Entertainment
A masterpiece, “Seven Doors” reaffirms Femi Adebayo as master story teller
Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors, a masterpiece of theatrical imagination, delivers a punchy story line about a vulnerable king grappling with love and duty. It’s layered with emotional intensity and depth, making the audiences struggle for emotional balance between love and the call of duty.
Adebayo is not a stranger in the make-believe world of cinema or theatre; he has a dynastic nexus to it, his father being one of the godfathers of modern theatre in Nigeria. Femi, as a chip of the old block, has for long left his father’s shadows to establish a name for himself as one of the young Turks of modern theatre.
After Jagun Jagun, his last cinematic success swept the industry off its feet with its gripping story, stellar performances, and jaw-dropping visuals, he has returned to further acclaims with the Seven Doors.
Adebayo has once again proven his prowess as a filmmaker with Seven Doors, a cinematic gem that grips you from the very first scene and refuses to let go until the credits roll. This brilliantly crafted story has proved to be an unforgettable emotional roller-coaster packed with suspense, drama, and heart renting moments that we find in every day life of struggle, conflicts and challenges.
The story rolls and rolls with intensity wrapped in the world of mystery, obfuscation, spirituality and drama offering webs and webs of intrigue and surprises at every turn. The suspense is palpable, keeping viewers at the edge of their seats as they eagerly anticipate what next.
Yet, beyond the strictly mysterious, Seven Doors is deeply emotional, exploring themes of power, legacy, betrayal, and redemption in ways that resonate with any culture since the theme explored has universal appeal- the helplessness of a man faced with daunting challenges.
One of the film’s strongest elements of the movie is the cast, comprises of creme de la creme in the movie industry, who true-to-type, are able to interprete their roles with ingenuity of a Lawrence Olivier or a Peter Edochie.
elevating his brand, and earning him numerous awards and accolades. His latest film, Seven Doors, has further solidified his position at the top, receiving widespread acclaims.
He said of his success as a film maker: “What is important is that, as a producer, you are to define the kind of genre or project you want to do. So Jagun Jagun is a war film and we gave it our best then. Seven Doors is a drama and a love story mixed with tradition, and it was easy to move into it because the scripts are totally different. And as a producer, when you are working on any script, what you would be thinking of is how you want to interpret the script, not even remembering what you have done before.”
On the brilliant artistry and excellence that define his work, he said in a recent interview that, “So I have a team that we work together on any story that I have. I conceptualize it and conceive the ideas but some are born out of social messages, some are from personal stories and when I conceive the idea I call my team together so as to develop the story, then start to plot. It’s not a one-man job or what I do alone but I remember that this particular story when I presented it to my team they condemned it. But I was like I want to do this story and I remember vividly that they all turned it down. And I insisted and by insisting they all felt that it’s my thing and agreed to work on it with me. Why I insisted was that I had a picture of moving away from the action, war and epic films that people have been seeing to a vintage story. And I know my fans were waiting for Jagun Jagun 2 but I didn’t want to stereotype Femi Adebayo to just epic films. Because I know what I have in me; I insisted to do this project.
“Of course, I feel good and I’m excited about the views. Talking about the title, many talk about it the way they see or feel it. But I don’t like giving a suggestive title, which might make you understand what my movie is about. But on this project we used doors to represent women because respectfully in Yoruba land when you want to enter a woman’s room courtesy demands you knock on the door.
On the lesson to be learnt in the movie, he said, “For me there are quite a number of things. Generational curses is one and that happened through the character of Kola Adeyemi and the Esusu part which is very deep. Some of us believe in destiny and leaving it the way it is which started from him wanting to get short cuts and damning all the consequences that came with it. Another lesson is to not misuse power which we saw through the character of Gabriel Afolayan and another is also to remain good at all times
Femi Adebayo himself delivers a performance so raw and powerful that it feels as though his life depended on it. His on-screen synergy with Chioma is electric, with both actors delivering career-defining performances that elevate the film to extraordinary heights. Kolawole Ajeyemi, too, shines brilliantly, pouring his heart into his role and leaving an indelible mark.
A standout moment in the film is the unforgettable scene featuring Yomi Shodimu, Taiwo Hassan, and Idowu Phillips in the first room the king enters. This scene is nothing short of perfection. The trio’s chemistry is flawless, their chants delivery impeccable, and their presence commanding. It’s a rare cinematic moment where every element aligns seamlessly. Replacing any of these actors in that scene would be unthinkable, as they bring a depth and authenticity that is irreplaceable.
The film’s technical aspects are equally wonderful and remarkable for their dexterity and intensity.. The visuals are well captured, making every scene looks fresh thus enhancing its artistry.
The cinematography is deliberate and precise, using light, shadow, and framing to heighten the suspense and underscore the film’s emotional beats. Meanwhile, the music is masterfully composed, perfectly complementing the narrative’s twists and turns. Each note amplifies the tension or emotion of a scene, drawing viewers even deeper into the world of Seven Doors. The choice of musicians adds another layer of brilliance; their performances punctuate key moments, ensuring laughter and sadness come at just the right time.
Not a single scene in Seven Doors feels redundant or out of place. The pacing is tight, and every moment serves a purpose, weaving together a story that is as compelling as it is cohesive. Each door opened in the film adds a new layer to the narrative, propelling the story forward while keeping audiences fully engaged. This efficiency in storytelling is a testament to Femi Adebayo’s skill as both a filmmaker and a storyteller.
That said, while the film is close to perfection, the accident scene could have been executed with more finesse. It lacks the polish and intensity that the rest of the film delivered so effortlessly. A more detailed and realistic portrayal would have elevated the scene, ensuring it matched the high standard set by the rest of the movie.
Despite this minor shortcoming, Seven Doors is a cinematic triumph. Femi Adebayo has delivered a masterpiece that lingers in the mind long after the final frame. The film’s ability to evoke such a wide range of emotions from laughter to tears-is a testament to its brilliance. It’s a movie that doesn’t just entertain but also leaves viewers reflecting on its themes and characters.
With Seven Doors, Adebayo has set a new benchmark for Nollywood. It’s a film that showcases the heights of creativity, dedication, and passion in filmmaking. Fans are already eagerly anticipating what he’ll deliver next, and if this movie is any indication, the future is bright for this talented filmmaker.
He has truly crafted a work of art that deserves to be celebrated. Seven Doors is not just a film-it’s a legacy.
Adebayo has consistently defied the odds, establishing himself as a formidable force in Nollywood. With nearly two decades of active contribution to the industry, he has evolved into an exceptional actor and a visionary producer. His big-screen production career has seen remarkable success, with blockbuster films like Ageshinkole and Jagun Jagun elevating his brand and earning him numerous awards and accolades. Seven Doors has further solidified his position at the top, receiving widespread acclaim.
