Seven Doors Review: Nollywood Series About Destiny, Culture, And Redemption

Seven Doors is a 2024 Nigerian epic limited series that combines powerful storytelling with cinematic brilliance. Written and produced by Adebayo himself, and co-directed alongside Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo, the series delivers an unforgettable tale of resilience, power, and family.

At its core, Seven Doors follows Adedunjuoye, a simple man whose destiny takes him on an extraordinary journey—from humble beginnings to the throne. But being king isn’t all crowns and glory. Adedunjuoye must fight not only for his survival but for the safety of his loved ones, as his reign is tested in ways no one could foresee.

Plot

In Seven Doors, Femi Adebayo crafts a thrilling Nigerian epic filled with power, betrayal, and the weight of ancestral sins. The series takes us to the kingdom of Ilara, where the search for a new king begins—and fate sets its sights on Adedunjoye.

Adedunjoye is no royalty by lifestyle—just an ordinary man living in the city with his loving wife, Chiamaka, and their two children. But when his family, the Adekogbes, is chosen to produce the next king, Adedunjoye becomes the most eligible candidate. Initially resistant, he is urged by Chiamaka to accept his birthright, a decision that seals his destiny as ruler of Ilara.

But becoming king is only the beginning of Adedunjoye’s trials. The town of Ilara suffers under the iron grip of four powerful elders—Otun, Olukosi, Agba Akin, and Iyalode—who stop at nothing to seize land, power, and lives. Their loyalty lies with Prince Adeoye, an ambitious rival scheming for the throne. Despite their efforts to crown Adeoye, Adedunjoye is chosen as king, disrupting their devious plans.

As Adedunjoye undergoes the sacred rites of kingship, he consults Ifa, the oracle, and is met with a cryptic warning: to secure a peaceful and disaster-free reign, he must “knock on the seven doors.” Dismissing the message as trivial, the king’s reign begins—but so does the kingdom’s downfall.

Calamity strikes Ilara, starting with the sudden death of Adedunjoye’s daughter, followed by an accident that spares no one—young or old. In desperation, the king returns to the priest, who reveals the truth: the seven doors symbolize seven wives. To atone for the sins of his forefathers—who once made a dark pact with Esusu, sacrificing seven wives for a long life—Adedunjoye must now marry seven wives to break the curse.

While the kingdom reels in chaos, Prince Adeoye’s thirst for the throne intensifies. Teaming up with the four elders, he hatches a deadly plan. They gain access to the Opa family staff—a sacred staff of death—and instruct Opa Yemi to deliver it to Adedunjoye during a ritual, knowing that seeing the staff would mean instant death for the king. But fate intervenes, sparing Adedunjoye once more.

The attacks, however, don’t stop there. Even the king’s son, Tade, narrowly escapes the clutches of the god of death. Pushed to the edge by relentless misfortunes, Adedunjoye finally learns from the priest that the only way to end the curse is to confront Esusu directly—a battle that will determine not only his fate but the future of Ilara.

Cast

If there’s one thing that makes Seven Doors unforgettable, it’s the powerhouse performances delivered by its exceptional cast. Femi Adebayo as King Adedunjoye and Chioma Akpotha as Chiamaka lead the pack with their unmatched chemistry and emotional depth. Their vulnerable moments are so raw, you can’t help but feel every ounce of their pain. Scenes like the death of their daughter, the king’s harrowing naked moment, and the emotionally charged sequence where he marries the seven wives are not just acted—they are lived.

The elders, portrayed by seasoned veterans Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, and Hafiz Oyetoro, add a layer of richness to the story. These actors bring years of experience to the screen, and it shows. From their sharp facial expressions to subtle yet powerful body language, they capture the essence of power and corruption—while sprinkling in moments of humour that feel organic and relatable.

Muyiwa Ademola shines as the cunning and relentless Prince Adeoye, a role he plays with the kind of conviction only he can bring. Meanwhile, Gabriel Afolayan once again proves why he’s one of Nollywood’s most versatile actors. No matter the role, Afolayan delivers effortlessly, immersing himself fully in his character.

Supporting the leads are other remarkable actors like Aliu Gafar, Ronke Oshodi, Yinka Quadri, and many more, each of whom brings their A-game to elevate the series. 

Language

Predominantly delivered in Yoruba, the series fully immerses viewers in the beauty of the language, from powerful incantations to soulful songs that elevate every scene. There was also occasional use of Igbo and English Language.

Summary

Seven Doors opens with an unsettling, spine-chilling sequence that instantly hooks you in: seven women as if under a mysterious spell, plunge to their deaths from a cascading waterfall. It’s haunting. It’s mesmerizing. And just like that, the tone for the movie is set—engaging, eerie, and impossible to look away from.

Adebayo’s Seven Doors is nothing short of a cinematic triumph. From start to finish, the plot is tightly woven, never straying from its course. Each scene serves a purpose, seamlessly propelling the story forward while keeping viewers perched on the edge of their seats. Just when you think you know where it’s headed, a plot twist flips the script, ensuring that the narrative stays unpredictable and utterly gripping. The pacing is spot-on, making every minute of this thriller feel intentional.

The cinematography deserves its flowers—and then some. The opening sequence alone is a masterclass in visual storytelling, setting the stage for the immersive experience to come. Scenes like the demolishing scene paired with impressive graphic detailing on the accident scene, showcase an undeniable attention to detail.

For the aesthetics, Costumes were on point, blending perfectly with the film’s atmospheric locations, carefully chosen settings, and well-curated props. Thoughtfulness and precision were poured into every element to bring this world to life.

A particular standout was the infusion of Igbo culture into the storyline. It felt deliberate, balanced, and beautifully integrated without overwhelming the narrative. This cultural element not only enriched the film but added a layer of authenticity that resonates long after the credits roll.

And then there’s that ending. Season 1 closes in a way that leaves viewers buzzing with excitement and speculation. Could there be a Season 2 on the horizon? Fingers crossed—because audiences are ready for more.