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Now Streaming on Netflix
Starring: Gideon Okeke, Zubby Michael, Sola Sobowale, Uzee Usman, Ivie Okujaye, Tope Olowoniyan, Bimbo Manuel, Segun Arinze, and others
Format: Series (5 Episodes)
Total Runtime: Approx. 253 minutes
A Promising Series That Raises More Questions Than Answers
Covenant arrives on Netflix with the promise of intensity, intrigue, and a heavyweight cast drawn from some of Nollywood’s most respected performers. From the opening scenes, it is clear that the series aims high—mixing action, mystery, crime, spirituality, and power struggles into one expansive narrative. With actors like Sola Sobowale, Segun Arinze, Gideon Okeke, and Zubby Michael leading the charge, expectations are naturally elevated.
One refreshing aspect of Covenant is its casting choices. Beyond the familiar faces, the series introduces several actors who are not usually seen in productions of this scale or genre. These newer faces hold their own surprisingly well, contributing to the project’s diversity and lending a sense of unpredictability to the story. Performances across the board are committed, with most actors fully immersed in their characters.
However, while the acting and ambition deserve acknowledgment, Covenant struggles significantly with clarity. Rather than offering a seamless, tightly woven narrative, the series leaves viewers grappling with unresolved arcs and puzzling character motivations. For this reason, this review leans less toward applause and more toward inquiry.
Belema: The Centre of Confusion
Much of the story’s uncertainty revolves around Belema. Her explanation that she was in the forest for wildlife research forms the foundation of several unanswered questions. She claimed a study was ongoing, yet her actions throughout the series repeatedly contradicted this claim.
Who exactly were the “associates” she referenced during her phone conversation with Commander Stealth? She was constantly on calls, but the identities and roles of those on the other end remain a mystery. Was Belema working as an agent, a middleman, or something far more sinister?
Her presence during the sacrificial scene involving Havoc and Diablo further complicates her narrative. While it is implied that the spear connects her to these events, the series never convincingly explains why she was searching for it in the first place or what her true interest in it was.
Scourge, Reverend, and the Question of Motives
Scourge’s arc is equally confusing. Initially tasked with killing Belema, he hesitated due to greed and failed. When he later encountered her again, instead of finishing the job, he chose to collaborate with her. What exactly shifted his loyalty? Was it self-preservation, profit, or a deeper alliance that the audience was never shown?
Then there is Reverend—a character shrouded in ambiguity. Despite his title, viewers never see him preach, pray, or lead a congregation. Instead, he remains constantly at Dagogo’s beck and call. This raises a troubling question: is he merely using religion as a disguise for manipulation and destruction? The absence of context makes his role feel underdeveloped and deliberately vague.
Naomi, Stella, and the Brotherhood
Naomi’s storyline introduces another layer of uncertainty. Was she acting independently, or was she merely executing her father’s commands? While it is clear that Stella was deeply involved in the Brotherhood, Naomi’s specific responsibilities remain unclear. What operations did she actually carry out, and to what extent was she complicit in the group’s violence?
Similarly, Stella’s Brotherhood is introduced as a powerful criminal structure, yet its true purpose, hierarchy, and ideology are never fully explained. The audience is left guessing about its reach and influence.
Sting, Survival, and Suspended Logic
Sting’s survival is one of the most difficult plot points to accept. Reported KIA—“killed in action”—his return raises immediate questions. How did he survive? Was his disappearance strategic? Did he orchestrate the chaos involving Havoc and her group purely to escape the jungle?
His interest in the spear, alongside Celestine’s, adds another unresolved layer. Why were they so invested in it? Their sudden attack on Chief Kalu felt abrupt and shocking, especially considering that Dagogo and Sting were already aware of who Chief Kalu was. The motive behind targeting him remains frustratingly unclear.
Trauma, Choices, and Unrealistic Turns
Kachi’s arc is emotionally heavy but unevenly handled. After losing her friend and narrowly escaping death, her immediate sexual encounter with Savage felt deeply unsettling and unrealistic. In moments of extreme trauma, intimacy is rarely a logical response. Furthermore, her later claim of wanting revenge for her friend’s death is never explored or resolved.
Her rapid mastery of firearm use also stretches believability. While the show may imply that she is a fast learner, the progression feels rushed and unearned.
An Ending That Demands Continuation
The final scenes—particularly Belema’s encounter with Stella and her men while fleeing—strongly suggest that Covenant was designed with a sequel in mind. Many questions remain unanswered, from the fate of key characters to the true purpose of the spear and the Brotherhood.
Final Verdict
Covenant is ambitious, well-acted, and visually engaging, but its storytelling is weighed down by excessive ambiguity. While mystery can be compelling, too many unresolved threads weaken emotional payoff.
Rating: 5/10
Watch trailer below:
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