Following her standout performance in Netflix’s Baby Farm, Nollywood star Onyinye Odokoro is once again stepping into the spotlight, this time in the chilling horror film Oblation.
The film, now in post-production, is generating significant buzz for its eerie storytelling and gripping exploration of generational trauma and spiritual entanglements.
Written and directed by Chioma Paul-Dike, Oblation delves into the unsettling consequences of ignoring unseen forces, blending psychological horror with deep-rooted African folklore. With Odokoro leading the cast, the film promises to be a thought-provoking and terrifying cinematic experience.
In Oblation, Odokoro takes on the role of Nelo, a newlywed who begins experiencing strange and unsettling dreams after moving into her husband’s home. What starts as mere nightmares soon spirals into an all-consuming battle with forces beyond her understanding.
As Nelo’s visions intensify, she is forced to confront the ghosts of the past and the spiritual debts of her lineage. The film’s narrative is expected to weave together themes of inherited trauma, superstition, and the unseen forces that shape people’s lives.
With its layered storytelling, Oblation seeks to push the boundaries of Nigerian horror cinema, offering audiences an experience that is as introspective as it is terrifying.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast alongside Odokoro, featuring Kelechi Udegbe, Amanda Oruh, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, Ruby Akubueze, Bucci Franklin, Ebere Okaro, and Iyke Ndubuisi. Their performances are set to bring depth and authenticity to Oblation’s haunting world, creating a film that balances psychological intensity with raw emotional depth.
Speaking about the project, director Chioma Paul-Dike shared her vision for the film: “It’s not just about fear; it’s about the things we inherit, the things we refuse to see, and the consequences of ignorance.” Her approach to horror extends beyond mere jump scares, focusing instead on a creeping sense of dread rooted in real-life anxieties and cultural beliefs.
Paul-Dike is no stranger to crafting unsettling narratives. Her previous short film, Dreams, garnered international acclaim, screening at over 15 prestigious festivals, including AFRIFF (2023), the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (2024), and the Real-Time International Film Festival UK (2024).
Oblation, a feature-length adaptation, expands on the core themes introduced in Dreams, bringing a more expansive and immersive horror experience to audiences. The film seeks to continue Paul-Dike’s tradition of exploring psychological and supernatural horror through a uniquely African lens, solidifying her growing reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
Behind the scenes, the production is backed by a talented team, with Eric Kafui Okyerefo serving as the Executive Producer and Yemi Adeojo as the Director of Photography. Their combined expertise ensures that Oblation will deliver a visually striking and narratively compelling horror experience.
While an official release date has yet to be announced, anticipation continues to build, with more details expected to emerge in the coming months. As Nigerian cinema continues to push creative boundaries, Oblation stands poised to make a lasting impact, redefining horror storytelling in the industry.
