Film review: ‘Baby Farm,’ the horrible experience of child trafficking | The Guardian Nigeria News

Imagine walking into a place that seems like a safe haven, only to discover it’s a trap. That’s the chilling reality in Baby Farm, a gripping new series that dives deep into the dark world of baby trafficking in Nigeria. This heartbreaking issue has been around for years, with “baby factories” posing as orphanages or clinics, exploiting vulnerable women and selling their babies.

Overview

Baby Farm is a recent film that was just released on March 21, 2025, and can be streamed on Netflix. It is directed by Walter Taylaur along with Kayode Kasum. The ensemble cast includes Onyinye Odokoro, Genoveva Umeh, Rita Dominic, Joseph Benjamin, Langley Kirkwood, Jenny Stead, Folu Storms, Kiki Omeili, and others. Its running time is 2 hours and 42 minutes—perfect for film lovers who do not have the luxury of time but want a good film that uncovers some realities of our present dispensation.

Plot

Baby Farm tells the story of Adanna, a young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn after she falls for the wrong guy and ends up pregnant. Abandoned and shamed, she sets out for Lagos, hoping to find the man who left her, only to find herself on the streets. Just when it seems she’s hit rock bottom, she stumbles upon the Evans Foundation, a shelter for pregnant girls. What looks like a miracle quickly turns into a nightmare when Adanna realizes that this so-called charity is really a front for a baby trafficking ring.

As Adanna meets other girls trapped in this horrific situation, including the resigned Ebun, the sinister truth about the foundation starts to unravel. The place, run by the seemingly kind Dr. Evans and his wife, Barbara, hides dark secrets behind locked doors and missing girls.

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Meanwhile, Nollywood actress Cherise Uko, played by Rita Dominic, is desperate for a child after years of heartbreak. When Barbara offers her twins without asking questions, Cherise faces a moral dilemma—can she take the babies knowing where they came from?
With journalist Joy and a determined young woman named Ify investigating the foundation, the stakes rise.

When Joy is killed while digging too deep, Ify and Ebun must team up to expose the clinic and confront Cherise with the chilling evidence. As the tension builds, Adanna, now in labour, finds herself trapped with no way out. The fight for justice begins, but will anyone survive the shocking conclusion? I leave it to you to find out. But trust me, you won’t blink till the end.

Themes and performances

Baby Farm is more than just a thriller; it’s a powerful exploration of desperation and deception in the face of human trafficking. The storytelling is raw and emotional, with standout performances from Onyinye Odokoro and Genoveva Umeh, who portray their characters’ struggles with heartbreaking authenticity. Even the foreign actors, often seen as a weak link in Nollywood, deliver strong performances that add to the film’s realism.

Cinematography and direction

The cinematography and direction enhance the film’s impact, with clever choices that pull you into the oppressive atmosphere of the Evans Foundation. Every detail, from the set design to the mix of languages, adds to the authenticity of the story, shining a light on the harsh realities of baby factories in Nigeria.

Critique

While the series does an excellent job of highlighting this critical issue, it misses the chance to delve deeper into the economic factors that drive such desperation. A more extensive look at the financial struggles that lead women into these situations could have strengthened its message.

Despite this, Baby Farm is an important film that sparks conversation about a hidden crisis in society. It’s a must-watch, and I give it a solid 6/10 for its powerful storytelling and emotional impact. Although I believe it could have been more!