Movie Title: ‘Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre’ (a miniseries)
Number of episodes: 6
Running time: 40 minutes per episode
Streaming platform: Netflix
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Cast: Jide Kosoko, Gabriel Afolayan, Adewale Elesho, Uzee Usman, Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale Taiwo Hassan, among others.
Kunle Afolayan’s 2022 film Anikulapo received widespread acclaim and success, solidifying its place in Nollywood history. However, the decision to create a six-episode miniseries, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre, has raised questions about its necessity.
Following a similar path to his previous work, King of Boys, Afolayan has expanded the original story into a longer, more intricate narrative.
The original Anikulapo left an indelible mark on the Nigerian film industry, but the sequel has sparked mixed reactions.
Instead of elevating the story, the miniseries has introduced new subplots and characters, potentially overwhelming viewers.
This expansion has made it challenging for audiences to follow the original storyline, leaving many with unanswered questions.
While the miniseries boasts a talented and diverse cast, its complexity may require additional effort from fans to fully appreciate its immersive nature.
Despite its strengths, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre’s added layers have sparked debate about whether the miniseries was necessary. Afolayan’s attempt to build upon the success of the original film has resulted in a more convoluted narrative.
Fans of the original may need to rewatch or reacquaint themselves with the story to fully engage with the miniseries. Ultimately, the sequel’s effectiveness in enhancing the Anikulapo universe remains a subject of discussion among viewers and critics alike.
PLOT
In Anikulapo (2022), the story begins with Saro’s rise to power after receiving a life-changing gift from Arolake: the ability to resurrect the dead. This remarkable power transforms his life, making him influential and sought after. However, as Saro becomes consumed by pride and arrogance, he starts to neglect Arolake’s role in his success.
He abandons her and marries other women, completely disregarding the sacrifices she made for him. Arolake’s heartbreak grows as she watches Saro become distant and unfaithful, blinded by his newfound status.
His hubris ultimately leads him to a moment of reckoning when, in a critical moment at the king’s court, his power fails him, and he is unable to resurrect a dead man, resulting in dire consequences that cost him his life.
Now a wandering ghost, Saro’s spirit encounters an angel at the gates of heaven, where he learns that his actions in life have accumulated a significant debt to the afterlife.
To settle this debt and avoid an eternity of aimless wandering, Saro is given a daunting task: he must return to Earth and undo the resurrections of twenty souls he had once brought back to life. This quest thrusts Saro into a grim role, transforming him from a life-giver into a harbinger of death.
As he sets out to find the people he once saved, the narrative takes on a chilling tone, with Saro hunting down his former beneficiaries in a desperate attempt to rectify his past mistakes.
During his journey, Saro encounters a blind elderly woman who, despite his menacing role, offers him a glimmer of hope. She proposes a truce that could potentially lead to Saro’s redemption.
However, staying true to his cunning nature, Saro attempts to outmaneuver the system by negotiating a way to regain his human form. His efforts are successful, and he resumes his life, this time venturing to a new town called Ilu Aje.
There, Saro forms a friendship with Kekere, who helps him find work. Yet, his new life is not without complications, as three souls he reclaimed during his ghostly quest remain spiritually tethered to him, manifesting as haunting presences that he cannot easily shake off.
The trio of spirits creates a mix of horror and humor throughout Saro’s journey, adding a unique dynamic to the narrative. They accompany him as both reminders of his past sins and reluctant allies in his new life.
Saro eventually brokers a deal with the ghosts: in exchange for three years of his life as a human, he promises to guide them to the afterlife. With this arrangement in place, Saro embarks on a fresh start, immersing himself in a venture as a palm wine seller.
However, his attempt to establish a peaceful life is met with rivalry from Karounwi, a skilled palm wine tapper, which introduces new challenges and unexpected twists to the unfolding story.
Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Oyo, chaos brews as the community suffers under the mysterious Akala’s curse. Seeking a solution, Fasogun and Bashorun, the chief of the king’s oracle, devise a plan that involves bringing Queen Arolake back for a sacrificial ritual.
The king finds himself torn between his duty to protect the kingdom and his personal compassion for Arolake, while Bashorun pushes relentlessly for her return.
The mission to locate the queen sets off a chain of events, including deception from Adigun, a man previously resurrected by Saro, who provides misleading information about Arolake’s whereabouts, further complicating the kingdom’s quest.
Amidst the turmoil, Bashorun’s desire to seize Saro’s power and become the new Anikulapo intensifies. As these power struggles unfold, Arolake, who has been hiding in a forest, stumbles upon a magical pouch that grants her unlimited wealth.
