Linda Ikeji, Nigeria’s media mogul turned filmmaker, is back with her second feature film, Reverse, set to electrify cinemas nationwide on May 16, 2025. Following the emotional weight of her Netflix debut Dark October, Linda’s latest project promises a gripping drama that blends raw human courage with an unforgettable twist. The first trailer, buzzing with intensity, introduces us to Rita, played by rising star Susan Pwajok, whose simple act of heroism spirals into a life-altering ordeal. With a stellar cast, a heart-pounding story, and a twist you won’t see coming, Reverse is shaping up to be Nollywood’s next big hit.
The trailer for Reverse drops you right into the action. Rita, a young woman with a spark in her eyes, steps into a bustling grocery store to shop. What starts as a routine errand takes a dark turn when she witnesses the shopkeeper brutally beating a young boy. Unable to stand by, Rita intervenes, her voice sharp with conviction. But her bravery comes at a cost. The shopkeeper, enraged, locks her in the store, turning a small quarrel into a nightmare. The trailer teases a chain of events that will “change the course of her life forever,” with flashes of tense confrontations, emotional breakdowns, and a haunting question: what happens when one choice flips your world upside down? “You won’t see the end coming,” Linda teases, and the trailer’s cryptic cuts—Rita’s tear-streaked face, a shadowy figure, a courtroom—keep that promise alive.
Susan Pwajok shines as Rita, bringing both strength and vulnerability to the role. Known for her breakout performance in The Johnsons, Susan captures Rita’s fire and fear, making her a heroine you can’t help but root for. The trailer hints at her transformation, from a bold intervener to a woman grappling with the consequences of her courage. “I just wanted to help,” she cries in one scene, her voice breaking, and you feel the weight of her choice. It’s a performance that’s already generating buzz, with fans on X raving, “Susan Pwajok is about to eat this role! Reverse looks like her big moment!”
The cast is a Nollywood powerhouse. Hilda Dokubo, a veteran whose emotional depth always steals scenes, brings gravitas to the story, her piercing gaze hinting at a pivotal role. Kalu Ikeagwu, with his commanding presence, adds intensity, while Yvonne Jegede’s expressive performance promises heart. Ruby Ekezie and Chika R.C. inject fresh energy, and Antar Laniyan’s seasoned artistry ties the ensemble together. Directed by Bryan Dike, whose knack for taut storytelling shines in the trailer’s pacing, Reverse feels both intimate and explosive. One X user summed it up: “Hilda, Yvonne, Susan, Kalu—this cast is fire! Linda Ikeji knows how to pick ‘em!”
Linda Ikeji, who wrote and produced the film, pours her storytelling passion into Reverse. Co-produced by Dami Dawson and distributed by Nile Entertainment, the film builds on the success of Dark October, which tackled the tragic Aluu Four lynching. While Dark October was a heavy social commentary, Reverse feels more personal—a tale of one woman’s choice and its ripple effects. “This story is about courage, consequences, and the unexpected,” Linda shared in a recent interview. The trailer’s tight editing and emotive score, paired with Lagos’ vibrant yet gritty backdrop, amplify that vision. From the bustling store to a claustrophobic lockup, every frame pulses with stakes.
The plot, as teased, is a rollercoaster. Rita’s intervention isn’t just a moment—it’s a catalyst. The trailer hints at a web of conflict: accusations, betrayal, and a fight for justice. Was the boy a thief, as the shopkeeper claims? Why does Rita’s act land her in such deep trouble? And what’s the “life-changing ending” that’s got everyone talking? Without spoiling, the trailer suggests a courtroom drama, family tensions, and a moral dilemma that’ll leave you questioning. “It’s not just a movie—it’s a mirror to our choices,” Linda posted on Instagram, sparking fan theories galore. One X user speculated, “Bet Rita uncovers something bigger than the beating. This twist is gonna be wild!”
Reverse also stands out for its production polish. Shot in Lagos, the film captures the city’s chaos and heart, from crowded markets to stark holding cells. The cinematography, with its mix of warm hues and stark shadows, mirrors Rita’s emotional journey. Nile Entertainment’s distribution ensures a wide release, with screenings planned across major cinemas like Genesis and Silverbird. After Dark October’s global Netflix reach, Linda’s pivot to theaters shows her ambition to dominate both streaming and big-screen spaces. “Reverse is for everyone who loves a story that hits you in the chest,” she said, and the trailer delivers that punch.
Fans are already hyped, with X posts calling Reverse “Nollywood’s next classic.” The trailer’s mix of drama, suspense, and star power has fueled anticipation, with comments like, “Linda Ikeji is cooking something serious! May 16 can’t come soon enough.” Some praise the film’s social undertones, noting how it echoes real-life issues of justice and bystander intervention. Others are just here for the twist, with one user joking, “If I guess this ending, I deserve an Oscar!” The buzz is a testament to Linda’s knack for storytelling, honed through years of blogging and now channeled into cinema.