Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors delivers timeless lessons on love, ancestral curses

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Femi Adebayo’s Netflix series Seven Doors is a gripping six-episode drama that explores ancestral curses, love, and spiritual battles in a deeply relatable way. Watching it felt like I was trapped in a world where the past holds a powerful grip on the present—a reality many Nigerians can connect with.

The film, set in Ilara, Ondo State goes back to the 18th and 19th centuries, introducing us to Adedunjoye, a loving family man portrayed by Femi Adebayo. Adedunjoye’s life takes a dramatic turn when he is chosen to become the king of Ilara Kingdom. What should have been a joyous chapter quickly spirals into turmoil, as his coronation triggers an ancient family curse. This curse, known in Yoruba as ogun ìpìlẹ̀ (foundational battles), wreaks havoc on both his reign and personal life. The tragedy begins with the untimely death of his daughter, leaving the king and his household in despair.

Seeking answers, Adedunjoye learns from the kingdom’s chief priest that his family’s troubles are the result of his ancestors’ sins. To break free from this generational curse, he is told he must marry seven wives—a shocking demand that adds to the weight of his burden. This sets the stage for a tale filled with spiritual conflicts, emotional struggles, and cultural dilemmas.

As the story unfolds, Chioma Chukwuka’s performance as Amaka, Adedunjoye’s wife, stands out. She embodies the conflict of a woman caught between her love for her husband and the demands of a tradition that tests her convictions. Watching her navigate these challenges reminded me of the sacrifices many women make in their relationships, often placing their families above their own desires. This personal conflict reflects the wider theme of the series—how individuals grapple with forces beyond their control.

The entire cast enriches the story, with Kolawole Ajeyemi as King Adejuwon and Adebayo Salami as Otun adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. These characters are not just placeholders; they represent the broader cultural and spiritual dynamics at play in the kingdom. Together, the cast breathes life into the story, making it feel deeply personal yet universally relatable.

What struck me most is how the movie uses its supernatural elements to reflect real-life struggles. Inherited familial issues are common in Nigerian culture, and the series creatively portrays these challenges through the lens of spiritual warfare. It reminds us that the unseen can often dictate the visible, a belief many Nigerians hold dear.

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The cultural richness of Seven Doors is another of its strengths. The rituals, prayers, and spiritual battles depicted in the movie vividly reflect Yoruba traditions. These moments reminded me of the fiery prayer sessions in churches like Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) and Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM). The emotional intensity of the prayers, often delivered in Yoruba, hit home for me. They captured the powerful connection between faith and culture in a way that felt both authentic and deeply moving.

At the heart of the story is Adedunjoye himself, and Femi Adebayo delivers a powerful performance. He captures the weight of carrying generational burdens, showing both despair and resilience as his character battles forces that seem impossible to overcome. His eventual victory is not just a triumph for him but a message of hope for viewers—that even the heaviest burdens can be lifted. His chemistry with Chioma Chukwuka adds a touching emotional layer, making their love story more than just a subplot. It becomes a testament to the strength of love in the face of adversity.

Technically, Seven Doors excels as well. The cinematography captures the beauty of Nigerian landscapes while amplifying the eerie presence of the curse. Traditional Yoruba chants and a suspenseful soundtrack heighten the tension in key scenes, making the spiritual battles even more gripping. Although the pacing slows in the middle, the emotional and spiritual depth of the story keeps you engaged until the very end.

What I found most remarkable about Seven Doors is how it bridges the gap between the spiritual and the secular. While it’s not a Christian movie, its themes resonate with biblical teachings, particularly the idea of spiritual warfare found in Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms“. For me, Adedunjoye’s struggles felt like a call to action, a reminder to face life’s unseen battles with faith and determination.

By the end, the series leaves you with a sense of victory—not just for Adedunjoye but for anyone who has ever felt trapped by the weight of the past. It’s a story about hope, redemption, and the power of love and faith to conquer even the darkest challenges.

With Seven Doors, Femi Adebayo proves once again that Nigerian cinema can tackle profound themes with creativity and authenticity. Like Jagun Jagun, this series showcases his brilliance as a storyteller who understands the importance of blending culture, faith, and entertainment. If you’re looking for something that will inspire and challenge you, Seven Doors is an experience you don’t want to miss.