She and her companion Akin devise a clever strategy to win the king’s favor and thwart the ongoing pursuit by presenting valuable gifts. When Arolake finally reveals her true identity to the king, the story reaches a crucial juncture where her fate as a potential queen hangs in the balance.
At the same time, Saro’s quest for peace and redemption as a reborn human raises questions about whether he can truly find closure and escape the consequences of his past.
CHARACTER ANALYSIS
In Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre, the sequel maintains the diverse ensemble cast that made the original movie captivating, while also expanding to include new talents from across generations of Nollywood actors.
Central roles are reprised by Kunle Remi as Saro, Bimbo Ademoye as Arolake, Sola Sobowale as Awarun, and Taiwo Hassan as Alaafin Ademuyiwa, whose performances drive the storyline forward.
The sequel introduces additional talents such as Jide Kosoko, Gabriel Afolayan, Adewale Elesho, Uzee Usman, and Lateef Adedimeji, enriching the narrative with their distinct contributions and enhancing the overall depth of the series.
This multi-generational cast brings varied acting styles to the screen, setting the stage for a complex and engaging continuation of the Anikulapo saga.
Adding to the ensemble, the series showcases appearances from seasoned actors like Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Moji Afolayan, and Adebayo Salami, alongside emerging talents like Oyindamola Sanni and Titi Kuti.
Their inclusion broadens the scope of the story, offering multiple layers and subplots that intersect with the main narrative. Each actor contributes to the intricate tapestry of the story, where individual character arcs enrich the overarching themes of power, betrayal, and redemption.
With such a diverse cast, the sequel manages to weave together various narrative threads, creating a more immersive and nuanced world within the kingdom of Oyo.
Among the standout characters, Bashorun, portrayed by Owobo Ogunde, emerges as a pivotal figure. As a powerful chief in the ruling council of Oyo, Bashorun’s character becomes a central force driving the story’s conflict.
His complex personality and ambitious nature make him more than just an antagonist; he is a linchpin connecting the various plotlines. His presence brings a magnetic intensity to the series, shaping events through his actions and decisions.
Bashorun’s intricate role adds layers of depth and intrigue, making him a crucial figure whose influence extends beyond mere villainy, instead adding shades of grey to the moral landscape of the narrative.
Bashorun’s motivations are deeply rooted in his dissatisfaction with the king and the ruling council, stemming from his suggestions for increased military expenses being rejected.
His frustrations grow as tensions with the neighboring kingdom of Ede escalate, especially following his own defeat in clashes with Ede warriors. Adding to his grievances is the delay in wedding plans between his son, Awolaran, and Princess Omowunmi, which Bashorun interprets as a slight against his family.
His growing resentment toward the king is compounded by his disapproval of Awolaran’s gentle nature, which fails to meet Bashorun’s expectations of strength and cunning, leading to a strained father-son relationship.
As the story unfolds, Bashorun’s quest for power intensifies. His ambition drives him to orchestrate the death of Prince Kuranga and uncover Arolake’s true identity, setting off a series of events that bring Saro, the king, and the kingdom of Ede into a tangled web of conflict.
Bashorun’s plans to publicly execute Arolake threaten to destabilize the fragile balance of power within the kingdom, highlighting his willingness to go to extreme lengths to secure his influence.
His machinations create a complex interplay between personal ambition and political maneuvering, underscoring the lengths to which he is willing to go for self-preservation and dominance.
Ultimately, Bashorun’s relentless pursuit of power and wealth becomes his undoing. His misguided actions, driven by self-interest and resentment, lead to disastrous consequences when the warriors of Ede launch a retaliatory attack.
This turn of events marks a tragic end for Bashorun, as his choices bring about not only his downfall but also collateral damage to those around him.
His character arc raises questions about the cost of ambition and leaves the audience with mixed feelings regarding his fate, as his flaws and motivations are laid bare, offering a sobering reflection on the price of unchecked power.
MOVIE ANALYSIS
Positive
The writers of Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre have demonstrated remarkable skill in seamlessly linking the sequel to its predecessor. They managed to maintain continuity in the storyline while addressing the technical challenges inherent in adapting folklore for contemporary audiences.
The intricacy of the plot could easily have felt irrelevant or disconnected from modern life, but the writers’ thoughtful approach ensured that the story remained engaging and relevant.
This accomplishment speaks to their deep understanding of the material and their ability to bring age-old themes to life in a way that resonates with 21st-century viewers.
