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<p>Released on Netflix in June 2024 and directed by Kenneth Gyang, “Òlòtūré: The Journey” is a compelling continuation of the 2019 film, “Òlòtūré,” that demands viewers to revisit the first instalment to fully appreciate the progression and evolution of its storyline.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>This limited series delves deeper into the grim and dangerous world of human trafficking, prostitution, and modern-day slavery, painting a harrowing picture of the realities faced by many.</p> 
<p>To understand “Òlòtūré: The Journey,” it’s crucial to acknowledge the seamless transition from the first film. The narrative picks up where it left off, maintaining a coherent and fluid storyline that retains the original’s essence while expanding on its themes and characters.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>The film’s progression is clean, yet it raises questions about the feasibility of an undercover journalist’s escape from such perilous situations.</p> 
<h5 id="the-central-plot-of-oloture-the-journey-and-its-challenges" class="wp-block-heading">The central plot of “Òlòtūré: The Journey” and its challenges</h5> 
<p>The film’s central plot revolves around <em>Òlòtūré </em>(Sharon Ooja), an undercover journalist who had infiltrated a human trafficking ring in the first instalment.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>Read also: <strong><em><a href="https://technext24.com/2024/06/03/kesari-intriguing-story-poor-execution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Késárí is an intriguing story with a poor execution</a></em></strong></p> 
<p>The tension mounts as she tries to escape having gotten ample evidence to write an investigative piece. But, the escape scenario prompts viewers to question the preparation and protocols of such risky operations.&nbsp;</p> 
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  <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image.png" alt="&quot;Òlòtūré: The Journey&quot;" class="wp-image-233076">
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   “Òlòtūré: The Journey” (IMG: Netflix)
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<p>The Head of the newspaper, The Scoop, <em>Theo</em> (Segun Arinze) disassociates the company from <em>Òlòtūré</em> after another journalist <em>Emeka</em> (Blossom Chukwujekwu) dies, underscores the precariousness and moral ambiguities inherent in investigative journalism.</p> 
<p>When the politician <em>Sir Philip</em> (Patrick Doyle) hints at the gravity of such a story getting out, and what had to be done to halt its publication, we’re thrown into an abyss, because it is the reality.&nbsp;</p> 
<h5 id="setting-and-authenticity" class="wp-block-heading">Setting and authenticity</h5> 
<p>One of the film’s strengths is its unflinching portrayal of the corruption and decay at the borders of Nigeria, Benin Republic, Niger, all the way to Libya.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>The “5 Dollar, 5 Dollar” chant was used to communicate this better.&nbsp;</p> 
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  <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1.png" alt="&quot;Òlòtūré: The Journey&quot;  " class="wp-image-233078">
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   “Òlòtūré: The Journey” (IMG: Netflix)
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<p>These locations are not just backdrops but critical elements that reflect the pervasive rot in these countries. In other words, it highlights the magnitude of the porosity of the borders which <a href="https://fij.ng/article/undercover-as-a-smuggler/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fisayo Soyombo’s story</a> aptly captures.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>However, the anachronistic use of a Volvo last used in the early 2000s by a criminal character seems out of place, disrupting the film’s temporal setting. We’d consider the use of later versions of some of the other vehicles.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>Also, the clichéd depiction of big criminals as cigar lovers feels overly stereotyped and detracts from the film’s authenticity. I mean, we see them, on our streets, on live TV, and we don’t see them always holding cigars.&nbsp;</p> 
<h5 id="realistic-depiction-of-violence" class="wp-block-heading">Realistic depiction of violence</h5> 
<p>The series excels in creating realistic and impactful scenes, particularly the moment when the trafficked girls are brutally killed.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>The raw and visceral nature of this scene, complete with an explosion of the bus, is a testament to the directors’ commitment to making the horror palpable.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>Yet, the inclusion of explicit language such as “You fucking bitch!” in a predominantly pidgin English dialogue feels jarring and unnecessary, breaking the film’s linguistic consistency.</p> 
<h5 id="setting-and-characterisation" class="wp-block-heading">Setting and characterisation</h5> 
<p>The film’s setting and characterisation are commendable, with appropriate locations that enhance the narrative’s believability.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>The bustling, chaotic environments reflect the characters’ tumultuous lives and the oppressive atmosphere they navigate. The large ensemble cast adds depth and diversity, effectively bringing the story to life.</p> 
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  <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-2.png" alt="&quot;Òlòtūré: The Journey&quot;" class="wp-image-233079">
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   “Òlòtūré: The Journey” (IMG: Netflix)
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<h5 id="musical-score-and-emotional-depth" class="wp-block-heading">Musical score and emotional depth</h5> 
<p>One of the film’s significant drawbacks is its uninspiring music.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>The score, largely composed of seemingly repetitive instrumental tracks that resemble royalty-free YouTube music, falls short of enhancing the film’s emotional and dramatic impact.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>Given the film’s big budget – evidenced in the setting, a more compelling and original soundtrack would have significantly elevated the viewing experience.</p> 
<h5 id="fragmented-storytelling" class="wp-block-heading">Fragmented storytelling</h5> 
<p>The portrayal of suffering and desperation among those attempting to cross into Europe through illegal means is evident but not fully immersive.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>The narrative often cuts short scenes that could provide a deeper emotional connection to the characters’ plights.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>This fragmented storytelling approach prevents viewers from fully engaging with the characters’ suffering, as moments of potential emotional resonance are abruptly interrupted.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>The film “<a href="https://www.netflix.com/ng/title/81270768?source=35" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nimbe</a>,” for example, successfully draws viewers into <em>Nimbe</em>’s (Chimezie Imo’s) pain and struggles, creating a more immersive experience that “Oloture: The Journey ” could have benefited from emulating.</p> 
<h5 id="risk-of-viewer-alienation" class="wp-block-heading">Risk of viewer alienation</h5> 
<p>The risk of abrupt storytelling has the potential to alienate viewers. A comparison can be drawn to the <a href="https://www.vulture.com/article/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-premiere-ratings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reception of “House of the Dragon,”</a> where sudden and unresolved episodes have led to a loss of audience interest.&nbsp;</p> 
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  <p>“Òlòtūré: The Journey” similarly risks losing its viewers if it continues to truncate its narrative arcs.</p>
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<h5 id="skip-or-stream" class="wp-block-heading">Skip or stream?&nbsp;</h5> 
<p>“Òlòtūré: The Journey” is a powerful continuation of its predecessor, shedding light on the dark world of human trafficking and exploitation. While it succeeds in several areas, such as realistic settings and strong characterisation, it falters in others, including its musical score and the abruptness of its storytelling.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>The film’s potential for emotional depth is often undercut by its fragmented narrative, preventing viewers from fully immersing in the characters’ experiences. Despite its shortcomings, “Òlòtūré: The Journey” remains a significant and relevant piece of cinema that highlights critical social issues.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>For those invested in the story and the characters’ fates, it offers a compelling, albeit imperfect, continuation of a narrative that began with the 2019 instalment.&nbsp; As a limited series, it delves into human trafficking, prostitution, and modern slavery, providing a stark and unflinching look at these pressing issues.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>With some refinements in its storytelling and musical choices, future episodes could further solidify its impact and resonance with audiences for longer periods.</p>

“Òlòtūré: The Journey”: The new Netflix series is a compelling story with a fractured narrative

Technext.ng

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