Movie Review: On Air – A dark and powerful Kenyan drama that will keep you hooked

I didn't know what I was walking into when I attended the premiere of 'On Air', a powerful Kenyan film inspired by true events. 

Director Edwin 'Edu Gee' Nyongesa kept the film's premise tightly under wraps, but I was genuinely captivated by the way it unfolded.

The gripping tale effortlessly blends suspense, emotion and social commentary, all set against the high-pressure world of live radio. Let's dive into the film...

The story centers on Rango (Matayo Randu), a seasoned radio host who finds himself at the center of a life-or-death crisis during his morning show.

His world is already on edge, with rumors of a scandalous exposé about him circulating in the media. Things take a darker turn when he receives a call from Ondivo (Richard Ndege), a thief on the run.

Ondivo reveals that a botched robbery has led to the deaths of an innocent civilian and a police officer. Now cornered by law enforcement inside an apartment and fearing for his life, he turns to Rango for help in escaping the predicament.

Having grown up on the streets, Rango empathizes with Ondivo's desperation. Despite objections from his producer, Shirleen (Wanjira Longauer) and intern colleague Marcus (Daniel Muturi), Rango continues the live conversation, gradually earning their support as the drama unfolds on air.

Meanwhile, Rango receives repeated calls from a Police Commander (Khalfan Shikely), pressuring him to convince the thief to surrender. But as Rango engages with the Police Commander, he begins to suspect that the boys in blue have no intention of taking Ondivo alive.

The performances in 'On Air' are spectacular considering the fact that most of the cast members are relatively new to acting.

Matayo Randu delivers a standout performance as Rando, balancing the character’s empathy and internal conflict with finesse. His on-air conversations with Ondivo are raw and intense, making the audience feel the weight of every word.

The supporting cast also shine, bringing their own layers of tension and conflicting motivations to the story.

What makes these performances even more impactful are the underlying themes they bring to life. 'On Air' explores themes of poverty, systemic injustice, and the value of human life. It raises tough questions about how society treats criminals and whether justice is ever truly impartial.

These themes, coupled with the stellar acting and vibrant score create an emotionally charged experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Cinematography, Direction and Writing

Edu Gee’s expert direction gives 'On Air' its unique voice and feel. The cinematography is dark and gritty, mirroring the tension and moral ambiguity of the story.

The film’s visual style immerses the audience in the unfolding drama, making them feel as though they’re a part of the live broadcast.

Edu Gee skillfully builds suspense, with the film’s structure—divided into five “verses”—allowing the tension to grow steadily from the opening scene to the climactic finale.

The writing in 'On Air' is sharp and layered. While the film tackles weighty issues, moments of humor in the dialogue provide necessary relief and humanize the characters.

The conversations between Rango and Ondivo are particularly compelling, filled with raw emotion and moral dilemmas that keep viewers hooked.

At the same time, the script critiques the media’s role in shaping public perception and highlights the power dynamics between law enforcement and marginalized individuals.

'On Air' is a bold and thought-provoking debut that showcases the best of Kenyan cinema.

With its stellar performances, gripping themes, and masterful direction, it’s a film that entertains while challenging viewers to think critically about societal issues.

While it's not perfect, Director Edu Gee has set a high bar with this debut, proving that Kenyan filmmakers are a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.

It’s a must-watch for fans of suspenseful dramas and socially conscious storytelling.