The sequel succeeds by paying meticulous attention to detail, which elevates the storytelling experience. The writers carefully weave in minor elements that might seem insignificant at first glance, but these details add depth and authenticity to the narrative.
This focus on the small things is one of the sequel’s greatest strengths, as it allows the folklore to feel alive and immersive.
Crafting a believable world steeped in myth while keeping the audience invested is no small feat, and the attention to detail ensures that even the more fantastical elements feel grounded.
A standout feature of the Anikulapo franchise is its inclusion of veteran actors across different generations, whose performances add richness to the series.
These seasoned actors bring a depth of experience to their roles, delivering dialogues and embodying their characters with near-flawless execution.
Their contributions lend a sense of continuity and tradition to the story, making it not just a tale of the past but a living, evolving cultural experience.
The intergenerational casting brings a multi-layered perspective to the narrative, enriching the folklore with diverse interpretations.
The visual and technical aspects of the sequel are praiseworthy, with the cinematography standing out for its ability to enhance the magical ambiance of the story.
The detailed attention given to costumes, graphics, and other effects helps to create an immersive atmosphere, particularly in scenes like Saro’s deposed body or Arolake’s eerie encounter with forest spirits.
These elements are not merely decorative but integral to conveying the mystical tone of the narrative, effectively bridging the gap between the real and supernatural worlds. The visual presentation ensures that the series is not just heard and understood, but also seen and felt.
Moreover, the use of language in the series adds another layer of cultural authenticity, with Yoruba being spoken in its purest form. This dedication to linguistic fidelity enriches the story and provides an opportunity for the audience to experience the beauty of the Yoruba language and culture.
It serves not just as a mode of communication but as a cultural artifact, further grounding the folklore in its indigenous roots.
While these qualities are familiar to viewers of Kunle Afolayan’s previous works, they still stand out as a testament to the director’s ongoing commitment to celebrating and preserving Yoruba heritage through film.
Negative
The sequel to Anikulapo, Rise of the Spectre, can best be described as a “paradox,” excelling in some areas while faltering in others, particularly with the plot.
The decision to expand the story into a series allowed for a deeper exploration of the world Kunle Afolayan created, providing an opportunity to delve into its characters and universe.
However, this expansion introduced significant challenges, including pacing issues and a struggle to balance the numerous characters and subplots. As a result, the series sometimes left viewers playing catch-up, trying to keep up with the various elements introduced throughout the episodes.
The introduction of more characters and side plots added layers to the narrative, but also created distractions that detracted from the main story. At times, the focus seemed to shift away from the core themes, causing confusion about which characters and arcs were central to the viewer’s investment.
This lack of clarity made it difficult for audiences to form a strong connection with the central figures, which is essential for an emotionally compelling story.
The presence of unnecessary subplots contributed to this disconnection, as the narrative often wandered away from the primary storyline.
The structure of the series showed promise in the initial episodes, with intriguing plot development that engaged viewers. However, as the episodes progressed, the emphasis on suspense over substantial story progression became apparent.
This shift in focus led to a lack of clear direction, leaving audiences puzzled about the story’s true purpose and objectives.
The allure of suspense seemed to overshadow meaningful plot advancement, resulting in moments where the main narrative appeared to stall or get lost amid the subplots.
A significant issue with the sequel was the way the title, Anikulapo, was represented. The term “Anikulapo” means “one who bears death in his pocket,” a concept that was vividly explored in the original film through the themes of resurrection and mortality.
In the sequel, however, this idea seemed to fade into the background, appearing only sparingly, perhaps not until the final scenes.
While the title suggested a continuation or deepening of this theme, the series did not adequately fulfill its promise, leaving the significance of “bearing death” underexplored.
The early episodes hinted at the “rise of the spectre” with Saro’s character and the three ghosts haunting him. However, the implications of Saro’s disobedience to the angel’s instructions were never fully addressed.
The series left questions unanswered, such as whether Saro would remain human or become a wandering ghost. Additionally, Bashorun’s role as a potential new Anikulapo was left ambiguous, further muddying the narrative.
This lack of clarity around the consequences and character transformations detracted from the overall cohesion of the story.
Ultimately, these unresolved questions and narrative lapses suggest that another sequel might be on the horizon.
However, the necessity of this miniseries is brought into question, given its shortcomings in providing a complete and satisfying continuation of the original Anikulapo.
While the sequel had moments of brilliance and expanded the universe, it often left viewers feeling disoriented and unsure about the story’s direction, creating more confusion than resolution.
Verdict
8/10
