By: Mariah Thomas
A group of young friends set out to make a movie. Having just their imagination and a dream, they piece together this film to the best of their ability. Only having a singular phone, unreliable electricity, a green screen and their creativity, these friends make sci-fi magic. This fun project turns into an entire film collective named “The Critics.” Crocodile follows the filmmakers both in front of and behind the camera. Over time this group gains notoriety and gives out inspiration.
A filmmaking collective out of Kaduna, Nigeria takes the world into their daily lives. Having the desire to make movies and not being in a traditional setting to make that happen does not falter these young creatives. If anything, this lends to their films as they work to be more creative in their storytelling. Through hardships, growing up, the politics of their world and more – their love for filmmaking keeps them afloat. To quote The Critics, “Instead of just being angry, we make films to fill the void.” Being subjected to a harsh world, these young friends find solace in the ability to express their feelings through films.
Despite being put down by their family members for their filmmaking, I admire the dedication to their creative sides to keep pursuing this dream. The duality in also getting to see their creative process alongside the films they have created lends so much to the importance of this documentary. It is easy to see a finished project and make opinions. However, when you see how they transform the locations they have to work with and the amount of editing that goes into everything, you gain a new perspective.
Crocodile was directed by The Critics themselves and Pietra Brettkelly. Oftentimes documentaries about creative individuals are made without their direct involvement. It makes sense for The Critics to be more hands on with this project as well as their own films. I was thoroughly moved by many of the sentiments shared by The Critics. At the end of the day, they are a group of friends who have spent ten plus years dedicating themselves fully to their love of filmmaking. There was never a point of giving up, just pure love for the craft. This documentary and directive choice lends further to that.
Crocodile is part of Tribeca’s 2026 “Viewpoints” documentary category. For anyone who enjoys the act of filmmaking, this is a wonderful watch. Having your personal perspective of filmmaking be shifted is an incredible feeling. Like The Critics, you see firsthand just how far imagination can take you.