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Nollywood’s 2025 lineup has been packed with thrillers, dramas, and social-issue stories, but none has sparked as much heated conversation as The Herd, the crime-thriller directed by Daniel Etim Effiong and written by Lani Aisida.
Since its release on October 17, 2025, the film has dominated online debates, review sections, and movie discussions, with many viewers boldly declaring it the most controversial Nigerian movie of the year. And going by the reactions so far, The Herd has earned that title without struggle.
The movie follows the story of Gosi, played by Daniel Etim Effiong, who is privately battling his wife’s recurring cancer scare while trying to celebrate the wedding of friends Derin and Fola.
What was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives quickly takes a dark and violent turn, dragging the characters into a spiral of chaos, fear, and survival.
The film blends thriller elements with a harsh reflection of Nigeria’s rising insecurity, pushing the boundaries of how far Nollywood is willing to go in portraying reality.
One of the biggest reasons The Herd is attracting controversy is its fearlessness in addressing insecurity. From banditry to communal attacks and the deep emotional trauma families face, the film refuses to soften or sugar-coat the crisis.
Many watchers have praised it for its honesty, while others believe the violence and tension feel “too real,” especially for Nigerians who have lived through similar experiences.
This blend of praise and discomfort has fueled online arguments, positioning the film as a major talking point this year.
Beyond the subject matter, the performances by Lateef Adedimeji, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bolaji Ogunmola, Tina Mba, Kunle Remi, Linda Ejiofor, Norbert Young, and Mercy Aigbe have added another layer to the conversation. Nollywood fans say the cast delivered some of the most emotionally intense performances seen in recent films.
Their portrayal of grief, helplessness, and panic has left viewers deeply unsettled — the very reaction a powerful thriller aims to achieve.
Social media has also played a huge role in the film’s notoriety. Clips, reactions, and reviews have gone viral, with some viewers calling it “emotionally draining” and “hard to watch,” not because it is bad, but because it feels too close to Nigeria’s everyday reality.
Interestingly, while the film currently has a 10/10 rating on Nollywire, comments under its review page show viewers struggling with the movie’s emotional weight, further pushing the narrative that The Herd is not just another thriller it is a mirror of the country’s ongoing challenges.
Its October release also boosted its relevance. With national discussions about safety and community attacks already at an all-time high, the film landed at a sensitive moment, making its themes even more relatable and unsettling.
The combination of timing, storytelling, and raw emotion makes The Herd stand out as the most talked-about, debated, and controversial Nollywood film of 2025 so far.
Whether viewers loved it or felt uncomfortable watching it, one thing is clear: The Herd did exactly what great cinema should do provoke emotions, spark conversations, and force society to confront uncomfortable truths.
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