MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Atiko’ is a mixed bag of predictability and emotional depth

‘Atiko,’ a film directed by Biodun Stephen, which translates to ‘It is Written’, is one of the first movies to premiere on Circuits TV’s virtual cinema platform in December 2024.

As a fan of Stephen’s work, I was eager to watch ‘Atiko’. Unfortunately, the film left me with mixed feelings. Its predictable storyline made it feel somewhat underwhelming, but its thought-provoking themes and outstanding performances made it a compelling watch.

SYNOPSIS

Lifelong friends Ajoke and Lape, facing hardships, discover a surprising lineage common to them. Their pursuit of change strains family bonds and challenges village perceptions, forcing them to hide their secret at a high cost.

THE STRONG POINTS OF THE FILM

One of the film’s strongest points is how effectively it communicates its title, Atiko (It is Written). The theme of fate and destiny is explored in a way that is brief yet powerful, leaving a lingering impact long after the movie ends. While several other themes are skillfully woven into the story, the exploration of fate stands out as particularly thought-provoking and deeply relatable. The film’s use of emotions to convey themes like love, sacrifice, mystery, and friendship makes them feel even more profound and impactful.

The performances in the film are nothing short of award-worthy. Every actor, from lead roles to minor characters, delivered with a level of professionalism and realism that elevated the film. The story was told with deep emotion, and the actors’ ability to convey raw feelings through dialogue and body language made their performances incredibly compelling. Over time, I’ve seen Mr Macaroni take on various roles, but his versatility in this film deserves special applause. His portrayal of frustration and sadness was so convincing that I could feel every bit of his struggle. The same goes for Deyemi Okanlawon, who brought depth to his role. Modola Osifuwa and Bolaji Ogunmola, who played the younger versions of the mothers, set a strong emotional foundation that made the story even more engaging. Bimbo Oshin and Adediwura Gold, as the older mothers, didn’t just maintain that standard, they took it even higher.

Teniola Aladese, Ibrahim Chatta, Adunni Ade, Niyi Johnson, Wunmi Toriola, and the young boys (who gave outstanding performances) also delivered exactly what was needed to make the film a compelling and emotionally gripping experience.

The set design in ‘Atiko’ is another standout aspect of the film. The village setting felt authentic, with details like mud houses, firewood cooking, and a bustling market bringing it to life. Nothing seemed out of place or staged for the sake of the movie. It truly felt like a real village, complete with people and children going about their daily lives. Ibrahim Chatta’s house, or should I say shrine, is another commendable element of the film’s design. It was meant to evoke a sense of mystery and fear, and it achieved that perfectly. The visual effects were handled with restraint, with no unnecessary exaggeration, and it enhanced the eerie and mystical atmosphere. The execution was intentional and effective, making the set design one of the film’s most immersive elements.

Also notable is the cinematography, makeup, and costume design which deserve recognition. The camera angles and sharp, clear visuals made the storytelling more immersive. The makeup artists did a great job of aging the mothers naturally while also reflecting their status. As for the costumes, they felt authentic and suited the characters perfectly, adding to the film’s overall realism.

Not to forget the film’s sound. It is obvious the soundtrack was intentionally chosen because not only did it enhance the emotional depth of the story but also reinforced its themes in a memorable way. However, some background sounds felt distracting in certain scenes, particularly during the office conversation between Okanlawon and Mr Macaroni.

THE WEAK POINTS

The major flaw of ‘Atiko’ is its predictability. From the moment the mothers refused to eat at their grandchild’s naming ceremony, it was clear they had returned to Baba Tapa. If not for the film’s emotional depth and compelling storytelling, the plot would have felt overly familiar. The theme of people facing the consequences of wealth acquired through diabolical means is not new, especially in the Yoruba film industry, making the storyline less surprising.

The transition to the next scene after Ajoke’s death felt abrupt and rushed, which weakened the emotional impact of that moment. A more seamless or lingering transition could have allowed the weight of the scene to fully settle. While it may not seem like a major issue, it was noticeable and took away from the depth of that pivotal moment.

The subplot of Busola’s miscarriages felt unresolved. She suspected a link between her losses and her husband’s wealth, but her mother dismissed the idea. While the doctor provided a biological explanation, the film never clarified whether her fears were justified or merely coincidental. This left lingering questions including whether she eventually conceive. Was there truly a supernatural connection, or was it purely medical? The lack of closure made this storyline feel incomplete.

Also, the exaggerated bandages could have been done better and it took away from the film’s realism.

FINAL VERDICT

‘Atiko’ gets a 7/10