Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre Review – A Sequel Struggling to Find Its Footing

For many who fell under the spell of Anikulapo’s captivating story, the question of what happened next lingered in their minds. With Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre, director Kunle Afolayan provides an answer by expanding the tale into a six-part miniseries. We rejoin the intriguing character of Saro, who was last seen facing grave consequences for his actions. Now in the afterlife, new dilemmas arise as he discovers the full price of defying the spiritual order.

The film left Saro’s fate ambiguous, so viewers were eager to see where his journey might lead. Through the sequel series, we learn he must repay past debts before continuing on his path. But as always, Saro seeks an easier way and bargains for a chance to delay his fate. This sets the stage for even greater intrigue as he returns to the land of the living under impossible conditions.

With the mystery of Anikulapo’s powers still unresolved, political tensions simmer in Oyo as well. How these various threads become tangled raises thought-provoking themes around free will and its limits. Over six immersive episodes, the director pulls back the veil on this richly-imagined spiritual world, offering new perspectives while paying homage to Yoruba traditions. For those taken in by the original, this exploration of what comes next could not be more welcome.

Stepping Into The Spirit World

The story picks up after the events of Anikulapo, with Saro departing his mortal body and beginning the journey to the afterlife. However, upon reaching the gates, he’s denied entrance by the gatekeeper. Saro learns the fateful consequences: by misusing Akala’s power to raise the dead, he disrupted the spiritual order and must now retrieve the souls.

Initially refusing his tasks, Saro bargains for a way to live again in the physical world. He’s allowed three years as a wraith in a distant land, aided by three souls under his influence. Settling into his new home, Saro’s business talents shine as his palm wine venture becomes profitable. But after attracting unwanted attention from a local merchant, whose daughter catches Saro’s eye, tensions soon emerge.

Back in Oyo, Akala’s attacks intensify in response to Saro’s past actions. To appease the spirit, advisors suggest finding Arolake to perform a sacrifice. Lost in the aftermath of betrayal, she discovers a bag with a gift—the power of wealth. As “Asake,”  a wealthy trader, Arolake reintegrates into a new community. Intrigue grows as her faithful partner, Akin, informs the king of her presence.

Seeking power for himself, the ambitious Bashorun hears rumors of Saro’s abilities. He sends men in search, determined to claim this mystical force. But Saro stays focused on building his business, forgetting his lingering debt in the process. When Arolake returns to Oyo under guise, hidden secrets threaten to unravel her new life.

Bashorun’s insatiable greed proves disastrous as his schemes to dethrone the king, steal Saro’s powers, and reveal Arolake’s identity backfire tragically. In the end, the consequences of past actions still linger for some. But for others, new beginnings may yet shine through as darkness falls on those corrupted by power.

Heritage on Display

The production values of Rise of the Spectre truly shine, bringing Yoruba culture to vivid life. The exquisite costumes are a sight to behold, transporting viewers directly to the Oyo Empire. Attire accurately represents characters’ social ranks, from the lavish robes of royals down to simple cloth wraps. I can almost feel the textures myself!

Equal care went into dusty sandals versus beaded leather. Distinct tribal scarification adorns faces; with care, the marks remain consistent. Subtle details like these breathe authenticity into even the briefest of scenes. It’s obvious that much research informed these choices.

Setting the visual spectacle is the rural landscape itself. Scenes were lensed within Kunle Afolayan’s expansive KAP Film Village, allowing storytelling without industrial constraints. Sweeping vistas showcase a rustic community untouched by modern development. Within this historic settlement, production managed what so many films attempt—making the past feel present.

Of course, a village requires buildings. Structures like the towering palace appear hewn from ancient timbers, walls pockmarked by centuries. Rooms hold treasures that capture eras past, from fragile pottery to intricately carved tusks. Even run-down huts feel lived-in, not merely props. This level of design immerses the eyes and mind in Oyo.

So while the plot may not fully cohere at times, Rise of the Spectre undeniably succeeds where epics strive—transporting its audience to another place and people. Within its frames lies a lovingly crafted window to heritage, with cultural respect and authenticity in every exquisite frame. For anyone wanting to glimpse history, this series presents scenery well worth visiting.

Players Take Center Stage

At its heart, Anikulapo revolves around a few memorable characters. Chief among them is the cunning Saro, once more brought to life with gusto by Kunle Remi. You can’t take your eyes off Remi; he fully inhabits Saro and all his guile. There’s an expressiveness to Remi’s performance, ensuring Saro remains an endlessly watchable rogue.

