Son of the Soil is an ambitious, action-packed revenge thriller that swings big, blending gritty street fights, electrifying performances, and authentic world-building with decent production values for an indie. Director Chee Keong Cheung (Every Last One of Them, Redcon-1) takes us on an epic John Wick-style journey that we might describe as a moody actioner with heart.
The film peels back a dangerous and rampant drug underground along with its government cover-ups. We follow Zion (Razaaq Adoti), a former Nigerian soldier with a haunted past, who returns home after the brutal murder of his sister at the hands of a vicious drug lord.
With nowhere else to turn, Zion decides to take justice into his own hands and hunt those responsible–and with every step deeper, he uncovers layers of shocking secrets and more corruption. Fueled by blinding grief and rage, Zion must now choose if the true cost of his vengeful reckoning is worth the rising body count, as perhaps he is becoming the monsters he is hunting.
“he uncovers layers of shocking secrets and more corruption”
While it wasn’t a perfect film for me, Son of the Soil transcends its familiar premise. I found the action sequences gripping, and this gal is always down for bloody good, realistic FX makeup. And who doesn’t enjoy a Dutch angle or two? We must also praise the production design for its realism, which makes the locations feel like an extra layer of character within the film.
There were also several standout performances from the ensemble cast that kept me both enraged by the evildoings and invested in the characters’ survival. Taye Arimoro, as the maniacal thug Shaka Bulla, brings intensity to his scenes, at times playful, then, without warning, switches to a cold-blooded killer. His range and physicality made me wish his character was more of a focal point.
Ijelu Folajimi, as spunky young Remi, stole every scene with no-nonsense energy and charm. Her performances felt natural, and I grew anxious about her character’s safety as the revenge story unfolded. I’m excited to see where her acting leads her.
Son of the Soil is a stark, sobering social commentary juxtaposed with edge-of-your- seat action. The film feels authentic, offering audiences a “what would you do?” scenario, and, despite some flaws, is absolutely worth a watch.
"…the true cost of his vengeful reckoning..."
