Despite some VFX and minor storytelling flaws, Seven Doors is an impressive film that makes for an enjoyable watch.
By Joseph Jonathan
Nigerian actor, Femi Adebayo, has been at the forefront of promoting Nigerian culture and history by starring in and producing two of the most successful Yoruba epic films: King of Thieves (2022) and Jagun Jagun (2023).
Taking his career to the next level, he stars in, produces, and co-directs his latest project, Seven Doors, a Netflix series, alongside Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo.
Co-written by Tijani, Yinka Laoye, and Oluyombo Soyombo, the series explores the profound impact of choices and their far-reaching consequences on individuals and society at large.
Seven Doors opens with a haunting and ominous sequence in which seven women, under the influence of a mysterious spell, plunge to their deaths from the edge of a waterfall.
This chilling event foreshadows the turmoil to come, setting the stage for the story’s central conflict: the Ilara Kingdom’s descent into chaos under the troubled reign of Oba Adedunjoye, the Onilara of Ilara.
Adedunjoye (Femi Adebayo), a devoted husband and father, initially refuses to ascend to the throne when the kingship lineage falls to his family. Despite his vehement objections, he eventually relents after repeated pleas, particularly from his wife.
However, shortly after his coronation, the kingdom and his family are plagued by unrest and inexplicable tragedies.
The plot unfolds with meticulous precision, skillfully maintaining thematic cohesion while delivering layers of intrigue and surprises at every turn. However, several subplots, though eventually connected to the main narrative, occasionally feel excessive and unnecessarily drawn out, detracting from the overall pacing.
As a result, certain scenes in Seven Doors could have been omitted without affecting the main storyline. Similarly, the lack of compelling cliffhangers between episodes diminishes the sense of urgency that is essential for a series.
It is often said that “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown,” a reminder of the immense responsibility, pressure, and scrutiny borne by rulers and leaders, making their position both difficult and often thankless.
For Adedunjoye, the challenges of kingship are manifold, and they quickly spiral out of control after his failure to perform an ancient ritual involving the knocking on seven doors. The kingdom becomes beset by corrupt, land-grabbing chiefs who exploit their power to oppress the vulnerable.
Meanwhile, Prince Adeeyo relentlessly schemes to usurp the throne, stopping at nothing to achieve his ambition. To complicate matters further, the exiled Esusu returns with a thirst for vengeance, unearthing a dark, generational curse that haunts the king’s lineage.
Doors often symbolise the pivotal moments and choices encountered on life’s journey. They can conceal hidden truths, reveal new opportunities, or lead to unforeseen outcomes. In Adedunjoye’s case, the seven doors embody a heart-wrenching dilemma.
To appease the gods and potentially restore peace to his troubled kingdom, he must take six additional wives, thereby betraying his devotion to his beloved wife, Amaka (Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha).
This ancient tradition forces him to choose between his loyalty to Amaka and his duty to the kingdom.
Seven Doors may not belong to the romance genre, but its themes of love and sacrifice are made deeply compelling by the commendable performances of Adebayo and Akpotha. Both actors shine in their roles as Adedunjoye and Amaka, exuding an on-screen chemistry that is electric.
Akpotha’s flawless command of the Yoruba language adds authenticity and depth to her character, showcasing the effort invested in ensuring linguistic accuracy and fluency — an aspect often overlooked in many Nollywood productions.
Aliu Gafar delivers a riveting performance as Esusu, exuding a menacing intensity that elevates the story. His masterful portrayal of the ruthless antagonist makes him both compelling and unforgettable as a villain.
These standout performances are further enhanced by the sound design and soundtrack, which amplify the emotional intensity of each key moment, enriching the overall experience.
It is no surprise that this was made possible by Tolu Obanro and Adam Songbird who have been at the forefront of curating the perfect and soothing sonic experience for Nollywood films.
As films are a feast for both the eyes and ears, it is essential to commend the visuals of Seven Doors. While Idowu Adedapo’s cinematography is praiseworthy, his choice of jump cuts for scene transitions is questionable. Some transitions occur too quickly, making it difficult to fully appreciate the visuals.
Seven Doors also benefits from near-perfect visual effects that are mostly convincing and impressive, particularly in scenes where statues come to life. However, the accident scene could have been executed with greater finesse, as it lacked the polish and realism seen in the rest of the film.
Despite some minor flaws in VFX and storytelling, Seven Doors is an impressive production that makes for an enjoyable watch. It further solidifies Femi Adebayo’s reputation as one of Nollywood’s most consistent storytellers.
Seven Doors is streaming on Netflix.
Rating: 3.5/5
Joseph Jonathan is a historian who seeks to understand how film shapes our cultural identity as a people. He believes that history is more about the future than the past. When he’s not writing about film, you can catch him listening to music or discussing politics. He tweets @JosieJp3.