Review: 'Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre' is a convoluted disappointment

Despite getting off to an impressive start, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre ends up being dragged down by numerous overlapping subplots, with no clear protagonist defined in Kunle Afolayan's epic tale.

Picking up right after the events of Anikulapo, the Netflix sequel series continues Saro's story following his demise and subsequent resurrection by the powers that be.

Instead of exploring Saro's unique quest while fleshing out this universe, the director chooses to take on multiple story arcs, leaving the viewer feeling frustrated at times.

Granted, the world-building is impressive and Afolayan definitely improves on the visuals we saw in the first film but when you relegate the two leads and give priority to several side quests and supporting characters, you are bound to be left with an overstuffed plot and unanswered questions.

The series begins with Saro (Kunle Remi) finding himself on the path between this world and the next. After he is denied entry into the place of eternal rest, he is tasked with returning the 20 people he resurrected as they all cheated death.

After finding a way back to his mortal form, Saro starts a new life in a different settlement with the aid of three roving souls following a singular bargain with them. But old habits die hard and before long, the young man falls for the village belle as echoes from his past reverberate into the present.

Meanwhile, back in Oyo, crisis brews as a cunning, high-ranking adversary plots to capture Saro while the Alaafin gets wind of a mysterious woman who so happens to be the 'lost' Princess Arolake (Bimbo Ademoye). 

Arolake, who has been blessed with good fortune (one of the series' most baffling and unexplained issues), suddenly decides to be a philanthropist in the new life she has made for herself.

Sola Sobowale and Owobo Ogunde in ANIKULAPO RISE OF THE SPECTRE

When destiny comes calling, she disguises herself as a rich woman and dares to visit the Alaafin, triggering a series of events that culminate in a dramatic reunion.

One of the things that made the sequel watchable is the standout performances of Kunle Remi and Bimbo Ademoye; their chemistry was undeniable and the whole 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' thing worked.

This time around, the characters' journeys have to be followed separately and while that isn't a bad thing, their arcs aren't developed well enough and they take the back seat until much later.

With the introduction of new characters comes the necessity to shine a light on their backstories, motives, and aspirations. This is where Rise of the Spectre fails.

For the most part, the viewer is expected to follow every one of these individuals as the story unfolds, drawing you into their stories and unexpectedly abandoning them just when you are vested enough to care. 

Afolayan, a filmmaker who has proven himself adept at taking on feature projects of different genres, struggles to adapt to the intricacies that come with making a series resonate with audiences. He fails to find a way to make the plot exposition work as major characters suffer from being ignored by a script that should have found balance.

As pointed out earlier, Rise of the Spectre has no clear protagonist, a major disappointment given all the ways the tale could have gone and Kunle Remi's charisma and talent.

Added to the list of anomalies and inconsistencies is characters making unrealistic choices, going against some of the core decisions they made earlier.

For instance, I see no reason why a supporting character who expresses strong disapproval over her daughter marrying someone suddenly undergoes a miraculous change and becomes cool with it, even agreeing to name the baby after the man she despises.

However, one thing that this sequel gets right is its antagonist, Bashorun Ogunjimi (played by Owobo Ogunde, the last son of theatre legend, Hubert Ogunde).

It's been a while since I watched a Nollywood villain who is everything an antagonist should be; sinister, scary, imposing, convincing, unnerving, and unforgettable.

Despite being the Kingdom's Prime Minister, Bashorun seems to tower over even the Alaafin himself, inspiring a degree of fear in the traditional ruler.

Owobo Ogunde as Bashorun

As Bashorun, Ogunde is an actor who relishes playing the bad guy so much that his outing, for me, is the highlight of this series. Unfortunately, he never finds a worthy opponent for the entirety of the show and his confrontation with some warriors in the climax came off as very disappointing.

Apart from Ogunde, Remi and Ademoye also impress despite not being given enough runtime as expected. Other talents like Sola Sobowale as Awarun, Jide Kosoko as one of the Oyo Mesi, and Gabriel Afolayan as Akin also shine in their respective roles.

The cinematography is an improvement from what we saw in the first film and the increase in the number of extras adds realism to the verisimilitude.

The few so-called action scenes are cringy and I don't know when this will stop being an issue in Nollywood. The special effects also look cheap.

It's hard to say if there are plans for a second season of Rise of the Spectre but if there are, the major characters should get the much-needed focus they deserve as against getting drowned in a cacophony of noise from others who are less remarkable.

Rating: 5.5/10.