“Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre” Reviews: A Paradoxical Sequel That Leaves More Questions Than Answers

“Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre” is a six-part epic TV mini-series based on the successful 2022 movie “Anikulapo”, directed and produced by Kunle Afolayan. Here’s the intriguing plot:

In a race against time to avoid a dismal fate, the traveller Saro returns to the mystical land of Ojumo with orders to complete a nearly impossible task. As Saro delves deeper into the heart of Ojumo, he discovers that the stakes are higher than he ever imagined. Along the way, he encounters allies and adversaries, including the Arolake, the Alaafin Ademuyiwa, and the mysterious Bashorun.

The series weaves together elements of drama, fantasy, and mystical folklore, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope.

Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre is perhaps Kunle Afolayan’s most ambitious and daring project yet, as it explores the mystical world of Ojumo, where ancient secrets and powerful forces collide. The series features a cast of veteran and new actors, stunning cinematography, authentic language, and intricate details that showcase the depth of Afolayan’s storytelling abilities.

Compared to Afolayan’s other works, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre is a remarkable achievement that demonstrates his versatility, creativity, and vision as a filmmaker. It is also a testament to the potential and growth of the Nigerian film industry, which has been undergoing a revolution in recent years. Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys epic sagas that transcend time and reality.

Well-Crafted Folklore for the 21st Century

The sequel’s writers undoubtedly understand their onion, and they deserve their accolades. They achieved a smooth link with the previous work without any lapses, considering the technicality of the storyline and how irrelevant and uninteresting it might seem to today’s reality.

Crafting folklore for 21st-century viewers is no small feat. Yet, the sequel excels by paying meticulous attention to even the most minor and seemingly insignificant details, which becomes one of its strengths.

One beautiful aspect of the Anikulapo franchise is the intergenerational involvement of all veteran actors, who have a knack for interpreting their roles almost flawlessly; they all fit in perfectly for their roles, dialogue and contributions.

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Aníkúlápó was said to be inspired by Game of Thrones for its fantastical and royalty elements, but the film was a tad too lengthy with its near two hour runtime, and plenty of plotlines. Rise of the Spectre tries to solve this, through expanding the runtime to expand on the plotlines, but the way the series structured doesn’t ease the length and the confusing way the plot is laid out.

A Good Movie to Watch

If this sequel could be described with one word, it would be “paradox”.

In almost every aspect where this film excels, it also finds a way to falter, especially with the plot.

Expanding the story into a series allows Kunle to delve deeper into the universe he created. However, this expansion comes with its challenges. The series introduces more characters and side plots, leading to pacing issues.

At times, the story struggles to keep up with all the major players, resulting in moments where viewers are left playing catch-up.

Additionally, some side plots feel unnecessary and detract from the main narrative’s focus.

How things play out in the movie leaves viewers conflicted about whose story they have invested so much time in. This ambiguity could be more positive, as viewers should ideally feel a solid connection to the central characters and their arcs.

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