Movie Title: Seven Doors
Language: Yoruba
Producer: Femi Adebayo
Director: Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo
Cast: Chioma Chukwuka, Hafiz Oyetoro, Adebayo ‘Oga Bello’ Salami, Gabriel Afolayan, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Femi Adebayo, Muyiwa Ademola, Kunle Afod, Ganiyu Nafiu, Kolawole Ajeyemi.
Streaming platform: Netflix
Release Date: 13 December
Femi Adebayo’s “Seven Doors,” a Netflix original released on 13 December, is a perfect example of the adage that “a peaceful home or life is preferred to an honourable title.”
The film delves into the consequences of attempting to rewrite God’s destiny for one.
Adebayo crafts a cautionary tale through this cinematic masterpiece, weaving together tradition, morality, and the far-reaching consequences of human choices.
The film underscores the profound significance of doors in Yoruba belief, portraying them as portals that connect the living with their ancestors and the divine.
With Seven Doors, Adebayo continues to demonstrate his mastery of storytelling, much like he did with “Jagun Jagun”, captivating audiences with epic narratives, powerful themes, and a remarkable cast.
Film’s synopsis
The movie “Seven Doors” opens with seven women under a spell, falling to their deaths from a waterfall. The next scene transitions to a beautiful and happy family playing tennis.
Set in Ilara Mokin, Ondo State, the narrative quickly spirals into chaos as the kingdom of Ilara faces injustice, unrest, and disputes over land seizures, and demolition of houses due to the absence of a king to rule the kingdom.
The house’s demolition and land seizures were the handwork of corrupt chiefs who fed on the king’s absence with their power being unchecked. The power of the chiefs continues with backing one of the princes, Adeoye, whom they favour to ascend the throne as the next Onilara of Ilara, bypassing the oracle’s decision on the rightful family to produce the king.
The favoured Prince Adeoye lavishes the chiefs with money and gifts, but the oracle unexpectedly selects the Adekogbe family to produce the next king. Adekogbe’s family picks Adedunjoye as the next king but he’s reluctant at first; eventually, he agrees after being convinced by his wife, Amaka. However, the disgruntled chiefs delay the traditional rites.
After completing all the rites, Adedunjoye becomes king, bringing justice, collaborating with investors, and steering Ilara towards prosperity. Yet, the kingdom’s progress is short-lived when he fails to follow the oracle’s command to knock on seven doors (marry seven wives).
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Trouble begins as the king loses his daughter, Fola, faces the deaths of his subjects and becomes the target of a conspiracy led by the chiefs. They pressure him to install “Amoju Opa”, Opa Yemi, who later brings him the forbidden staff meant to cause his demise but Agunbiade, his friend’s father sacrifices himself instead.
Haunted and desperate to save his kingdom, the king complies and marries six new wives to appease the gods, only to find them troublesome. Frustrated, he sends them away, but the chaos intensifies as his only son, Tade, hovers on the brink of death. Left with no choice, he recalls the queens, and harmony seems restored.
Believing he has finally achieved victory, the king gathers with his wives at the dining table, only to witness an evil spirit from the gods entering his home once again. The Ifa priest, Olojongbodu, reveals that the battle isn’t over until he confronts and defeats Esusu, the spirit who granted his grandfather, King Adejuwon longevity.
The climax reaches its peak as the king confronts Esusu, leaving viewers in suspense about whether he will triumph. In a gripping final battle, the king emerges victorious.
The cast
The film features renowned actors such as Chioma Chukwuka, Hafiz Oyetoro, Adebayo ‘Oga Bello’ Salami, Gabriel Afolayan, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Femi Adebayo, Muyiwa Ademola, Kunle Afod, Ganiyu Nafiu, Kolawole Ajeyemi, and others.
Kolawole Ajeyemi portrays King Adejuwon, as a monarch desperate and willing to sacrifice everything to remain on the throne after killing his brother.
His desperation drives him to Esusu, Aliu Gafar, who sacrifices his seven wives to ensure his longevity. Ajeyemi’s skilful portrayal captivates the audience.
Muyiwa Ademola plays Prince Adeoye, a wealthy man determined to buy his way to the throne by appeasing influential people with money, gifts, and valuables.
