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Synopsis & Themes
The Artifact borrows from the blockbuster adventure playbook—imagine Nollywood’s take on Indiana Jones. It follows archaeology student JJ (Adeoluwa Akintoba) and his team as they race across Nigeria to recover a powerful relic steeped in ancient myths. Along the way, they encounter secret societies, daring heists, and emotional reckonings. The result is a cross-genre blend of action-thriller and cultural homage, interweaving folklore with pulse-pounding spectacle.
Performances
Adeoluwa Akintoba leads with charm and conviction, portraying JJ’s evolution from impulsive student to determined explorer with energy and nuance. Despite a few exposition-heavy moments, Akintoba’s performance remains grounded and compelling.
Kunle Remi, as the enigmatic villain “The Mist,” delivers a flamboyant and intense portrayal. While his affected accent sometimes verges on theatrical excess, his screen presence is undeniable, lending gravity to the film’s central conflict.
Miracle Iyanda shines as Zara, infusing the narrative with emotional depth. Her subtle performance provides an anchor for the film’s more bombastic moments, and her chemistry with Akintoba adds personal stakes that resonate.
Direction & Cinematography
Director Tomiwa Adelaja brings ambitious flair to the project. His sharp pacing and tonal balance between humor, tension, and action reflect a confident directorial hand. Crucially, the choice to shoot on-location in Ibadan, Enugu, and Jos lends The Artifact an earthy authenticity and visual richness rarely seen in genre efforts.
Cinematographer Bolanle Adegbite deserves special mention. From sweeping aerial vistas to candlelit catacombs, Adegbite’s eye for lighting, color, and motion brings the world of The Artifact vividly to life. The action sequences are slick and coherent, while the environmental textures ground the film’s fantastical elements.
Writing & Plot
The screenplay is solid in structure, with satisfying twists—especially surrounding the relic’s origins. While certain lines of dialogue veer toward cliché and exposition sometimes feels heavy-handed, the plot remains engaging throughout. The film's mythological framework, drawing from Yoruba and Benin traditions, adds depth, though a more robust exploration of that lore would have elevated the narrative further.
Strengths
- Stunning Visuals: Cinematography that rivals international productions.
- Cultural Depth: Integrates indigenous mythology with mainstream storytelling.
- Lead Performances: Especially from Akintoba and Remi.
- Genre Innovation: A fresh Nollywood venture into action-adventure territory.
Weaknesses
- Dialogue: Occasionally stiff and formulaic.
- Character Development: Some side characters lack dimension.
- Pacing in Act II: Brief slowdown before the climactic third act.
Cultural & Industry Significance
More than just a thrill ride, The Artifact signals Nollywood’s evolving ambition. By centering indigenous heritage within an action-adventure framework, the film not only entertains but also reclaims African history as fertile ground for cinematic spectacle. It represents a shift away from the industry’s romantic or crime-drama norms toward genre experimentation and broader global relevance.
Final Verdict
The Artifact may not be perfect, but it's an exhilarating, high-stakes adventure that pushes Nollywood in bold new directions. With strong performances, striking visuals, and a narrative rooted in cultural identity, it's a milestone worth celebrating—and a promising setup for future sequels.
Bottom Line:
The Artifact is not just a film—it’s a statement. Ambitious, daring, and deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, it stands as an emblem of Nollywood’s creative ascent.
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