contrasts her approach with the patriarchal apparatus of generals and politicians. It underlines themes of leadership, resilience, and moral complexity in those who command power.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:59

Unlock the Full Story of The Black Book

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Black Book in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Black Book is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Black Book Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Black Book, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Black Book Summary

The Black Book Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Black Book with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Black Book Timeline

The Black Book Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Black Book? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Black Book Ending Explained

The Black Book Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Black Book that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Black Book Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Black Book

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Black Book: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Black Book

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