Oloture: The Journey is the sequel to the Nollywood movie Oloture. This series tells the story of a journalist working undercover as a sex worker. With her life in danger, the journalist Oloture, portrayed by Sharon Ooja, decides to flee to Europe illegally. Her journey exposes her to the rigorous risks encountered by illegal migrants.
The series boasts of an array of stars like Omoni Oboli (Alero), Ikechukwu Onunaku (Chucks), Daniel Etim Effiong (Tony), Bucci Franklin (Ade), Beverly Osu (Peju), Bukola Oladipupo (Beauty), Pearl Watts (Jewel), Patrick Doyle (Sir Phillip), Ayo Mogaji (Oloture’s Mother), Stan Nze (Ben), Amarachukwu Onoh (Andrew), Wofai Fada (Vanessa), Efa Iwara (Femi), Susan Jimah (Rose), Anthony Nwahiri (Abi), Maureen Ihua (Madam Stephanie), and Segun Arinze (Theo).
Plot is good
I like how the directors began the film by giving hints of what transpired in the prequel, more like bringing viewers up to speed before the sequel took its turn. However, I wouldn’t say I like the suspense-filled soundtrack that almost accompanied every scene at the movie’s beginning. The scene where the bus conveying Oloture and other Europe-bound travellers in the Niger Republic was convincing, except for the CGI fire inside the tumbled bus that later exploded.
One plot I detested so much was when Oloture told Femi about her journalistic work and the dangers she was in. I thought the plot was too weak because Oloture knew that some folks were after her life, yet she chose to reveal such sensitive details to a stranger.
Acting is a mix of good and poor
Did the series put together actors that matched the characters they portrayed? I think Daniel Etim Effiong didn’t fit the role of Tony, a fierce human trafficker. He looked too soft and only fit for romance roles. He couldn’t look tough, even in the scene where he got mad at Alero for not properly vetting the girls he handed to him. His face couldn’t portray that of a fierce crime boss. As for Patrick Doyle, he shouldn’t have been picked for the role of a politician. Perhaps playing too many pastoral roles in movies made accepting him in a different role difficult. I hail Stan Nze for nailing the Ghanaian accent. However, his acting as a footballer on the pitch was poor for someone going to Europe to make it into the bid league.
The movie’s location and costumes are not bad
I like the location used to represent the Niger Republic desert. It looked convincing. Perhaps the film crew travelled to the West African country to shoot the part, using the architectural style in the location. The makeup artiste that helped disfigure Oloture and Peju’s face did well. The artiste made them look beaten and depressed, giving an impression of what might become of anyone who chooses the illegal migration route.
With just a few episodes out, I won’t be in a haste to rate Oloture: The Journey. However, I will admit that it is worth seeing.
