Movie Title: War: Wrath and Revenge
Release Date: 28 December, 2023
Directors: Dimbo Atiya
Runtime: 30 minutes per episode
Cast: Mofe Duncan, Rahama Sadau, Yakubu Mohammed, Patrick Doyle, Ayoola Ayolola, Ifeanyi Kalu, Theresa Edem, Bikiya Graham Douglas, Daniel Okosun, Maikudi “Cashman”, Mickey Odeh, Sophia Muhammed, Uzee Usman, Padita Agu and Ahide Adum.
In the closing months of 2023, Nigerian cinema witnessed notable releases, such as Funke Akindele’s box office-breaking “A Tribe Called Judah” and Netflix’s exploration of political tensions in the North with “War: Wrath and Revenge.”
While political drama is not a new theme in Nollywood, “War: Wrath and Revenge” brings a refreshing take on fictional political warfare in Northern Nigeria. Originally a spin-off of Ebonylife’s “Sons of Caliphate,” this six-episode series, produced to some extent by Mo Abudu, blends nuanced storytelling, commendable acting, well-chosen locations, and a moral lesson on the pursuit of political power.
The Plot:
Set in the fictional Northern state of Kowa, “War: Wrath and Revenge” picks up from the events in earlier seasons of “Sons of Caliphate.” Gubernatorial candidate Nuhu and his wife Binta navigate the perilous political landscape, unveiling secrets from their pasts as they consider morally questionable strategies to safeguard their futures.
The Good:
- Outstanding Performances: Rahama Sadau excels in her role as Binta, showcasing a range of emotions and delivering a convincing portrayal of an ambitious and conniving woman. Ifeanyi Kalu, playing the character Buba, impressively balances innocence with sinister undertones.
- Cinematography: The series boasts top-notch cinematography with adequate lighting, relevant locations, and effective camera movements, contributing to the realism of the scenes.
- Cultural Exploration: “War: Wrath and Revenge” delves into Northern culture, presenting a story that avoids outdated stereotypes and infuses Hausa into English dialogues, adding authenticity.
The Bad:
- Inconsistent Plot: The series suffers from inconsistencies in the plotline, creating a sense of confusion as multiple events unfold simultaneously. Some major gaps and illogical connections make it challenging to follow without having watched the original series, “Sons of Caliphate.”
- Character Development: While some actors deliver memorable performances, others fail to leave a lasting impression due to an inability to fully translate their characters onto the screen. The unexpected and somewhat linear ending also raises concerns about the ease with which justice is served.
Final Verdict:
8/10. Watch it.
“War: Wrath and Revenge” delivers a thrilling political drama with suspenseful storytelling that keeps viewers engaged, despite some plot inconsistencies and character development issues.
Streaming on Netflix, it offers a compelling exploration of power dynamics in Nigerian politics.