‘I Am Anis’, a film produced by Biodun Stephen, premiered on Circuits TV’s virtual cinema platform in March 2025.
Over the years, Stephen has carved a niche for herself in Nollywood with her deeply human, true-to-life stories, including from ‘Picture Perfect’ to ‘Sista’. ‘I Am Anis’ fits seamlessly into this category.
SYNOPSIS
The movie tells the story of Anisola Williams, a wealthy oil magnate whose life is turned upside down when her past as a prostitute is revealed at her son’s introduction ceremony.
A flashback reveals her journey from a rebellious, abandoned young woman to a powerful figure, thanks to a kind client’s belief in her.
THE STRONG POINTS
One of the first things that stood out in ‘I Am Anis’ was the remarkable performance by Lina Idoko, who played young Anis. She fully embodied the role, fiery, calm, and confused; whatever the scene demanded, she delivered it with such ease and authenticity. Her portrayal made the transitions between past and present feel seamless.
Shaffy Bello, who played the older Anis, picked up the baton effortlessly, building on the solid foundation Idoko laid. She brought even more emotional depth to the character, particularly in two scenes. The scene where she prays, and the final moment when she explains everything to her son. Both were done with such raw emotion that it was impossible not to feel every word.
Charles Inojie brought just the right amount of comic relief, lighthearted, funny, but not overdone. It was also refreshing to see Rykardo Agbor on screen again, and he didn’t disappoint.
Tina Mba, Mr Macaroni, Martha Ehinome, and Debby Felix all gave stellar performances too. Each one brought something unique to the table, helping to keep the film grounded and engaging from start to finish.
Another strong point of the film is the way the story is told, with its inspirational core taking center stage. While the theme, the past catching up with someone who seems to have moved on, is not new, the way it was approached made the film feel fresh and thoughtful. The story was neatly framed in three acts: rebellion, repercussion, and redemption. This clear structure made it easy to follow Anisola’s journey without losing the plot. It also gave room for her character to evolve in a way that felt whole; there were no lingering questions about her choices or what led her down certain paths.
The use of flashbacks was particularly commendable. They were woven into the story in a way that felt seamless and purposeful, not like the usual style often seen in films. The transitions between past and present were smooth, making the storytelling feel intentional and well thought out.
Another impressive element of the film is the blend of cinematography, costume design, and makeup. The sharp visuals and thoughtful camera angles added depth to the storytelling, making it more immersive. The makeup team also deserves praise for how they visually portrayed Anisola’s evolution from a secondary school girl to a sex worker, using bold looks that matched her circumstances. Shaffy Bello’s emotional scenes, especially the crying moments, were also enhanced by subtle, realistic makeup that let her performance shine.
The costumes were equally on point. From the wigs to the outfits, everything felt true to character, particularly for Anisola and Divine Sister, whose appearances clearly reflected their work as prostitutes without being exaggerated.
The themes of ‘I Am Anis’ are thought-provoking and stay with you long after the credits roll. From redemption and second chances to self-acceptance and the importance of community support and empathy, these themes are seamlessly woven into the story. They are communicated in a way that makes the lessons resonate deeply and effectively.
The sound design in the film is also impressive, clearly showing intentionality in its use. One standout example is the scene where Iyobosa’s uncle exposes Anisola. The background score at that moment heightened the drama and emotional weight of the revelation. It added an extra layer of intensity that made the scene more impactful and memorable.
THE WEAK POINTS
One of the noticeable flaws in ‘I Am Anis’ is the set design during the flashback scenes. Since those scenes depict Anisola’s younger years, they’re meant to reflect a time before the present day. While it was clear from the storytelling structure that it was a flashback, nothing in the set strongly indicated the era until the appearance of old naira notes. The use of the old currency hinted at a pastime, but aside from that, the props didn’t quite match the period. The costumes, in particular, felt too modern for the era they were trying to represent. It seemed like not enough attention was given to accurately reflecting the past through set design and wardrobe, which could have helped the story feel more grounded in its timeline.
Another issue in ‘I Am Anis’ lies is some subplots feeling exaggerated, particularly those leading to the conclusion. In the first part of the film, Anisola’s disrespect toward her father seems unprovoked, and while the reason for her behavior is eventually revealed, it doesn’t feel fully justified or explored enough to give it the depth it needs. Additionally, her dislike of being called Anisola is introduced but never fully explained. Why did she later embrace the name?
FINAL THOUGHTS
‘I Am Anis’ gets 8/10
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