Cinematic Poetry in the Dark: A Review of Poka’s Last Night
In the world of animation, where imagination serves as the only boundary, Peter Oti Asamoah—the Ghanaian visionary known as Poka—has long been a master of rhythm, famously known for his vibrant animated visualizers for Afrobeat hits. However, with his debut short film, Last Night, he steps away from the dance floor and into the shadows, trading musical beats for a haunting, narrative-driven symphony of suspense.
A Journey of Solitary Craftsmanship Produced by Edwin Donkor and featuring the voice of Nana Kwaansa Ahlijah, Last Night is a rare gem born of singular focus. Spanning eight months of dedicated creation between August 2022 and April 2023, Poka acted as the sole architect of this world. By creating the film entirely by himself, he ensured that every frame, sound, and movement was meticulously crafted to evoke a specific, lingering emotion, resulting in a cohesive cinematic experience that feels deeply personal and uncompromised.
From Desire to Dread The story opens on a relatable, almost lyrical note: a man’s pursuit of a “beautiful stranger”. What begins as a spark of desire and a fleeting one-night stand quickly spirals into a 3D animated horror thriller. As the morning light fails to provide clarity, the protagonist discovers a “terrifying secret lurking beneath the surface,” turning a romantic encounter into a high-stakes battle for survival.
The Supernatural Shiver What sets Last Night apart is its masterful shift into the supernatural. While the film keeps the exact nature of its entity shrouded in mystery, it delivers a “supernatural-leaning revelation” that is as dangerous as it is shocking. The atmosphere is thick with mood and suspense, pulling the audience through a “dark and dangerous path” where the protagonist’s fate hangs precariously in the balance.
A New Horizon for Animation Released in May 2025, the film has already captivated social media audiences, who have lauded its tense, moody animation and gripping storytelling. For Poka, this project is more than a film; it is a pivotal moment in his artistic journey, proving that animation can be a medium to touch hearts and provoke thought just as effectively as it entertains.
Last Night is a testament to the power of a single artist’s vision—a shocking, beautiful, and tense exploration of what happens when the things we desire most hide secrets we cannot escape. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate atmospheric horror and the evolving landscape of African storytelling.
