‘The Herd’ is not just a movie but an experience, a timely one at that. In a country where headlines shift fast and trauma is often normalized and made into trends, the movie pauses viewers long enough to feel, and to face what they'd have shrugged off. The movie begins with a tense exchange of conversation, followed by a  scene with a couple and their friend ambushed and kidnapped on their way back from their wedding celebration, a storyline that reflects the current and lived reality in Nigeria. After the release of ‘The Herd’, it quickly became the buzz of social media, filling viewers with shock, praise,and fear. For many viewers, the movie wasn’t entertainment; it was bringing their insecurity to their screens. The Herd has become a cultural moment not because it is fictional, but because it is painfully true.

Daniel Etim-Effiong (born 24th June, 1988) is a Nigerian actor and movie director. After studying chemical engineering, he went on to study moviemaking, screenwriting and directing at AFDA movie School in South Africa, before building an acting career. In 2022, he was awarded Best Actor in Drama, Movie or TV Series by Africa International movie Festival in the movie, Kofa. 

Earlier in May 2025, a shorter version of the movie, the Herd co-produced by movieOne Studios, ToriTori movies, Serendipity HHC and Airscape, premiered at the Cannes movie Festival (via its Marché du movie in May), before opening in Nigerian cinemas on the 17th of October, 2025. According to data from the Nigerian Box Office, the crime thriller recorded N28.8 million between October 17 and 19, 2025, and a cumulative N30.1 million in its first week of release. This makes it one of the strongest debuts for a Nollywood title in the second half of 2025, solidifying Etim-Effiong’s transition from in front of the camera to behind it.

It was a touching moment for Daniel Etim-Effiong. Following up with one of his interviews, he said,  “This moment is deeply personal and historic for me. To have my first movie as a director presented at Cannes—one of the most respected platforms in global cinema, is both humbling and empowering. The Herd is rooted in Nigerian culture, but its themes are universal. I hope this marks another step toward the world embracing African stories with the depth and dignity they deserve.” The movie later launched on Netflix on the 21st of November and swiftly became the talk of the town, not just locally but globally.

The Herd, arriving at a time when insecurity and banditry is currently dominating headlines across Nigeria has brought about so many reactions from viewers on social media. Here are some comments — both praises and criticisms — from viewers: “The Herd is a GREAT movie. Veeiye, Ex Bigbrother Naija housemate says. I was locked in start to finish. This is what Nollywood needs!” His colleague in acting, Toyin Abraham commented, “I have been in the Industry for 24 Years and I have never cried like this in a movie. This movie is realistic!”.

And of course, ‘X’ (formerly called Twitter) users were not left out. An ‘X’ user Sirminzy said, “The Herd is a GREAT movie and it’s doing exactly what good cinema should do: reflect society, spark conversations, and challenge us to confront reality.This is the kind of bold storytelling Nollywood needs more of” 
The movie helped Nigerians visualize better the kind of situation the country is in at large, sparking up not just fear and uncertainty but questions. “Just finished The Herd and it felt less like a movie and more like everyday Nigeria, Amnaah, an ‘X’ user says. It’s scary how much this kind of chaos is starting to be a norm. Let’s forget religion and tribe for a second please and ask ourselves as humans, is this really the Nigeria we want?.”  Charles Nnamdi on ‘X’ also said, “I just watched The Herd, and from beginning to the end, my heart raced. That's the reality of so many Nigerians as I type. It's scary!”

A popular ‘X’ user, Daniel Regha, known for his controversial comments said, “The Herd movie is a poor attempt at trying to represent our reality in Nigeria. While the movie can be praised for its visuals and cinematography, the movie pushes negative stereotypes, has a poor storyline, and ending.”

These responses are not made –just– out of love for the movie, but also because it hits home. The Herd is reality on screen: The reality of insecurity being faced currently in Nigeria. Prior to the release of the movie, a series of abductions had been made in parts of Nigeria, most especially, the North. Not long after the movie was released, on 1st of December, gunmen were reported to have abducted at least 20 people, including a pastor and his wife, and a new bride and her bridesmaids, in two separate attacks in Kogi state and the Northern Sokoto state respectively. This scenario, very similar to the plot of the Herd. The movie not only brings more awareness but reflects the everyday fears Nigerians carry. Nigerians have been strongly advised against road travel, night journeys, rural highways, leaving the country in a state of emergency and unrest – uncertain of what is to come next..

Following up, there has been an uproar of angry reactions from specific Northerners who have shown their displeasure towards the movie. They believe that stereotyping Fulani herdsmen as bandits is wrong. Bashir Ahmad (former presidential aide) said, “Some bandits are indeed Fulani, but the majority of herders are peaceful and among the very victims that have suffered the most from these terrorists”. His claim serves as the voice of fellow Northerners and was supported by the majority.  An ‘X’ user, OkaforJonatha16 said, “The herd movie on Netflix just opened up the cultural/ethnic xenophobia that has been within many of us. And after we'd blame our government for the way our country is. END TRIBALISM”.

While some view it as a stereotype, others see the movie as a necessary spotlight on Nigeria’s real security threats—especially given that many of those involved are Northerners. These types of claims are very sensitive in Nigeria, as they leave people not only scared but angry. For many viewers, The Herd wasn’t just a movie — it was a trigger. Across social media, Nigerians admitted they couldn’t finish the movie because it felt “too close to home,” similar to experiences they were still trying to forget. The movie has shown how deep the scars of a country where travel has become something to dread. Countless Nigerians have come out to share personal stories. Some had their buses attacked, abandoned vehicles found in the bush, families who negotiated ransoms for loved ones, and those who never made it home. Even viewers without direct encounters described a familiar fear. There is an increased sense of making prayers before travel, sending license plate numbers to friends, or  even sharing live locations for hours. 

The effect of these happenings on the mental health of Nigerians cannot be over emphasized. Being hyper vigilant has become a national instinct. People are extra suspicious of phone calls during road trips and even avoid long-distance travels. Anxiety has become a part of the country's daily life. The Herd forces Nigerians to have conversations about issues that the country has become acquainted with. This is not because people don’t care, but there is a level to which pain comes frequently and at some point, the heart starts to grow numb to it. What makes The Herd unsettling is how close it feels from the news. Nigeria has reached a point where fiction no longer needs exaggeration; reality has already done the work. The movie simply fits the current insecurity – that has now become a way of life – into a narrative. Nollywood’s growth is clear.  There's a category of audiences that are seeking stories like “The Herd”,  that confront Nigeria’s issues. But there's also a category that is mentally drained from hearing the news constantly and now, it's been brought before their faces. They just want a break.

The Herd resonates deeply because nothing about it feels fictional. It is a story Nigerians are relieving daily and living in constant fear. That’s why the conversations around it feel urgent; the movie has become an avenue for people to express  fear, anger, grief, and exhaustion. In reacting to the movie, Nigerians are really reacting to the nation. The Herd portrays that sometimes, movies are not  meant to just entertain us, it’s meant to expose the struggle we face.

@Adedoyin Adeoye