This King Can’t Catch a Break From His Ancestors' Misdeeds in "Seven Doors"

Femi Adebayo strikes gold in this Netflix Original.

“Seven Doors” is directed by Femi Adebayo, Tope Adebayo, and Adebayo Tijani. It is currently streaming on Netflix. Like, Share, Subscribe.

Femi Adebayo has long been a Nollywood mainstay, surrounded not just by a talented father adored by peers and fans but also by siblings and friends proving time and again their ability to excel in an industry that often gives little yet demands the world. Adebayo’s career took a seismic turn in 2022 with the release of King of Thieves (Agesinkole), a film that felt like a rebirth for him. This revival drew a wider fanbase captivated not just by his magnetic on-screen performances in a Yoruba epic movie tailored for the mainstream audience but by the immersive, richly crafted world he brought to life.

Agesinkole was a smash hit in cinemas, and in 2023, Adebayo followed it with Jagun Jagun, another Yoruba epic, this time for Netflix. It proved an even bigger juggernaut, dominating Nollywood’s best-of lists and clinching multiple prestigious awards, including coveted AMVCA honours.

Sixteen months after Jagun Jagun, Adebayo returns with Seven Doors, a six-episode series that further cements his reputation as a master storyteller. Thoughtfully crafted with love, care, and just enough African magic to keep the viewer vested, Seven Doors continues his streak of bold and ambitious storytelling.

L-R: King of Thieves (2022), Jagun Jagun (2023), and Seven Doors (2024) posters

Seven Doors is a captivating exploration of duty, love, and sacrifice, woven into a tale that blends Yoruba mythology with universal human struggles. At its heart is King Adedunjoye (Femi Adebayo), a reluctant ruler thrust into the throne after vehemently resisting the call to kingship, only to be persuaded by tradition and familial obligation. His reign is anything but smooth: the Ilara Kingdom descends into chaos as misfortunes mount, from the death of his daughter to mass casualties in a gory Final Destination-esque crash scene. Guided by the chief priest’s ominous revelation, Adedunjoye faces the ultimate test—opening seven symbolic doors by taking seven wives to atone for the sins of his forefathers. Caught between the relentless demands of tradition and his own desires, he must navigate impossible choices that could alter his fate and the destiny of his people.

The storytelling in Seven Doors is nothing short of gripping. From the opening scenes of the first episode, the miniseries immerses you in a world where tradition, power, and personal conviction collide. The pacing is generally strong, though it occasionally falters in quieter moments. These lulls, however, serve a purpose—just as the mundanity of daily life seems to take over, the narrative never fails to deliver either a punchline that reignites the tension just when it is most needed. It does just enough to stay alive in the mind of the viewer, and it works. The stakes remain high throughout, culminating in a dramatic confrontation with Esusu (Aliu Gafar), the embodiment of Adedunjoye’s family curse.

Visually, the series is a feast for the eyes. The cinematography is Netflix Original-impressive, with thoughtful camera work that captures both the grandeur and intimacy of Ilara in its serene moments and the chaos that fills the air during heightened scenes. The lavish production shines brightest in moments like Adedunjoye’s coronation and his marriage ceremony, where every detail, from costumes to set design, radiates the opulence of the era. While the visual effects occasionally miss the mark, they don’t detract significantly from the overall aesthetic. They could be better but they work. The strength of the cinematography and the richness of the production keep you immersed in this vivid world.

The performances are another standout feature. Femi Adebayo’s portrayal of Oba Adedunjoye is layered and deeply moving, embodying the complexity of a man grappling with his responsibilities and personal desires. Chioma Chukwuka is equally compelling as Chiamaka, Adedunjoye’s first wife, delivering a performance that is both tender and resilient. Her command of Yoruba during critical moments is especially noteworthy, underscoring her character’s adaptability and strength. Aliu Gafar’s portrayal of Esusu is another commendable one worth mentioning as it is energetic and menacing in the right measures. Kola Ajeyemi’s Oba Adejuwon, too. Across the board, the cast delivers, with each actor bringing nuance and authenticity to their roles. Big props to the casting director and directors who successfully beat out the desired performances from all of them.

Femi Adebayo and Chioma Chukwuka star in “Seven Doors” | Netflix

One of my favourite things about Seven Doors is that beneath the drama lies a subtle yet powerful message of tolerance and coexistence for the real-world audience. Adedunjoye and Chiamaka’s intertribal marriage is presented with remarkable normalcy, even as their union faces significant emotional strain. This choice feels deliberate, offering a vision of unity that transcends tribal boundaries. The theme of harmony is further reinforced during Adedunjoye’s preparation for battle with Esusu, when Chiamaka’s Igbo kin quietly contribute their own fortifications alongside the Ilaras. It’s a thoughtful narrative touch that underscores the series’ message of coexistence without overshadowing its cultural focus.

Yet, despite its many strengths, Seven Doors falters in one key area: the way it wraps up storylines. It leaves little room for intrigue and unresolved tension that fuels anticipation for a sequel with the way it approaches the closing of individual subplots. The ones it does leave open, like the wannabe king subplot, for instance, are left hanging abruptly without meaningful closure or intriguing exit. I understand firsthand that not every thread needs resolution, especially if the goal is for Netflix to renew the series, but stronger closures —cliffhangers even— could have left characters and viewers on the edge of something compelling, building a hunger for more.

Despite these shortcomings, Seven Doors succeeds as an emotionally engaging and culturally rich story. Its balance of personal and political stakes keeps you invested, and its themes of legacy, love, and redemption linger long after the final scene.

More than just a tale about a king and his kingdom, Seven Doors is a celebration of cultural heritage, a meditation on the weight of duty, and a testament to the enduring power of love. It dares to be bold, weaving its narrative with grace and ambition. For those willing to open its doors, it offers a journey well worth taking.

Seven Doors is streaming on Netflix.

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Directed by: Femi Adebayo, Tope Adebayo, and Adebayo Tijani

Starring: Femi Adebayo, Chioma Akpotha, Adebayo Salami, Jide Kosoko, Gabriel Afolayan, Hafiz Oyetoro, Ronke Odusanya, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Muyiwa Ademola, and others.