Many of us are well-acquainted with the haunting tale of Madam Koi Koi, a beloved urban legend that paints scary imagination to those who hear it. The film Ms. Kanyin, directed by Jery Ossai and produced by Nemsia Films, takes an innovative approach to this age-old story, providing a fresh take that sets it apart from other adaptations. While several films have delved into the lore surrounding Madam Koi Koi, Ms. Kanyin manages to stand out with its unique approach that it takes the atmosphere of Koi Koi legend and modern sensibilities.
The film boasts a promising ensemble cast featuring emerging talents such as Temi Otedola in the role of Amara, Natse Jemide as Uti, Kanaga Jnr portraying Finditae, Toluwani George as Chisom, and Damilola Bolarinde as Lami. This new generation of actors injects fresh energy into the film, making the experiences of their characters relatable to contemporary audiences.
As fans of the Madam Koi Koi legend may anticipate, the film incorporates elements of horror, which are skillfully woven into the storyline. It follows a group of students whose mission inadvertently awaken a supernatural entity, leading to a chilling series of events that brough calamity upon the school.
What truly sets Ms. Kanyin apart is its nuanced depiction of the teenage experience, moving beyond the typical horror tropes associated with Madam Koi Koi. While the film adeptly incorporates social issues such as physical and verbal harassment that women encounter in the workplace, as well as the complexities of familial relationships, these ideas felt like they existed on the surface only rather than being fully realized within the story’s core. This underdevelopment leaves audiences like me craving a deeper exploration of these side plots, which had the potential to add significant emotional weight to the narrative.
The performances throughout the film are commendable, with particular praise owed to the character of Mr. Mustafa, affectionately known as Mustie, who serves as both the standout teacher and romantic lead. His charisma elevate several scenes, offering a grounding presence amidst the chaos. Moreover, Ms. Kanyin’s performance herself as a French teacher in the early part of the film deserves special mention. The seamless blend of languages amongst the casts, ranging from the traditional Benin dialect to English, Hausa, and Igbo enriches the dialogue and reflects the cultural diversity of the movie setting.
Speaking of the setting, the choice of Adesoye College in Kwara State as the main location is particularly noteworthy. The filmmakers also successfully evoked the ambiance of a 1990s school environment, capturing the essence of that era through carefully chosen cars, authentic uniforms, and realistic student hostels.
The movie starts strong and pulls you in right away. The middle part is tense and exciting, with some scary moments and violence. The build-up to the end is really thrilling. However, the ending itself feels too quick, and some things that happen seem random or don’t quite fit. From a technical standpoint, while the CGI and editing are generally okay, the highlights of the film include moments such as the impressive car flip scene, which showcases the filmmakers’ commitment to high production values and strong visual storytelling.
Overall, Ms. Kanyin achieves a clever fusion of traditional horror with contemporary issues; yet, it ultimately falls short in terms of story depth.
