Bendel Girl, a 2025 Nollywood psychological thriller and drama, marks the feature directorial debut of Gbenga Kayode, the acclaimed director behind several seasons of Big Brother Naija. Released in Nigerian cinemas on July 18, 2025, the film has quickly captured attention for its haunting storyline, genre-blending elements, and strong performances.
The plot centers on a teenage girl named Theresa, who inexplicably reappears on a remote highway in 2024—nearly four decades after vanishing into a forest in 1985. Her sudden return triggers a wave of questions, especially when she insists that she is from the past. Rescued by three friends—Dave, Osas, and Erika—the group embarks on a gripping search for the truth, confronting a tangled web of secrets, long-buried prophecies, and the eerie blur between salvation and destruction.
Saskay Jonah, a former Big Brother Naija housemate, delivers a powerful performance in the lead role as Theresa. She is joined by a talented ensemble cast that includes Tope Tedela, Timi Agbaje, Amanda Iriekpen, Tobi Bakre, Jibola Dabo, Tolani Baj, and Toke Tinde. The film represents a significant crossover moment, blending reality television fame with the gravitas of Nollywood storytelling.
Produced by The Micheal Gbenga Company in partnership with FilmOne, Kadi Media, Frodd Lifestyle, and other collaborators, Bendel Girl boasts strong technical credentials. Cinematography is handled by Gbenga Gomes, while the sound design is crafted by Dolapo Adeniyi. The film’s evocative score is composed by Tomi Owo and Hammerboi Music, adding to the film’s emotional and supernatural atmosphere.
Now showing in major cinema chains across Nigeria—including Silverbird Cinemas in Lagos and Abuja—Bendel Girl has received praise from both critics and audiences. Reviewers have highlighted its originality, suspenseful storytelling, and its exploration of psychological trauma through a supernatural lens. It has also been commended for pushing the boundaries of Nollywood by integrating fresh faces from reality TV into complex, scripted roles.
With its mix of mystery, emotional depth, and speculative fiction, Bendel Girl is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about films of 2025—solidifying Gbenga Kayode’s place as a promising new voice in Nigerian cinema.
