Set in Lagos, Juju Stories is an arthouse anthology of three fantasy films inspired by Nigerian juju (witchcraft) and urban legends. Each film has a distinct narrative form, ranging from a cautionary tale to an eerie origin story.
Movie Snapshot
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Director: Abba Makama, C.J “Fiery” Obasi, Micheal Omonua
Country: Nigeria
Released: 2021
Run Time: 84min
Plot Summary
Love Potion by Michael Omonua is about desire. Mercy (Belinda Yanga) meets Leo (Paul Utomi) at a party, and they quickly engage in an affair. But Leo, already engaged, is reluctant to leave his fiancée. Desperate, Mercy resorts to a love potion to secure his affection.
Yam by Abba Makana serves as an urban myth and a social critique. It follows Tohfik (Elvis Poko), who meets an unfortunate fate after he picks up money left by the roadside—a seemingly innocent act with bizarre consequences. Amos (Don Ekwuazi) becomes entangled in the fallout of Tohfik’s actions. Makama plays with the surreal to explore greed. The fate of these two men speculates on the eerie rise of “mad men” in the city.
Suffer the Witch by C. J Obasi, follows Chinwe (Bukola Oladipupo) and her unsettling friendship with Joy (Nengi Adoki), an obsessive classmate. When Chinwe catches the attention of her crush Ikenna (Timini Egbuson), Joy’s jealousy turns supernatural.
Critical Review: Folklore Meets Modern Nollywood
The contemporary, urban setting of Juju Stories sets the anthology apart from other African film showcases in the paranormal and surrealist genres. The absence of dramatic special effects gives the stories a realist effect.
The Stylistic devices in Suffer the Witch, such as using voice-over in Chinwe’s narration, provide a powerful effect. It gives the sense that she is watching her life unfold at a distance, emphasising the imbalanced power dynamic in her friendship with Joy.
Love Portion reminds us to be careful of what we wish for by highlighting love and control. Is there any difference between being in love and being under a spell?
Meanwhile, Yam’s bizarre consequences serve as a reminder to be wary of easy gains.
While the stories are rooted in Nigerian culture, Juju Stories themes and moral undertones echo across the wider African experience. Anyone raised on oral traditions, whispered warnings, and fables will relate to this film. Watch Juju Stories by Surreal 16 Collective on Amazon Prime Video.
