I Am Anis is the latest Nigerian drama shaking tables and testing blood pressures. Written by Mannie Oiseomaye and Biodun Stephen, with Stephen also serving as producer and director, the film was released on March 21 exclusively on Circuits TV. While there’s no official rating, it’s safe to say this one is strictly for mature audiences.
The movie weaves a tale of secrets and a past that never stays buried. If you’re in the mood for an emotional rollercoaster and the type of drama that makes you question second chances, grab your popcorn, find good Wi-Fi (or risk your data), and dive in.
The Premise
I am Anis tells the story of Anisola, or Justina as she prefers to be called, who is a young girl caught in a web of defiance and poor choices. Living with her father, a good man guiding her, Anisola’s stubborn and rebellious nature makes it hard for him to help.
Despite his best efforts to caution her against the dangers of hanging with the wrong crowd, she continues to rebel. Her anger escalates, leading to violence as she even threatens to beat him when he tries to discipline her. And so, he has had enough. He gets her arrested; maybe that will teach her some sense. In the holding cell, she meets Bobby, a much older guy with an American accent who offers a piece of advice that sticks with her: “You give control to get control.”
At 17, nearing the end of high school, Anisola takes his advice and plays the role of the perfect daughter while secretly skipping school to be with Bobby. Her father eventually finds out and confronts her. Not long after, Anisola discovers she’s pregnant. Her father, furious, kicks her out, leaving her to turn to Bobby for support.
Years later, Anisola Williams is a successful oil magnate and published author, enjoying the life she’s worked so hard for. When her son, David, and his fiancée, Iyobosa, announce they are expecting, Anisola is initially shocked but gives her blessing. However, during their introduction ceremony, a relative, Uncle Ojiefe, reveals Anisola’s past, shocking David and forcing him to walk out in anger.
As Anisola grapples with her son’s rejection, memories of her turbulent journey resurface. From her troubled past with Bobby to finding refuge with Aunty Amaka, Anisola’s life changes after meeting a brothel owner. But with the help of a wealthy client, Mr. Williams, she turned her life around, leaving her old world behind and rising to become the powerful woman she is today. Yet, despite her best effort to keep her past hidden, reconciling with David is the last challenge she must face.
Cast and Performances
Lina Idoko takes on the role of young Anisola, delivering a performance filled with energy and emotion. While her acting is compelling, there are moments where it feels slightly overplayed. Additionally, casting her as a 17-year-old feels somewhat unconvincing—beyond her juvenile demeanor, her appearance doesn’t quite align with the age she portrays. However, she transitions well from a reckless teenager to a mature character, delivering a well-balanced and commendable performance overall.
Shaffy Bello embodies the older Anisola Williams with grace and depth. She delivers an exceptional and emotionally charged performance, effortlessly carrying the weight of Anisola’s complex journey. Her portrayal leaves no doubt about the struggles, triumphs, and emotions that define the character.
Adebayo Adebowale, popularly known as Mr. Macaroni, steps into the role of David Williams and delivers his character with nuance and conviction. Toyin Oshinaike as Anisola’s father also gives a commendable performance, capturing the role of a concerned yet frustrated parent with realism.
Debby Felix plays Iyobosa, while Tina Mba takes on the role of Mrs. Omigie, both adding depth to their characters. Charles Inojie portrays Uncle Ojiefe, whose presence stirs tension, while Chiarella Nwachukwu plays the enigmatic Mr. Williams with a steady and intriguing delivery.
Biodun Stephen makes a memorable appearance as Oploplo, the formidable madam of the brothel, adding an extra layer of grit to the story. Collectively, the cast brings the plot to life with strong performances, each contributing to the film’s emotional depth and storytelling.
What I Liked About The Movie
The story of I am Anis stood out as the most compelling aspect of the film. It tackles several pressing issues in today’s society. From teenage rebellion and its consequences to the importance of a strong family support system, the film highlights the struggles of young people who stray off course. It also brings to light the harsh realities of early, unintended pregnancies and the responsibilities that come with them, particularly for men.
Beyond that, the movie explores the difficult choices that drive some women into prostitution and the lasting stigma they face. It sheds light on workplace support, women uplifting one another, and how society ultimately plays a defining role in determining whether individuals give up or fight to persevere.
One of the film’s strengths is its unflinching portrayal of the grim realities many women endure to survive. It does not sugarcoat the hardships but instead presents them with raw honesty, making the story even more impactful.
What Did Not Work
From the very first scene, Young Anisola’s intense hostility toward her father felt abrupt and hard to grasp. While the movie later attempted to provide a reason for her consistent rebellion, it didn’t quite carry enough weight to justify the depth of her resentment. This made it difficult to connect fully with her character’s motivations.
Additionally, the depiction of Anisola’s past timeline had some inconsistencies. While the old Naira notes helped set the era, there weren’t enough visual cues to fully establish the time period. Aside from an old Mercedes, little else indicated the timeline, making it hard to place the story historically.
Final Thoughts
I Am Anis is a gripping watch that blends past regrets with present consequences in a way that keeps you hooked. It’s the kind of film that makes you side-eye moral gatekeepers and question the weight of personal redemption. Despite some slight hiccups, the performances and story make it well worth your time.
Rating
I would rate I Am Anis 4.5 out of 5 stars.
What did you think about I Am Anis? Did it keep you glued to the screen, or did it leave you rolling your eyes? Let’s discuss!
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