Femi Adebayo’s “Seven Doors” is a tantalising dive into the cultural and historical elements of Nigeria. It brings together love, tradition, and the weight of destiny in a high-budget spectacle.
As his directorial debut, Adebayo swings for the fences, and while he doesn’t always hit a home run, the effort is undeniably ambitious. From a waterfall plunge that’d have the audience gasping to ritualistic drama steeped in mysticism, “Seven Doors” reminds us why Nigerian cinema is a storytelling powerhouse.
Let’s peel back the layers of this complex narrative.
A spectacle of effects (mostly) done right
Right from the get-go, “Seven Doors” makes its high production value clear. The scene where the seven women fall from a waterfall is breathtakingly executed, every detail impeccably rendered to keep you glued.
Another standout moment involves a statue, a chicken, and an unexpectedly seamless exchange that feels like pure magic. And then, there’s the bit with a truck carrying cut branches—a chaos-inducing set piece reminiscent of Hollywood’s best catastrophe scenes – think “Final Destination”.
Not all effects are created equal, though. A few feel slightly overdone or misplaced. But hey, in the grand scheme of things, these are forgivable hiccups in an otherwise immersive visual experience.
“In the balance of life, you win some, you lose some”
Chioma Chukwuka (Amaka) delivers this gem of a line, summing up the film’s overarching theme with a dash of poetic gravitas. It’s a sentiment that echoes throughout the story—an unrelenting reminder that tradition and progress often come at a cost. And speaking of costs, this movie clearly had a hefty one. The practical destruction of a fence? Chefs kiss. This wasn’t just a “suggestion” of destruction—it was real, tangible, and visceral.
A minor quibble, however: the costuming, while beautifully crafted, can leave you a little puzzled about the time period. The use of old naira notes, though, is a thoughtful nod to Nigeria’s economic history.
The Elephant in the room: Tribalism and youth exclusion. One of “Seven Doors’” more striking successes is its effort to bridge the cultural divide between Igbo and Yoruba peoples. Perfect timing, considering how tribalism has literally won on social media.
Adebayo doesn’t just dabble here—he dives headlong into fostering a narrative of unity, epitomised in the strained love story between Adedunjoye (the Onilara of Ilara) and Amaka.
Their romance, ruptured by a cultural atonement that requires Adedunjoye to marry six other wives, is both heartbreaking and a testament to the sacrifices demanded by tradition.
That said, the film stumbles a bit when addressing generational power dynamics. The older characters lament that young Nigerians sit idle while they rule. But let’s be honest: how can they rise if no one hands them the baton? It’s a tired trope that could’ve used a more nuanced touch.
Read also: Hijack ’93 is a brilliant throwback—for anyone craving hollow emotions and bland dialogue
Tradition and the toll of atonement
At the heart of the story lies Adedunjoye’s reluctant acceptance of kingship and the devastating cost it exacts.
The seven doors he’s instructed to knock on are not mere metaphors—they’re a harbinger of a grim fate tied to his lineage. The sins of a long-dead ancestor, Aderogbe, have returned to haunt him, and the price of peace in Ilara is steep indeed.
Watching Adedunjoye grapple with the prospect of marrying six other women—and the toll it takes on his love for Amaka—is some of the film’s most gripping drama. Their love story is as tender as it is tragic, with scenes so raw they’ll tug at even the most cynical viewer’s heartstrings.
And then there’s the gut-wrenching subplot involving the death of Adedunjoye and Amaka’s daughter. Add to this the broader tragedy of other prominent townsfolk losing their children, and you have a narrative that doesn’t just tug at your heart but grabs it, squeezes it, and leaves you reeling.
Laughter through tears: The comic relief
Despite its heavy themes, “Seven Doors” knows when to lighten the mood. Comic relief is expertly woven into the narrative, offering a much-needed reprieve from the weight of its dramatic moments. It’s a testament to the versatility of Adebayo’s storytelling that he can pivot so seamlessly between humour and heartbreak.
A note on music and cinematography
The soundtrack is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s emotive and enhances the storytelling. On the other, it’s a bit overbearing at times. There’s a fine line between setting a mood and drowning the audience in melodrama, and “Seven Doors” crosses it a few too many times. Less can be more when the story itself is strong enough to carry the weight.
Cinematography, unfortunately, is one of the film’s weaker points. Poor camera movements occasionally pull you out of the immersive experience, and some scenes feel visually underwhelming compared to the richness of the narrative. It’s a missed opportunity in a film that otherwise thrives on spectacle.
A window into Nigeria’s traditional stories
What “Seven Doors” does exceptionally well is remind us of the treasure trove of stories hidden in Nigeria’s cultural and historical heritage. The film takes us beyond the well-worn tales and into the heart of traditional customs, mythology, and the enduring struggle between duty and desire. It’s a perspective that’s both educational and deeply moving.
The end
For some reason, this writer expected the ending to be rushed, hushed and out of place, as with most Nollywood stories, but Adebayo came prepared.
The ending doesn’t hint at a season two or leaves the audience wondering whatever happened. You’d see a narrative that flowed towards a post-climax turn of events and came out seamless.
King Adedunjoye fights the last of the battles required to bring peace to Ilara and the whole narrative falls into place in the last two episodes.
Esusu, the deity who was ‘invited’ into the town by Aderogbe now has to be banished. And even though happy endings should also be banished, considering current world happenings, this one is good.
Final thoughts
Femi Adebayo’s debut as a director is a bold one, and while it’s not without its flaws, “Seven Doors” delivers an emotionally resonant story that lingers long after the credits roll. Its exploration of love, loss, tradition, and unity is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
There’s plenty to critique, sure, but there’s even more to admire. So, whether you’re a fan of Nigerian cinema or just looking for a compelling story with universal themes, “Seven Doors” (a limited series) is worth the watch. Just don’t be surprised if you close the Netflix app with a lump in your throat and a lot to think about.