Another standout is Bimbo Ademoye’s nuanced Arolake. Where some might play a ‘wronged queen’ with fierceness, Ademoye locates the heartache. Subtle anguish and quiet resilience say far more than shouts ever could. Viewers truly feel her turmoil at Saro’s betrayal. Ademoye makes Arolake’s journey in this sequel a compelling one to follow.

Yet not all performances sing so sweetly. Taiwo Hassan struggles to infuse King Ademuyiwa with gravitas befitting a leader. At times, when coming across meek, Hassan fails to bring Ademuyiwa’s regal authority to life. One hopes future installments see the actor strengthening this crucial royal role.

Indeed, these central characters prove Anikulapo’s biggest triumph and occasional misstep. When Remi and Ademoye own the screen with their complex, soulful work, the story soars. But weak links like Ademuyiwa’s lightweight portrayal hold things back at times too. Overall, the series rises or falls depending on how engaging its players make these pivotal characters. In its finest moments, true stars grab the spotlight.

Weaving a Complex Tapestry

Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre sets its sights on some weighty themes. Consequences feature prominently; we see how Saro must face up to messing with powers beyond his control. Redemption also crops up as our roguish hero searches for a way to undo past errors. Most prominently, though, is the theme of power, from Saro wrongly seizing Akala’s abilities to others chasing that same high.

Across six lengthy episodes, the narrative spreads these ideas quite broadly. While this allows for real depth with characters like Saro and Arolake, it also contributes to a somewhat sluggish pace. Some side plots, like those involving lesser kingdom figures, feel like they drag the momentum down. Trimming unnecessary political squabbles would have kept the story sailing smoother.

Still, one has to appreciate the ambition inherent in Rise of the Spectre’s scope. Weaving together folklore, moral lessons, and a sprawling cast is an impressive juggling act. If anything, director Afolayan may have been a bit too confident in his ability to tie all the plot strands together cohesively. A more minimalist approach could have resulted in tighter, more gripping storytelling.

Ultimately, though, the works of art that resonate most strongly are those dealing with universal human truths. By wrestling with deep questions around mortality, ethics, and human nature, Rise of the Spectre reaches heights that make it worth the time and investment. Its tapestry, for all its occasional loose threads, is an ornately detailed one depicting our complex relationships with power, guilt, and the possibility of spiritual redemption.

Cultural Authenticity on the Line

The Anikulapo sequel admirably showcases many beloved aspects of Yoruba culture. Hearing the rhythmic language flow so naturally is a real treat. The intricate costumes transporting viewers back in time are also beautifully crafted.

Some of the historical portrayals, though, could have used more nuanced care. The royal court seems stripped of its rightful dignity at points, not reflecting the Oyomesi counsel’s true weight. We’re also left uncertain about certain key figures’ true motives and personalities. Afolayan’s previous works lend such authority when bringing Nigerian history to life.

It’s a shame, then, that smaller details slip through the cracks this time. Politicking within the Oyo kingdom feels loosely sketched and confusingly presented at times. Curiosity remains as to how accurately certain traditions or power structures are depicted. Tighter adherence to cultural resources may have shored up weak spots.

Overall, it’s clear that much respect was paid to cultural preservation through language, design choices, and setting immersion. But perfection is elusive, and freer rein with fictionalization risks muddying understood facts. More research engagement or advisory input could serve the authenticity that elevates Afolayan’s works to their finest. When the richness of the background flounders, the presentation as a whole struggles to shine through the way it otherwise might.

Finding Its Footing

So in the end, did Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre manage to build on its predecessor as effectively as hoped? There were definitely flashes here and there of its potential. The world remains an alluring one, with such rich cultural textures to sink into. And some performances truly carried their weight.

At the same time, though, flaws held it back. Too many new characters blurred the focus without giving them a real chance to latch onto any. Plot points are scattered about disjointedly too often as well. And the pacing could stand to feel a bit brisker in general.

Perhaps with time to refine things, this sequel series may have found a better footing. As it is, it stumbled here and there, finding its balance. The foundations are clearly there for something engaging—the lore, the costumes, the pieces of the acting. But stronger scripting and tightening of the edit would have served the story better.

All in all, while it didn’t entirely meet expectations, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre shows signs that this franchise retains promise. With some polish to the formula, the next installment could really take off. The creativity and care put into crafting this cultural experience remain evident. With luck, smoother sailing lies ahead to match the quality fans deserve. With refining, this universe remains well-poised to capture hearts and minds once more.