Who Does Jordan Bolger Play In The Woman King?
Sony Pictures' "The Woman King" hit theaters last September, earning nearly $100 million at the box office before coming to Netflix in February. It's a fictionalized account of the Agojie, a tribe of woman warriors from the West African kingdom of Dahomey. Viola Davis stars as General Nanisca, who has been chosen by King Ghezo (John Boyega) to be the next ruler of Dahomey, which has long been exploited by European slave merchants.
Portuguese slave trader Santo Ferreira (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) comes to Dahomey to do business with King Ghezo and brings along his friend Malik, who is portrayed by Jordan Bolger. Malik joins Santo because his recently deceased mother was from Dahomey, and he wants to learn more about her life.
"It was her dying wish that I come to her home," Malik tells King Ghezo, "the only place she was ever free."
Here, Malik meets Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), a rebellious young Agojie warrior, when he bathes in a river, and she steals his clothes. Nawi seems intrigued by his curiosity about his mother's history, and he is captivated by her fearlessness.
"My mother was a slave," he says. "That's all I ever knew of African people. I never dreamed that we were kings and warriors. But now, I see the majesty. I see the beauty."
Nawi tells Malik to separate himself from Santo
Nawi tries to put distance between Malik and Santo because Santo is an active part of the slave trade, but it takes time for Malik to see this dark side of his friend. It's when Nawi is captured by the Oyo tribe and put up for auction that Malik sees the truth. Santo tries to purchase Nawi, and Malik interrupts the transaction. Santo does not appreciate this act of mercy, though.
"Count yourself lucky you are not on the block," he warns Malik.
Nawi and her friend Izogie (Lashana Lynch) later try to escape, but Izogie is shot and killed by guards. Nawi is then imprisoned, but Malik returns to free her; however things are far from okay, despite his loving words.
"My mother guided me here to find myself, and I found you, " Malik says. Despite how deeply he cares for her, the two do not end up together.
In the film's chaotic closing scenes, Malik takes the words Nawi spoke to him in the jungle to heart, freeing a group of slaves who kill Santo on the beach. Nawi arrives just in time to bid farewell to Malik, who returns to Europe alone.