Not a Slave is a powerful and thought-provoking historical drama film that explores the intertwined lives of a Nigerian Prince, his slaves and their overseer. Based on true events that took place in the early 20th century, the movie provides a gripping and insightful portrayal of the harsh realities of slavery and its legacy in Africa.
The film centers around Prince Dike (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), a wealthy and powerful man who inherits a vast plantation from his father. In order to cultivate the land and maintain his status, he relies on the labor of enslaved people who work under the supervision of a cruel overseer named Olu (played by David Oyelowo).
Despite being a member of the royal family, Prince Dike is not immune to the laws of the land, which allow him to own and trade slaves. He struggles with his conscience and the contradiction of his position, torn between his loyalty to tradition and his own moral compass.
The slaves on the plantation lead a life of misery and oppression, constantly subjected to abuse and violence by their overseer. Among them is an intelligent and resourceful woman named Ifeoma (played by Lupita Nyong'o), who becomes a central figure in the story.
Ifeoma's fate becomes entwined with that of the Prince when she gives birth to a son who is the product of a liaison with him. Her child’s survival becomes the crux upon which both Olu and Prince Dike's future and freedom hinge.
As tensions escalate and the fate of the slaves and their masters hang in the balance, the movie raises profound questions about power, privilege, morality, and the human condition. Not a Slave immerses the audience in a tumultuous and painful time in African history, leaving them with a sense of awe, empathy and a call to action in the battle against slavery and modern-day enslavement.