Ademola represents a desperate example of Nigerian politicians who use wisdom, the power of money, and thuggery to achieve their goals, disregarding the consequences.
Femi Adebayo portrays Oba Adedunjoye, the Onilara of Ilara, a monarch committed to transforming and improving the lives of his citizens by creating opportunities for the youth.
Adebayo perfects his role, skillfully conveying the struggles of a ruler burdened by his responsibilities and personal flaws.
His commanding presence stands out during moments of decisive action, especially when confronting scheming chiefs, while his vulnerability in the face of Esusu’s vengeance highlights his humanity.
Adebayo’s performance in ‘Seven Door’ further solidifies his reputation, following his role as Ogundiji in ‘Jagun Jagun (The Warrior)’ a Netflix original Yoruba film he produced in 2023.
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Chioma Chukwuka plays Queen Amaka, a woman caught between making critical decisions for her family and the kingdom.
Amaka shines as a resilient and adaptive queen, adeptly navigating the complexities of palace life.
Her seamless blending of Yoruba and Igbo adds authenticity and depth to her performance, making it remarkable.
The supporting cast of ‘Seven Door’ delivers compelling performances, particularly in scenes exploring power dynamics and betrayal. Their interactions with the king and Esusu emphasise themes of loyalty and corruption.
What’s good
This film showcases Adebayo’s filmmaking skills, ensuring his audience remains glued to the screen.
The metaphor “knocking on seven doors” used in the movie reminds viewers of the importance of tradition and the beauty of the Yoruba language.
The film delves into the ripple effects of past actions taken by forefathers that affect the next generation. The conversation between Adejuwon and Esusu serves as a cautionary tale about the price of desperation and short-sighted decisions.
Moreover, the movie touches on greed, betrayal, and desperation, drawing parallels with the modern political system and governance in Nigeria. This is evident in the life of the chiefs who betray the king and plot against him for their gain, without considering the citizens.
Seven Doors also explores love and the sacrifices people make amidst difficult decisions, exemplified by Queen Amaka. These themes provide a counterbalance to the darker aspects of the narrative.
Adebayo does not neglect culture in the film through its costumes, language, and customs. Seven Doors celebrates Yoruba and Igbo culture while addressing universal human experiences.
The movie
Like “Jagun Jagun”, “Seven Doors” boasts top-notch cinematography, earning well-deserved praise from viewers for its remarkable camera angles, movements, and lighting.
From capturing the beauty of Ilara Kingdom to the use of special effects—especially the transformation of statues into humans—it showcases the technical prowess of the production team. This makes one want to give Adebayo the accolades it truly deserves.
The storyline is expertly crafted, with each scene seamlessly driving the narrative forward. The pacing captivates the audience, while unexpected plot twists keep the story fresh and full of surprises.
The opening of the movie sets the tone for a gripping tale, immediately engaging viewers and drawing them in to watch more, eager to uncover what happens next.
The costume and set design stand out, with the costume and set designers earning well-deserved praise. Every design detail immerses viewers in the world of Ilara. From the royal attire to Esusu’s makeup, each element of the visual storytelling is meticulously crafted.
In addition to impressive cinematography and costumes, the film showcases renowned, veteran actors. Muyiwa Ademola, Oga Bello, Saka, and Jide Kosoko deliver standout performances, shining brightly on screen.
Adebayo, the protagonist, also delivers a powerful performance, instilling fear in the chiefs while agreeing to their request to install Amoju Opa (Opa Yemi), who attempts to kill him.
The movie uses flashbacks effectively, setting it apart from others. The intricate costumes in “Seven Doors” are a feast for the eyes, yet their eclectic nature makes it challenging to precisely place the film’s period, especially for viewers unfamiliar with the film’s context.
Seven Doors deserves praise for its subtle yet powerful exploration of the cultural divide between Igbo and Yoruba communities. In an era of heightened tribalism on Nigerian social media, this nuanced approach feels particularly relevant.
Whether captivated by its rich cultural tapestry or intrigued by its exploration of greed, “Seven Doors” stands as a cinematic masterpiece.
The film masterfully blends captivating storytelling, stunning visuals, and powerful performances into an unforgettable viewing experience.
Scorecard
8/10.
See the trailer here.
