Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre - A Bold Expansion of an Epic Universe. But Does it Work?
How does Kunle Afolayan sequel to his popular 2022 epic fare compared to its predecessor?
Written by: Sola Dada and Kunle Afolayan
Directed by: Kunle Afolayan
Starring: Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Owobo Ogunde, Sola Sobowale, Gabriel Afolayan, Lateef Adedimeji, Eyiyemi Afolayan, Usman Uzee, and many more.
When Kunle Afolayan introduced Aníkúlápó to audiences in September 2022, it arrived amidst a burgeoning interest in epic Yoruba Nollywood films. The movie quickly captivated viewers, sparking lively discussions on social media about the characters Saro (Kunle Remi) and Arolake (Bimbo Ademoye). Its success on Netflix was remarkable, with reports indicating that within just six days Aníkúlápó had amassed an impressive 8,730,000 viewing hours. With such stellar numbers, a sequel was almost inevitable. Now, Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre has emerged, continuing the saga.
The sequel picks up right where the original left off, with Saro's demise and Arolake's heartbreak. Saro, known for his resourcefulness, is tasked by a gatekeeper with retrieving the 20 souls he previously resurrected. However, true to form, Saro tries to outsmart the system, leading to a series of events where he finds himself burdened with three reclaimed souls now tethered to him. This ghostly trio adds a mix of horror and comedy to the narrative, creating a memorable dynamic throughout the season.
Expanding the story into a series allows Kunle Afolayan 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.
One standout character in the series is Bashorun (Owobo Ogunde), a charismatic chief among the ruling council of Oyo. His presence on screen is captivating, and although he plays a very integral part in the story, the way things play out leaves viewers conflicted about whose story they have invested so much time in. This ambiguity is not necessarily a positive aspect, as viewers should ideally feel a strong connection to the central characters and their arcs.
Despite these challenges, the storytelling in "Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre" excels in its ability to come full circle in certain moments. Moments like Awarun's connection to her estranged daughter and Saro, although coincidental, remind viewers of the unpredictable nature of fate. These connections, along with callbacks to incidents from the first movie, add depth and complexity to the narrative.
While the series may not solely focus on Saro and Arolake, it effectively sets the stage for future seasons to explore new storylines and characters. With the promise of more seasons, Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre leaves viewers intrigued about the future direction of the "Aníkúlápó" universe, yet does very little to justify its current existence.
Rinzy’s Rating: 3/5
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