I am Anis is a gripping drama that unearths the buried past of a seemingly upright woman, Anishola Williams. Having spent years building a respectable image and trying to outlive her dark past, her world is shaken when secrets surface during her son’s wedding. The revelation not only disrupts her family but forces everyone to confront the person she truly is. Directed by the talented Biodun Stephen, this film masterfully blends past and present, peeling back layers of identity, truth, and redemption.
Plot
The film opens with the hidden past of Anishola Williams, a celebrated philanthropist and accomplished businesswoman who rose to become the CEO of Lunar Oil. Revered for her poise and integrity, few would ever imagine the path she walked to reach the top. But long before she became Anishola, she was Justina, a rebellious and wounded young girl navigating a world that never gave her grace.
In Act One: Rebellion, we journey into Justina’s chaotic youth. After losing her mother early, she was left in the care of a grief-stricken father who, unable to process his own pain, withdrew from her emotionally. Starved of affection and guidance, she spiralled into delinquency, skipping school, mingling with the wrong crowd, and eventually getting pregnant. Her father, ashamed and enraged, cast her out.
Homeless and vulnerable, Justina turned to the father of her unborn child, only to discover he was a fraud who had deceived her from the start. Abandoned and desperate, she found herself on the streets, where a friend’s sister, already engaged in sex work, introduced her to a life of survival through prostitution. Even while pregnant, Justina had to hustle to survive.
The story shifts when a widower enters her life, a man who, despite her past, saw her potential. He extended kindness, support, and stability, helping her rebuild. With his help, Justina went back to school, earned a degree, pursued her master’s, and started to dream again. That man would later become her husband, Mr. Williams.
Years later, now known as Anishola Williams and fully rebranded, she has achieved success, raising her son David and building a new identity. But her past resurfaces at David’s engagement party to his fiancée, Iyobosa. There, a relative of Iyobosa, someone from Anishola’s dark past, publicly exposes her former identity as “Juicy Baby,” shaming her in front of guests and family.
David, blindsided and hurt, distances himself from his mother, feeling betrayed by the image she portrayed. In a heartfelt exchange, Anishola sits with Iyobosa’s mother and shares her full story, the trials, the transformation, and how Mr. Williams believed in her when no one else did. She also recounts how she worked tirelessly to rise through the ranks at Lunar Oil, eventually becoming CEO after landing a major deal and earning promotion after promotion.
In the end, David must wrestle with the truth about his mother, not just her past, but her resilience. The story becomes a test of love, forgiveness, and understanding, as David faces the choice to either embrace the whole truth of who his mother is or reject her to maintain his pride.
Cast
The casting in this film is one of its strongest elements, with each actor delivering a powerful performance that brings the story to life.
Lina Idoko shines as Justina, masterfully carrying the emotional weight of the story. From her reckless teenage rebellion to her desperate moments in the streets and her eventual transformation into a refined woman, Reena’s portrayal is raw, believable, and deeply moving. Her performance forms the emotional backbone of the film.
Shaffy Bello, playing the older Anishola Williams, delivers with the grace and intensity expected of a seasoned actress. Her scenes, especially those involving her heartbreak over David and her heartfelt prayers are deeply emotional, resonating strongly with viewers. The physical and emotional continuity between Lina and Shaffy is striking, creating a believable timeline of transformation.
Tina Mba stands out as Iyobosa’s mother, embodying her role with remarkable ease. Her effortless switch between English, Pidgin, and traditional expressions makes her character both authentic and memorable. She fully embodies the essence of a culturally rooted matriarch.
Adebowale Adedayo (Mr Macaroni), surprises pleasantly as David. Known more for comedic roles, he steps into this dramatic part with seriousness and depth. His portrayal reflects maturity and intentionality, showing he was there to act, not entertain with jokes, an impressive shift.
Charles Inojie, as the nosy and tactless relative, also plays his part well, adding tension and realism to the storyline.
Altogether, the cast forms a powerful ensemble under the direction of Biodun Stephen, who is known for assembling and directing some of Nollywood’s most emotionally resonant performances.
Language
I Am Anis was performed in English, Yoruba, Bini, and Pidgin.
Final take
I Am Anis, came through with a well-curated cast and a deeply intentional plot. From the very first scene, you can tell everyone involved showed up ready to deliver. The performances were heartfelt, the transitions from past to present felt natural, and you could see that the cast gave this story their whole chest.
That said, the storyline isn’t exactly new to Nollywood—redemption, hidden pasts, a secret that crashes a family gathering? We’ve seen it before. But one thing about Biodun Stephen is that she knows how to thread morality and emotion into familiar narratives in a way that still draws you in. So while it doesn’t give “plot twist madness” or edge-of-your-seat suspense, it gives comfort, emotion, and closure.
It’s the kind of movie you kick back with on a calm Sunday evening, maybe with small chops in hand, and just enjoy for what it is, a beautifully told story about shame, strength, and second chances. Not mind-blowing, but definitely worth your time.
