“Òlòtūré: The Journey” Reveals the Brutal World of Human Trafficking

Directed by Kenneth Gyang and produced by Netflix in collaboration with EbonyLife Studios, this series captures the ongoing struggle and suffering faced by those trapped in this dark world of trafficking.

The series picks up four years after the original film, with Òlòtūré, now using the name Ehi, among a group of young girls posing as missionaries, attempting to cross the Nigerian border into Europe with fake passports. Their doomed journey takes them from Nigeria to Niger, constantly shifting from one vehicle to another. Amidst the chaos, a shooting spree leaves only Ehi and another girl, Peju, as survivors.

Meanwhile, the traffickers themselves are neck deep in their own conflicts. Alero, the orchestrator of the smuggling operation, has a falling out with her boss Tony, who is under pressure from his Italian contact, Antonio. Sir Philip, who previously assaulted Ehi, discovers her diary and places a bounty on Alero. In the midst of this power struggle, Chucks sees an opportunity to climb the ranks within the trafficking network.

Sharon Ooja continues the role of Òlòtūré/Ehi, embodying her character’s strength and urgency once again. Omoni Oboli also shines in her performance as Alero, depicting a woman entangled in a world of illegal activities and disloyalty. The story is enhanced by the performances of new characters like Daniel Etim Effiong (Tony), Stan Nze (Ben), and Amarachukwu Onoh (Andrew).

The tragedy is further enhanced by the story arc of Beauty. Once she fled from the traffickers, she discovered her family in ruins, which pushed her back into prostitution under the control of Chuks upon her return home. Her choice to go back to Europe as unfitting as it might sound, literally shows how many people experience a never-ending cycle of exploitation, revealing that freedom is usually just temporary.

“Òlòtūré: The Journey” without filter shows the brutal realities of human trafficking. Themes of corruption, crime, poverty, and the desperate search for a better life drive the narrative of the series. The series captures the terrible journey of migrants navigating dangerous routes through the Sahara Desert, facing constant threats of violence, theft and exploitation.

The cinematography, sound, and lighting contribute significantly to the viewing experience, especially the desert scenes, which highlight the perilous paths the characters must take.

However, despite these strengths, the series has notable flaws. The pacing is often rushed, and the storylines feel unfinished, leaving viewers with many unanswered questions.

Key plot points, such as the fate of Òlòtūré’s group and the resolution of the gang conflict, remain unresolved. Why does Beauty return to prostitution despite the dangers? Why does Òlòtūré trust a stranger in a foreign land over her fellow survivors? The series ends abruptly, with several cliffhangers that create a sense of incompletion.

Some additional shortcomings include the lack of depth in character development for some pivotal roles. For instance, Tony’s transformation from a feared trafficker to a desperate man on the run feels rushed and underexplored. Similarly, the character of Ade, who is introduced as a formidable new antagonist, is quickly dispatched without much impact on the overall story.

Moreover, the series struggles with maintaining a consistent tone. At times, it oscillates between gritty realism and melodrama, undermining the gravity of the subject matter. The overuse of tearful scenes, while intended to convey the emotional toll on the characters, can feel repetitive and detract from the narrative’s impact.

The abrupt introduction and resolution of certain plotlines also contribute to the feeling of an unfinished story. For example, the subplot involving Sir Philip’s revenge plot against Alero is introduced with much fanfare but then fizzles out without a satisfying conclusion. Similarly, the revelation of Emeka’s death, a crucial figure from the original film, is mentioned in passing without any exploration of its implications for Òlòtūré’s mission.

The series also raises several unanswered questions that leave viewers pondering long after the credits roll. What ultimately becomes of Òlòtūré’s undercover investigation? Will she ever achieve justice for the victims of trafficking she sought to expose? How does Beauty’s tragic return to prostitution impact her long-term fate? These unresolved threads create a sense of frustration and highlight the series’ missed opportunities to provide a more cohesive and satisfying narrative.

Even with its imperfections, “Òlòtūré: The Journey” stands out as a stark and essential portrayal of the atrocities of human trafficking. Its fearless depiction of the risks encountered by individuals striving for an improved life acts as a rallying cry for global audiences. The raw portrayal of corruption, violence, and exploitation in the series emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining awareness and intervention in combating human trafficking.

Although “Òlòtūré: The Journey” may have effectively brought attention to an important topic, it failed to provide a fully developed and cohesive narrative. Its acting and production quality are frequently overlooked due to problems with pacing, unresolved storylines, and inconsistent tone. As spectators, we are presented with a powerful portrayal of human hardship and perseverance, yet also with a lasting feeling of unfinished business and unresolved inquiries.

Release Date: 28 June 2024

Episodes: Three

Runtime: Approximately 35 minutes each

Streaming Service: Netflix

Director: Kenneth Gyang

Cast: Sharon Ooja, Omoni Oboli, Beverly Osu, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Adebukola Oladipupo, Daniel Etim Effiong, Patrick Doyle, Bucci Franklin, Stan Nze, Amarachukwu Onoh, Pearl Wats