"Mystic Falls and Royal Calls: A Review of 'Seven Doors' on Netflix"

"Femi Adebayo's limited series, Seven Doors, streaming on Netflix, begins with a chilling sequence. Seven women, in a state of sleepwalking, are drawn to a waterfall's brink, from which they tragically fall to their deaths. This eerie opening sets the stage for the unsettling and mysterious events that unfold as the series progresses.

Set in the mythical Ilara Kingdom during the 18th and 19th centuries, the series revolves around Adedunjoye (played by Femi Adebayo), a humble man who unexpectedly becomes king. Initially reluctant, he ultimately accepts his role, stepping into a leadership that profoundly impacts his community.

Before Adedunjoye's reign, the kingdom teetered on the edge of chaos, destabilized by the greed and lawlessness of certain influential chiefs. His coronation restores stability, but soon, calamities strike.

The series is woven with themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, and the burdens of past sins. Each episode intensifies the story, with personal and communal tragedies that enrich the narrative. The first two episodes quickly establish the series' tone, followed by a buildup of tension in episodes three and four through a mix of current events and flashbacks.

The cast's performances range from compelling to dramatic. Femi Adebayo portrays King Adedunjoye with a mix of regality and vulnerability, capturing the essence of a relatable and beleaguered monarch. Chioma Akpotha, as Queen Amaka, brings calm and strength to her turbulent household, sharing poignant moments with Adebayo.

The series also features the poetic narration of Ifa priest Olonjongbodu (Ganiu Nafiu), who recounts the dark history of Adedunjoye's ancestor, King Adejuwon, and the allegorical Seven Doors, adding depth to the unfolding drama.

Despite its strengths, the screenplay, penned by Yinka Olaoye, Olugbemiga Soyombo-Oluyombo, and Adebayo Tijani, occasionally gets lost in its many subplots, which can detract from the main story of King Adedunjoye's ascent and the political and ancestral intrigue that accompanies it. The narrative sometimes allows secondary characters to overshadow the main plot.

Muyiwa Ademola delivers a powerful performance as the cunning Prince Adeoye, while Gabriel Afolayan and Aliu Gafar add layers of complexity and menace to their roles, contributing to the series' intense atmosphere.

Directed by Femi Adebayo, alongside Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo, the directorial approach honors Yoruba traditions while exploring new cinematic techniques. The directors focus on character development and cultural depth, ensuring the story's moral and cultural intricacies are conveyed alongside its visual splendor.

However, the series occasionally suffers from slow pacing, particularly in the middle episodes, which, while rich in character development, might benefit from a quicker progression. Despite this, the character arcs are well-crafted, rewarding viewers in the later episodes."