This sequel picks up right where the original movie ends. Our journalist, Ehi (Sharon Ooja), who is disguised as a sex worker, is on her way to Europe after a failed attempt to escape the human trafficking ring she infiltrated. This smooth transition should be applauded.
This sequel, like its predecessor, has its strengths and weaknesses. It retains the unsettling investigative tone of the first film, providing a penetrating look into the grim realities of human trafficking and prostitution. The narrative offers a front-row view into the corruption permeating the borders of many African nations. This exploration is vividly conveyed through its setting, characters, and depiction of violence.
The first movie focused more on the prostitution aspect of the ring, but in this sequel, human trafficking takes center stage. However, the prostitution element isn’t discarded; the protagonist’s actions from the first film have lasting repercussions for the ringleaders.
The perils of trafficking are portrayed with stark intensity. Ehi and her companions endure a brutal ambush where their vehicle is overturned and riddled with gunfire, leaving only her and another woman, Peju (Beverly Osu), alive. As they navigate their way across multiple borders, the ominous chant of “five dollars five dollars” follows them, symbolizing their constant peril. The filmmakers’ dedication to authenticity shines through in various scenes, notably when Ehi and Peju are transported in a water tanker. This sequence, among others, draws the audience deeply into their harrowing experiences, ensuring we aren’t detached from their reality. Sandstorms and ambushes further highlight the grim reality that even the most prepared can be left stranded in the desert.
When Ehi reaches out to her boss and he severs all ties, it starkly highlights the inherent risks of investigative journalism. The film poignantly illustrates how many journalists are left to fend for themselves when their investigations take a dangerous turn. For every celebrated investigative success, countless journalists are abandoned and left to navigate perilous situations alone. This narrative draws a poignant parallel between the fate of these journalists and the individuals and issues they strive to expose—both often left neglected and failed by the systems.
The storyline in this sequel transitions smoothly from its predecessor but encounters some pitfalls along the way. In its effort to expose the dark underbelly of its world, the film places Ehi in harrowing situations, yet not all of these scenarios resonate effectively. This is particularly evident when Ehi falls victim to being sold to a brothel, a plot point that undermines the character development she has undergone. For someone who has experienced sexual assault while undercover and endured trafficking, it strains credibility that she would divulge her true identity and motives so readily to Femi (Efa Iwara). This decision feels particularly implausible considering she didn’t disclose this information to her companions—Peju, Ben, and Andrew—, with whom she shared a perilous journey. The inconsistency raises questions about how she could keep her secrets from those she faced danger with, yet disclose everything to someone she just met.
Another baffling decision is Beauty’s (Adebukola Oladipupo) decision to once again attempt illegal immigration to Europe. One might assume that the tragic loss of her sister and mother would serve as a strong deterrent but the writing insists she is driven by a desire to seek justice for her sister. However, this rationale feels strained, especially considering that those responsible for her family’s tragedy are within reach in the same city. Furthermore, Chuks (Ikechukwu Onunaku) killing Ade aids the story, yet the execution falls short. Ade (Bucci Franklin), portrayed as a formidable figure, shouldn’t meet his end so easily. Such plot decisions detract from the otherwise profound exploration the story undertakes. Additionally, the overused trope of depicting villainous gang leaders with excessive smoking should be retired from Nollywood.
The performances in “Oloture: The Journey” are praiseworthy. Sharon Ooja shows significant improvement from the first movie, or perhaps this sequel better harnesses her strengths. She transitions convincingly from a state of dejection to determinedly striving to overcome her circumstances, effectively garnering sympathy for her character. Despite some questionable decisions her character makes, Ooja’s portrayal is compelling enough to overshadow these flaws (which can also be attributed to the scriptwriters). Beverly Osu matches Ooja’s energy as her primary companion, delivering a solid performance. Stan Nze and Amarachukwu Onoh, who join them to form a quartet, also deliver strong performances, making their journey easy to invest in emotionally; hence, when one of them is lost, the impact is deeply felt. The rest of the cast, both returning and new members, adeptly support the lead actors, ensuring a balanced ensemble performance.
The decision to make this sequel into a miniseries raises several questions. It leaves one wondering why the traditional movie format was abandoned in favor of this approach. Unfortunately, this new format doesn’t enhance the project’s presentation; instead, it diminishes the experience. It’s difficult to reconcile that this miniseries clocks in at just an hour and forty-five minutes, especially considering that many Nollywood films now exceed two hours in length. Moreover, ending the miniseries on a cliffhanger, similar to the first movie, already creates an expectation of more content. This begs the question: why wasn’t everything released at once? There are still numerous storylines that require resolution, and one would expect that this format would be utilized to conclude the story comprehensively.
In conclusion, this sequel adequately accepts the torch passed to it by its predecessor and also improves on the story. The cinematography and score help paint the narrative of endurance and the grim world of human trafficking. Oloture: The Journey powerfully illustrates the harrowing struggles for survival and the grim reality faced by those ensnared in exploitation. Although encountering pitfalls, this miniseries manages to unflinchingly deliver on its exploration and the hope is that this story is completed and not snuffed like many investigative journalists.
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