Biodun Stephen’s latest female-centred drama, ‘I Am Anis’, is now streaming on Circuits. From the trailer alone, it’s clear that the film aims to challenge societal norms and provoke thought. Stephen has a strong track record of delivering compelling dramas, so we had to check it out. Does ‘I Am Anis’ live up to expectations? Read on to find out.

A Past That Refuses to Stay Hidden

The official synopsis reads: At her son’s introduction ceremony, wealthy oil magnate Anisola Williams is exposed as a former prostitute, shaking her carefully built life. A flashback reveals her journey from a rebellious, abandoned young woman to a powerful figure, thanks to a kind client’s belief in her.

The film’s strongest element is Anisola’s journey—her transformation from a troubled young woman to a respected figure is well thought out. Supporting plotlines, such as Williams guiding her toward a better future and her son David’s relationship with Iyobosa, add depth to the story.

However, the turning point—when Anisola’s past is exposed at David’s introduction ceremony—feels somewhat contrived. Given that he was raised by a single mother, his reaction is oddly extreme. Instead of protecting her publicly and addressing the matter privately, he immediately adds to her humiliation. This lack of nuance weakens an otherwise impactful moment.

A Story of Strength, But With Uneven Execution

The film takes us through Anisola Williams’ life, showing her transformation from a rebellious teenager to a woman of power. While her arc is compelling, some aspects feel underdeveloped.

From the beginning, Anis is at odds with her father, but the film doesn’t fully explore why. When she finally explains their fractured relationship to Williams, the reasoning doesn’t seem strong enough to justify her earlier hostility.

The main conflict arises when David learns about his mother’s past. While his initial shock is understandable, his reaction is exaggerated, seemingly designed to intensify the audience’s emotions. The conflict is drawn out, yet its resolution is disappointingly swift—a few exchanged words and all is forgiven. This abrupt shift lessens the emotional weight of the climax.

Commanding Performances That Elevate the Film

The cast delivers strong performances that help bring the story to life. Lina Idoko shines as the younger Anis, capturing her rebellious and fiery nature. Shaffy Bello, in a role unlike anything we’ve seen from her before, delivers a standout performance. Her scene where she prays to God after being exposed is raw and deeply emotional, cementing her as the heart of the film.

Charles Inojie provides much-needed comic relief as Uncle Ojeifo, effortlessly delivering a hilarious performance. Biodun Stephen, in her acting role as Oploplo, is compelling, while Tina Mba makes a lasting impression in the scene where she scolds David for disrespecting his mother and refuses to let him marry Iyobosa. Adebowale Adedayo, Debby Felix, and Martha Ehinome also bring solid performances, adding to the film’s emotional depth.

A Visually Grounded Yet Safe Approach

The film’s use of music is notable, frequently employed to heighten emotions throughout key moments. Attention to detail is evident, particularly in the flashback scenes where the currency used accurately reflects the time. These small touches add to the film’s authenticity.

The casting of Lina Idoko and Shaffy Bello as the young and older versions of Anis is an inspired choice. Their performances complement each other well, making the transition between past and present feel seamless. While the cinematography isn’t particularly innovative, the film is well-shot and visually engaging. It doesn’t take creative risks, but it tells its story in a way that feels natural and effective.

Final Thoughts

While ‘I Am Anis’ effectively conveys the idea that one’s past doesn’t define them, some narrative choices hold it back. Anis’s initial hot-headedness feels unjustified, even after her relationship with her father is explained. The film excels in its portrayal of women supporting each other, particularly in the way Iyobosa and her mother refuse to judge Anis for her past. This aspect feels refreshing and reinforces the film’s core message of redemption.

However, one moment stands out as particularly out of place. After Anis shares her life story with Iyobosa’s mother, she responds by saying, “Na man you be,” implying that resilience and survival are inherently masculine traits. For a film centred on female empowerment, this statement feels outdated and misplaced.

One of the most gripping moments is the scene where Uncle Ojeifo exposes Anis. Even those without dialogue convey so much through facial expressions alone, making it one of the film’s strongest scenes. On the other hand, Rykardo Agbor’s character, with his forced American accent and unsettling relationship with Anis, is uncomfortable to watch, though perhaps that was the intent.

Anis not recognizing her childhood friend when there is little or no changes in her appearance is quite strange.

Verdict

‘I Am Anis’ is a touching story about resilience and second chances, brought to life by strong performances. However, the crucial conflict between mother and son is overstretched, preventing it from fully realizing its potential. Despite these shortcomings, it remains a compelling watch earning it a rating of 3.35 stars out of 5.

Rating: 3.35/5