Watch The Destiny of Lesser Animals

The Destiny of Lesser Animals is a 2011 film that explores themes of identity and redemption set against the backdrop of modern-day Ghana. Directed by Deron Albright and starring Yao B. Nunoo, Fred Nii Amugi, and Abena Takyi, the film follows a police detective named Boniface Koomsin (Nunoo) as he journeys across the country in search of a con artist named Yaa Ghanaba (Takyi).

The film opens with Koomsin patrolling the streets of Accra, the bustling capital of Ghana. We learn that he is a good cop but one with a bitter past - his wife left him for a rich man, leaving him feeling emasculated and hopeless. He spends his days chasing petty criminals and trying to forget his troubles, until one day he is assigned to track down Ghanaba, a notorious grifter who has been fleecing unsuspecting victims across the country.

Koomsin is initially hesitant to take on the case, as he feels it is beneath him. However, when he learns that Ghanaba is rumored to be in possession of a valuable diamond, he sees an opportunity to make some fast cash and perhaps even win back his wife's affections. With his partner, Darko (Amugi), in tow, Koomsin embarks on a journey that will take him from the bustling streets of Accra to the dusty backroads of rural Ghana.

Along the way, Koomsin and Darko encounter a colorful cast of characters, including a jovial bus driver, a blind preacher, and a group of child soldiers. These encounters test Koomsin's sense of morality and force him to confront some uncomfortable truths about himself and his country. Through it all, he remains fixated on catching Ghanaba, believing that she is the key to his salvation.

The Destiny of Lesser Animals is a slow-burning thriller that relies more on character development and atmosphere than on traditional plot twists. The film's strengths lie in its richly-drawn characters, many of whom are struggling to find their place in a rapidly-changing Ghana. Nunoo gives a strong performance as Koomsin, portraying him as a man struggling to reconcile his sense of duty with his desire for personal gain. Takyi is also excellent as Ghanaba, imbuing her character with a depth and complexity that belies her status as a mere con artist.

The film is shot on location throughout Ghana, and Albright does an excellent job of capturing both the beauty and the harshness of the country's landscape. The scenes in the rural areas, in particular, are hauntingly beautiful, with the vast expanse of the African plains serving as a metaphor for the characters' struggles.

One theme that emerges throughout the film is the tension between tradition and modernity. Koomsin is an embodiment of the old ways - he believes in the superiority of the police force, the importance of duty and honor, and the need to uphold the law at all costs. Ghanaba, on the other hand, represents a new kind of Ghanaian, one who is resourceful, cunning, and unafraid to bend the rules in order to survive. As Koomsin and Ghanaba clash, they are forced to confront their own prejudices and preconceptions about what it means to be Ghanaian.

The Destiny of Lesser Animals is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can be slow, and the film's ending may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied. However, for those willing to invest the time, the film is a rewarding exploration of one man's journey to redemption in a country that is still struggling to find its place in the world.

In conclusion, The Destiny of Lesser Animals is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that offers a nuanced portrayal of modern-day Ghana. With its strong performances and richly-drawn characters, the film is a powerful meditation on identity, tradition, and the human capacity for change.

The Destiny of Lesser Animals is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.