Ori: Rebirth is a 2025 Nigerian Yoruba-language drama film directed by Muyiwa Ademola, Adekola Tijani, and Tope Adebayo Salami.
Released in Nigerian cinemas on May 2, 2025, the film follows Bisade, whose death is orchestrated by Yeye Fernandez’s cult. A woman named Temidun is destined to save a man marked for sacrifice, leading Bisade to confront his consciousness and fate’s mysteries. The film explores themes of spiritual intuition and destiny. The cast features prominent Nigerian actors such as Omowunmi Dada, Sola Sobowale, Toyin Abraham, Muyiwa Ademola, Dele Odule, and Joke Muyiwa.
The Premise
Ori: Rebirth follows Bisade, a man caught in a spiritual war that threatens his identity, sanity, and life. Once a celebrated young man positioned for a prestigious chieftaincy title, Bisade is plagued by disturbing dreams that blur the line between past and present.
Unknown to him, his mother-in-law, Yeye Fernandez, a powerful matriarch torn between legacy, fear, and control, has entered into a deadly pact with an occult group. Her desperation to protect her family from a generational curse leads her to target Bisade, believing his sacrifice is the key to redemption. However, the plan backfires when a mysterious plane crash leaves Bisade missing — but alive — in a remote village with no memory of his former life.
Now living as a humble farmer with a loving wife, Temidun, and a son he will not remember fathering, Bisade’s new life seems peaceful. But spiritual forces refuse to let him rest. As Mrs. Fernandez and her cult escalate their search, determined to finish what they started, Bisade begins to recover his memories and piece together the dark truths surrounding his disappearance.
Caught between two lives, Bisade must face betrayal, embrace his destiny, and protect his new family from deadly forces.
Casts and Performances
Ori: Rebirth brings together a strong ensemble of Nollywood heavyweights, each delivering memorable performances. Muyiwa Ademola takes the lead as Bisade, a man caught in a whirlwind of confusion and rediscovery. He portrays the emotional shifts of his character with quiet intensity, making his internal conflict feel believable.
Sola Sobowale plays Yeye Fernandez, the fiery matriarch determined to protect her family, no matter the cost. Sola brings power and passion to the screen, making her character’s motives infuriating and understandable in confrontations.
Toyin Abraham gives a heartfelt performance as Temidun, Bisade’s new wife. Her scenes are grounded in care, warmth, and emotional strength, especially as she nurses him back to health while standing by him through uncertainty.
The Fernandez children, played by Lateef Adedimeji, Omowunmi Dada, and Femi Adebayo, bring depth and range to the family dynamic, each with a distinct presence. Supporting appearances from Odunlade Adekola and Ibrahim Chatta round out the cast, adding further gravitas to the film’s emotional and cultural weight.
What I liked About Ori: Rebirth Movie
One of the strengths of Ori: Rebirth movie is its storyline. While rooted in spiritual themes, it also touches deeply on fate, destiny, and just how far people are willing to go to protect the ones they love. This remake of the 2004 original manages to stand confidently on its own, without relying too heavily on nostalgia. The cinematography is a highlight; everything from the plane crash to the helicopter search scenes felt thoughtfully crafted and added weight to the plot. The effort to build a believable world with layered subplots paid off.
Weak Points
Ori: Rebirth had a few misses, especially in areas Nollywood still needs to refine. One noticeable slip was the inconsistent portrayal of Temidun’s pregnancy; the visibly shifting baby bump distracted a bit. The CGI during the final fire scene also fell short. Temidun and her son sat in flames, yet emerged untouched—no burns and no charred clothes. It defied realism and pulled away from the emotional weight the scene could’ve had.
Moreover, the makeup used for the injured Fernandez children didn’t quite land either; specifically, it lacked the detail needed to make their pain believable.
Lastly, the ending felt emotionally off. The idea that a child under ten would consciously choose to die in a fire alongside his mother felt implausible. Temidun, under occult influence, drugging the boy before the fire, could’ve delivered a more believable and emotionally resonant ending.
Final Thoughts
Ori: Rebirth makes a bold attempt at blending spiritual themes with real-life emotions, family loyalty, and the burden of fate. While some of its technical flaws and plot choices may raise eyebrows, the film still delivers a gripping story anchored by passionate performances and a strong emotional core. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step forward for Nollywood storytelling and is worth watching for its ambition, especially if you saw the original.
Rating
I rate Ori: Rebirth 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Have you watched it yet? What did you think of the themes, the performances, or that dramatic ending? Let me know your thoughts.
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