Òlòturé: The Journey highlights the Global Issue of Human Trafficking

After its critically acclaimed prequel of the same title in 2019, Òlòturé is back, but this time as a limited series. The much anticipated sequel was released to Netflix on the 28th of June and maintained its previous director, Kenneth Gyang who did a laudable job on the series.

One may want to question why it’s a series, but walk with us briefly, and we’ll let you know if it is worth it.

Spoiler-Free Summary

Òlòturé: The Journey picks up where the original left off, diving deeper into the dark, harrowing world of human trafficking, prostitution and now, illegal immigrants. The sequel follows journalist Òlòturé (Sharon Ooja), who has to continue the journey to Europe with other girls after she was caught trying to run away.

Of the fifteen girls booked to go to Europe, one was beheaded after she was caught with a phone, while the other managed to get away with the help of Òlòturé, leaving thirteen girls to continue the journey.

This becomes a problem for all involved as the client in Italy had paid for fifteen girls. Òlòturé’s book documenting her experience also landed in the wrong hands, never to see the light of day. This further causes a rift between all parties involved in the trafficking, causing them to turn against one another.

Òlòturé on the other hand, finds herself constantly battling to stay alive, enduring one near-death experience after another, all while forging new friendships and acquiring a few more enemies.

Review

‘Òlòturé: The Journey’ is a gripping continuation of its predecessor, maintaining the intense, raw narrative that captivated audiences in the first film. However, the sequel deviates slightly from its original to become more of an exposition of illegal migration’s harsh realities and dangers.

Director Kenneth Gyang masterfully weaves a story that is both emotionally wrenching and socially significant, shedding light on the brutality of illegal migration.

The cinematography, locations, VFX and set helped to capture the harrowing experience of illegal migrants perfectly. Each picture and scene does the most to emphasize the tense atmosphere that is present throughout the movie. The sound design and score further amplify the emotional impact, creating an immersive experience that stays with the audience long after the credits roll.

This series is also one of the very few Nigerian films that engaged locations across multiple African countries. We saw Òlòturé and her companions literally go through hell and more hell as they journeyed from Nigeria to the Benin Republic to Niger and then Libya.

Through deserts and sand storms, oceans and rocky hills, we see in the different characters their desperation, frustrations, fear, uncertainty, doggedness, brutality, a will to survive, hopes and dreams, and so much more.

It is fine storytelling from Kenneth Gyang and everyone working on the movie. Sharon Ooja delivers a convincing performance, portraying Òlòturé with a depth that draws viewers into her perilous journey.

The supporting cast, including the cameos, all held their own as well. Cameos because Ebony’s life is no stranger to spending budgets on unlikely yet all-star cameos.

The supporting cast, including Ikechukwu Onunaku, Daniel Etim Effiong, Beverly Osu, Omoni Oboli, as well as newcomers Stan Nze, Anarachukwu Onoh, Bucci Franklin, Bukola Oladipupo, and more, all delivered astounding performances.

These amazing actors, in their various roles, added layers of complexity to the narrative by bringing their individual characters’ struggles and strengths to the forefront.

Òlòturé: The Journey is definitely not what you’re expecting. It’s not Òlòturé returning to Nigeria and getting awarded for her professionalism and dedication as a journalist. It is so much more expository, unveiling harsh truths of the world we currently live in.

There is also the part of trouble looming within the human trafficking syndicates back in Nigeria as they all turn against each other. A flat-out war is definitely brewing, and Kenneth Gyang has us all excited for the next season.

We’re definitely gutted that the season only has three episodes. While we’re rolling our eyes at the fact that we’re likely getting multiple seasons, we’re secretly eagerly waiting for the rest of the series to drop because Kenneth Gyang decided to be an evil genius with the ability to leave the audience in hungry anticipation of where next Òlòturé’s journey takes her.

At this point, it’s probably safe to say that we’re all on this journey with her, so petition to rename it ‘Òlòturé: Our Journey.’