The first time I heard about Seven was when I wrote stories about the seventh edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award. The movie received seven nominations that year, and it piqued my curiosity. I only heard about the film in February 2020. But, Tosin Igho, the producer, released it in cinemas in November 2019. The movie didn’t stay long in the cinemas, but the trailers showed that it would be action-packed, so I badly wanted to watch it.
I finally sat down to watch the film last night, and I was not disappointed.
Tosin Igho, son of the legendary TV producer, Peter Igho oversaw this project, taking both director and executive producer credits. He also edited the film and wrote the screenplay. The 37-year-old CEO of IGH Films had previously worked on ‘Once Upon A Time’, ‘The Eve’, ‘Judging Matters’ and ‘Love Come Back’. He put out ‘Nneka The Pretty Serpent’ in December 2020. Although Tosin started his career as an artiste and a music video director, he has proven that he pays great attention to detail. He isn’t afraid to fail by trying new things. For this body of work, he enlists the help of Don Omope and Bryan Dike (who produce the film). He also works with Olugbenga Obadina, Chioma Ude, Ash Hamman (who are co-executive producers).
Seven, a drama film rolled out by FilmOne, Remote Productions, and Nvivo, premiered on Netflix on April 30, 2021. The movie stars Efa Iwara as Kolade, Richard Mofe-Damijo as Ejiro, Patrick Diabuah as Bassey, Bimbo Manuel as Mr Tayo, Edgar Eriakha as Tega, Daddy Showkey as Croaker, and Uche Nwaefuna as Efe. There are also appearances by Sadiq Daba, Femi Durojaiye, Aaron Igho, Nene Nwayo, and Kofi Tha Guru.
The movie, set in Abuja and mostly in Ajegunle, tells the story of a rich and irresponsible Kolade. His father, Mr Tayo, gives him the impossible task of leaving his comfortable Maitama life. He has to survive seven days in Ajegunle or lose his inheritance after his father’s death. There, he will go through events that will either make or break him. The back story is that Mr Tayo grew up in Ajegunle but got elevated after a series of sound business decisions. He then makes it his duty to advance the conditions of the poverty-ridden community by providing basic social amenities. On his deathbed, he agrees with his long-time employee, Ejiro, that his son could benefit from spending a few days in Ajegunle to learn a few life lessons.
Kolade finds out about this idea after his father’s death. Mr Tayo added it as a clause to his will, stating that his son couldn’t take over the company until he fulfilled his request. At first, Kolade decides he isn’t interested. Then he finds out that his father’s employee and second in command would take over the company if he failed to follow through before the end of a particular time frame. Driven by the need to protect the few employees he likes, he takes on the journey alone and unprepared.
After a series of unfortunate events, he finally finds a helper and defender who helps him survive the ghetto. Bassey, the second in command, starts to hunt Kolade down to make sure he never makes it to the end of the seven days. Scary events after scary events, and Kolade starts to pick up lessons from the most unexpected places until he becomes a better man.
The movie explores several themes, including the realities of different economic classes and the overlooking of underdeveloped communities. It also highlights the building of familial bonds with non-relatives. The 113-minute film sheds light on the addictive nature of marijuana, the love for money over reason, and the struggle to live up to high expectations. The blossoming love relationship between Kolade and Efe forms the emotional core of the story. Tosin’s (Koffi Tha Guru’s) struggle with poor mental health presents the opportunity to discuss a neurological disorder that people rarely consider. However, Tosin Igho does little with that subplot.
Efa Iwara aces his role as the spoilt rich brat and transforms very naturally into the kid that’s toughening up. The film puts his emotional range on display, and he rises to the occasion. Richard Mofe Damijo is a brilliant actor more often than not, and this film was no different. It was apparent he took his training sessions seriously as he executed the fight scenes with much ease and grace. Patrick Diabuah was the perfect villain, acting calm and calculated until the very end when he loses his cool. Daddy Showkey is the ideal rival for RMD, and even though he doesn’t speak much, he says volumes with his acting. Bimbo Manuel is calm as always as the rich father, while Edgar Eriakha brings some humour and innocence to the film. Uche Nwaefuna makes sure to avoid over-acting. The chemistry between her and Efa is palpable from the moment they meet.
One remarkable thing about Seven is that it takes you through the journey of a typical born-and-raised Ajegunle boy, trying to make it out of the hood. The movie is mainly in English and pidgin-English. It pays attention to the petty crimes that occur in places that people have termed the ghetto. It is entertaining to watch because of the fight scenes RMD takes on and executes flawlessly. The costuming is on point, the props make sense, and even the location for each set adds a little more to the story. Perhaps the sweetest part is the end when a little girl proves to be the saviour of the day. She finally melts away all the hate Kolade (Efa Iwara) had for Ajegunle.
The film is not without flaws, though. Certain aspects seemed a bit rushed, like Bassey’s plan to take over the company. Also, the movie would have had more of an emotional feel to it if Tosin better explored the romantic connection between Efe (Uche Nwaefuna) and Kolade. In addition, in most of the scenes where Efa Iwara got knocked out, it was too evident that no one was hitting him. The makeup was also iffy in certain places, but not enough to bother you. Finally, every time a stunt double took over for the actors, it was pronounced, but you’ll most likely miss that if you are watching solely for fun.
Ultimately, Seven is a testament to Tosin Igho’s ambition and his dedication to improving himself. It is not a perfect film, but it is one of his best works. It is a meaningful drama, and unlike many of today’s films, it succeeds in delivering a coherent final act. Tosin will continue to get better with each work, but he can pat himself on the back for the job he did here beyond a few technical errors.
Rating: 8/10.
