The Woman King

In the early 19th century, General Nanisca (General Nanisca), fearless leader of the elite all-female warrior regiment, the Agojie, bravely liberates Dahomean women who had been forcibly taken from their kingdom by ruthless slavers from the Oyo Empire. This bold move sparks a sense of unease among King Ghezo's advisors and prompts him to prepare for war with the Oyo. As tensions rise, Nanisca begins training a new generation of Agojie warriors, including Nawi (character), a strong-willed young woman who had previously been offered as a sacrifice to the king after refusing to marry men who would brutalize her.

Nawi forms close bonds with Izogie, a seasoned Agojie warrior, and reveals a shocking truth to Nanisca: she is adopted. This revelation sparks a sense of paternal pride in Nanisca, as she becomes fiercely protective of Nawi. Meanwhile, the arrival of Portuguese slave traders led by the cunning Santo Ferreira (Santo Ferreira) and accompanied by Malik, a half-Dahomean warrior with ties to the Oyo Empire, marks a turning point in the conflict.

As Nawi navigates her training, she befriends Malik during a chance encounter while he is bathing. Their unlikely friendship blossoms as they share stories of their troubled pasts. Later, after completing her rigorous training, Nawi sneaks away to meet with Malik and learns that the Oyo Empire plans to launch a devastating attack on Dahomey. She rushes back to report this treachery to Nanisca, who scolds her for her impulsiveness.

The tension between them is palpable as they engage in a heated argument, during which Nanisca reveals a painful secret from her own past: she was once captured by the Oyo Empire's ruthless General Oba Ade (General Oba Ade), brutalized, and left pregnant. With a heavy heart, Nanisca shares this trauma with Nawi, who is stunned to learn that she is her biological daughter.

As tensions escalate, Nanisca leads the Agojie in a daring attack on the Oyo Empire's forces. Although they emerge victorious, Oba Ade manages to escape, and Nawi, Fumbe, and Izogie are captured. Fumbe, however, manages to break free and reports back to Nanisca about their dire situation.

In the aftermath of this defeat, King Ghezo prepares to bestow upon Nanisca the esteemed title of Woman King, his equal partner in ruling Dahomey. However, he refuses to authorize a rescue mission for the captured Agojie warriors. Meanwhile, Malik secretly purchases Nawi's freedom, hoping to keep her safe from harm.

As the stakes continue to rise, Nanisca defies orders and sets out with a group of like-minded warriors to launch a daring rescue mission to free their comrades. This bold move allows Nawi to escape and rejoin Nanisca. Malik, not one to shy away from danger, joins forces with other slaves to drown Santo Ferreira (Santo Ferreira) and ultimately kills General Oba Ade in single combat.

The triumphant Agojie warriors return to Dahomey, where Ghezo privately rebukes Nanisca for her defiance before crowning her the Woman King. As the festivities come to a close, Nanisca and Nawi share a poignant moment of intimacy, acknowledging their long-lost familial bond.