Actors William Benson and Bucci Franklin are receiving accolades online for their performances in To Kill a Monkey, the latest Netflix series by acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker Kemi Adetiba.
The eight-part thriller premiered on the streaming platform on Friday, marking a fresh departure for Adetiba from her famed King of Boys universe.
Produced under Kemi Adetiba Visuals in collaboration with Remi Adetiba, the series was first announced in August 2023 and filmed later that year in Lagos.
To Kill a Monkey follows the journey of Efemini (played by William Benson), a man battling financial ruin and personal demons. A chance encounter with a former friend (played by Bucci Franklin) pulls him into the dangerous world of cybercrime, where every choice threatens his already fragile existence.
The series, described as a gritty, stylish thriller, explores themes of survival, betrayal and moral compromise, set against the chaotic pulse of contemporary Nigeria.
Online, viewers have commended Benson and Franklin’s portrayals, applauding their ability to bring depth and authenticity to their complex characters.
One fan wrote on X, “William Benson is a beast! That scene in Episode 2 gave me chills. Bucci Franklin is also cooking!”
Another added, “Kemi Adetiba knew what she was doing casting these two. The chemistry and tension are next level!”
The show’s pacing and visuals have also been widely praised, with standout episodes including Hand of Friendship, Pour Petrol on Fire and the series finale, Who Wins at the End, all drawing strong engagement.
William Benson’s appearance in To Kill a Monkey comes on the heels of his role in veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani’s latest release Cordelia.
The ensemble cast of To Kill a Monkey also includes screen veterans Stella Damasus and Bimbo Akintola, contributing to the layered storytelling that has become Adetiba’s signature.
With this new project, Adetiba continues her commitment to telling bold, socially relevant stories that resonate with Nigerian audiences and beyond. The release of To Kill a Monkey also reinforces Netflix’s growing investment in African content, further opening the global stage to Nollywood talent.
See some social media reactions below:
