The Woman King 2022

In the year 1823, within the vibrant heart of the West African kingdom of Dahomey, the fierce General Nanisca leads the renowned female warrior regiment known as the Agojie. Her mission: to liberate Dahomean women captured by slavers from the ruthless Oyo Empire. This bold act rouses the ire of King Ghezo of Dahomey, who starts preparations for an inevitable clash with the Oyo.

Nanisca embarks on a journey to train a formidable new group of warriors destined to join the Agojie. Among these warriors is Nawi, a spirited young girl given to the king by her father after refusing to marry men who would subject her to violence. Throughout her journey, Nawi forges a strong friendship with Izogie, a seasoned member of the Agojie. She ends up confessing to Nanisca that she is adopted and reveals a scar on her left shoulder, leaving Nanisca visibly shaken.

As tensions escalate, Portuguese slave traders, led by Santo Ferreira and accompanied by the half-Dahomean Malik Jordan Bolger, join forces with the Oyo under the command of General Oba Ade Jimmy Odukoya. Nawi’s friendship with Malik deepens when she stumbles upon him while he is bathing, sparking a bond of camaraderie. Just as she completes her rigorous training and earns her place among the Agojie, Nawi takes a risky detour to warn Malik about the Oyo’s imminent attack, only to be chastised by Nanisca for her impulsivity.

During a heated confrontation, Nanisca unveils her haunting past: she was once captured by Oba, who violated her and left her pregnant. After giving birth, she had buried a shark tooth in her left shoulder as a mark before parting with her daughter, a revelation that shakes Nawi to the core. When Nanisca leads the Agojie in a bold assault against the Oyo, their efforts yield success, though Oba manages to escape with Nawi, Fumbe [Masali Baduza], and Izogie as captives. With quick thinking, Fumbe breaks free and informs Nanisca of their plight.

As King Ghezo plans to honor Nanisca with the title of Woman King, he remains resistant to sanction a rescue for the captured warriors—a decision that weighs heavily on Nanisca. Tragedy strikes as Izogie is slain during an escape attempt, and Malik takes action to protect Nawi by purchasing her. Defying Ghezo’s wishes, Nanisca rallies a group of fierce warriors to mount a rescue mission. Amid the turmoil, Nawi manages to flee and reunites with her mother, Nanisca. In a daring act of valor, Malik liberates additional captives, leading to a fierce confrontation where Nanisca ultimately overcomes Oba in a fierce one-on-one battle.

Following their triumphant return, the Agojie are celebrated, although Ghezo initially chastises Nanisca for her disobedience before crowning her the revered Woman King. In a poignant private moment after the festivities, Nanisca and Nawi come to terms with their deep familial ties, solidifying their bond as both warriors and mother and daughter.