‘Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper’ Netflix Movie Review - Promising Themes, But Confused Execution

Ijakumo, directed by Adebayo Tijani, enters the realm of religious institutions and explores themes of revenge, betrayal, and redemption. With its intriguing premise and potential for an enthralling narrative, the film attempts to weave together various elements such as action, metaphysics, romance, and crime. However, despite its promising concepts, Ijakumo falls short of delivering a cohesive and satisfying cinematic experience. The film's mismanagement of plot elements, unclear character roles, and unnecessary subplots ultimately undermine its potential.

The plot of Ijakumo centers around Jide and Asabi, two young lovers who face challenging circumstances. Jide, in his pursuit of success, becomes a pastor and decides to sever ties with Asabi. Years later, Jide has become a successful pastor, while Asabi seeks revenge for the life he left her with. However, the film's attempt to complicate the plot leads to a convoluted mess. Needless subplots, unclear details, and loose ends create confusion and distract from the central conflict. The overcomplication of a conflict that is inherently simple hampers the storytelling and prevents the audience from fully engaging with the characters and their motivations.

One of the film's major shortcomings is its failure to establish clear character roles and development. While Jide, Asabi, and Sharon (the supposed "born-again stripper") receive some attention, the relevance of other characters remains ambiguous. This lack of clarity undermines the audience's investment in the story, as they struggle to understand the motivations and significance of supporting characters. The cast, despite their efforts, appears lost in their interpretations, resulting in performances that feel underwhelming and half-baked.

Ijakumo suffers from a lack of coherent narrative progression. Asabi possesses metaphysical powers that could allow her to accomplish her objectives easily, yet the film inexplicably introduces a subplot involving a syndicate and the character Sister Mary, which further complicates the story. These narrative choices create confusion and hinder the audience's ability to make sense of the events unfolding on screen. Additionally, certain pivotal moments lack the necessary tension and emotional impact, diminishing their significance and robbing the film of its potential power.

Despite its flaws, Ijakumo hints at the potential for a captivating and thought-provoking film. The themes of revenge, betrayal, and redemption within the context of religious institutions could have been explored in a more profound and resonant manner. The execution, however, falls short, leaving the audience yearning for a more cohesive and impactful narrative. The plot's lack of clarity and the film's inability to effectively unite its various elements ultimately result in a missed opportunity to create a truly compelling cinematic experience.

Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper presents a promising premise but fails to deliver on its potential. The film's mismanagement of plot elements, confused character roles, and convoluted storytelling lead to a mediocre viewing experience. While the performances of some cast members, particularly Olumide Oworu, Kunle Remi, and Debbie Shokoya, are commendable, the overall execution of the film leaves much to be desired. Despite glimpses of potential, Ijakumo falls short of unifying its disparate elements, resulting in a narrative that is confusing, disjointed, and ultimately underwhelming. With better writing and a more coherent approach, the film could have successfully tackled its intriguing themes and delivered a compelling story.

Final Score- [4/10]
Reviewed by – Neha Krishna
Follow @Neha25Krishna on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times