Kemi Adetiba, the film producer and director, has brought to life a gripping thriller through the King of Boys: The Return of the King that will keep you at the edge of your seats. The plot had been kept under wraps before its release, so it was a complete jolt when we finally saw Sola Sobowale in action.
– King of Boys: The Return of the King review does not contain spoilers –
With the sequel finally out as a seven-part series on Netflix, it’s hard to believe that it’s been three years since the first movie. The sequel promises to raise more than just a storm, and it’s undoubtedly going to create a stir amid the crowds.
The Return of the King is full of Stellar Performances in Nollywood
The Return of the King, a high-octane sequel to the captivating Kemi Adetiba produced film-King of Boys, is one title that has been on everyone’s watch list this year. Sola Sobowale’s performance in the film notedly wowed audiences and critics alike. She plays Eniola Salami in the seven-part limited series, an authoritative and conniving political figure who has a fierce spirit.
Kemi Adetiba’s casting is nuanced, and the selections work perfectly in their roles. RMD, Nse and Charly Boy stand out in the second instalment and with good reason too. Their impeccable acting is a treat to watch.
The return of cinema to Nollywood is something worth celebrating. They say that there is a thin line between genius and insanity, and Laburu (evil) plays precisely on that. A teller of lies and manipulator of minds, she can make anything she wants to come true. It presents a tale of ambition, sacrifice, and honour.
The Return of the King is perfectly named, and the Return is suggestive of political suffrage by a resilient woman who is a force to reckon with throughout her ordeal while fighting the elections in Lagos. Generally, three things make up a film: story, character development and acting. This sequel is spectacular and lives up to expectations.
Also Read: Netflix’s He’s All That Review
To be or not To be-The Return of the King Predicament
Eniola’s young self refuses to let go even when Eniola has become a different person and asks her to. How do you save your soul if your previous self is continuously haunting you?
Toni Tones is the younger and more immature version of Eniola. She is the embodiment of evil personified in Eniola’s life; she watches her from afar, mouthing words of deception and seduction. This sends her into a frantic state of mind as she struggles to discern which voice to listen to, that of goodness or that of evil.
The plot takes a good while to settle in, and when it finally does, the climax is fast-paced and gives a glimpse of what lies ahead for Eniola. Though the story focuses heavily on her struggle to win the governorship race, the series’ human angle remained at its core. The strong writing and camera work showcased Eniola’s journey compellingly, making it easy for viewers to relate with her.
Apart from grappling with her inner demons and managing to be a successful governor, apart from her opponent- Charly Boy’s attempts to frame her for his attempts to cause a coup in the state, there are also other plots.
Politics intertwined with the Narrative-The Return of The King is Unbeatable
Sola is a complex character that is just begging to be analyzed. She’s a woman who has been getting hers the hard way but is ambitious and fiercely independent. She’s gone to great lengths to rise up in the ranks. Her success is never dwindling due to circumstances beyond her control, and she finds herself on a collision course with Nse again. The return couldn’t have been better timed for these two characters.
Feminism has never been so influential that it is a recurring theme and often gets carried out in the series, with Sola at the centre of this debate. She is a strong, fiercely independent woman who works for her success and does it admirably so.
Sola is such a well-written character, and to be honest, the driving force behind the series. She has a lot of layers that make her interesting and relatable on a daily basis. While she may make some questionable decisions in the series but her race for ambition is worth watching.
Stream It or Skip It?
However, aside from the minor distractions, nothing about The Return of the King does not deserve praise and accolades. The writers, actors, directors, producers, cameramen and everyone who had a part in this project should all be congratulated on contributing to this epic work of art.
This sequel of King of Boys is about the power struggle between two rival political parties, and it’s displayed with brutality and a conniving edge to the life-size portrait of a Nollywood creation. Prepare to be shocked and amazed by the complexity of Nigerian politics, tradition, and history.
King of Boys: The Return of the King is a well-made series. The characters are phenomenal, both old and new. The plot is strong, and the build-up is believable.
King of Boys: The Return of the King is streaming on Netflix.