These hidden Turkish gems on Netflix are worth exploring

From Cici and Heartsong to The Club and Fatma find out why these Turkish films and TV series have a universal appeal

A still from the film 'Heartsong'

No, they are not like your stagey soap operas or your cloying romantic films, Turkish dramas are increasingly gaining international popularity for their compelling narratives, profound characters and some out-of-the-world performances. Lately, these movies and television series are enjoying renewed global sales and viewership, thanks to OTT platforms. From coming-of-age dramas and gripping period pieces to slick crime thrillers and more, these riveting dramas are worth being on your watchlist.

We bring you a curated list of Turkish films and TV series that you can currently watch on Netflix.

1. Cici

The November 2022 film is written and directed by Berkun Oya. An immersive watch, Cici is a thought-provoking story about coping with the loss of a loved one. Grief, repressed memories and painful secrets are the central themes of the film. Laced with mesmerising performances, this tragedy-drama is skillfully crafted. Its lead actors include Yilmaz Erdogan, Nur Sürer and Funda Eryigit.

2. Man on Pause

Man on Pause is the story of a 50-something man, who is on the verge of andropause, but is hell bent on giving his life a new direction in the pursuit of happiness. Released in October 2022, the film is directed by the Taylan brothers - Yagmur and Durul - while the script is written by Engin Gunaydin, who also plays the lead role in the film, with Tamer Karadagli and Derya Karadas among the other actors.

3. Heartsong

This journey of hope and romance amid hardships is worth being a part of. Written and directed by Soner Caner, Heartsong follows the life of a musician, who belongs to a nomadic community. A rather eccentric character, he falls in love with a bride. Starring Erkan Kolçak Köstendil, Hazar Ergüçlü and Bülent Emin Yarar, the film was released in August 2022.

4. Another Self

The narrative follows three women who, during a trip, meet a spiritual healer at a seaside town. He helps them explore their own hidden family traumas. Premiered in July 2022, Another Self is directed by Burcu Alptekin, with Tuba Büyüküstün, Riza Kocaoglu and Seda Bakan as the three leading ladies.

5. As the Crow Flies

Premiered in June 2022, As the Crow Flies is a Deniz Yorulmazer directorial. It’s the story of a young, ambitious girl, who manages to enter the newsroom of a seasoned anchor, whom she idolises. But little did she know about the dark side that entails. The TV series stars Birce Akalay, Miray Daner and Ibrahim Celikkol in lead roles.

6. Midnight at the Pera Palace

A rather quirky time travel piece, this television series is based on American author Charles King’s 2014 book, titled Midnight at the Pera Palace: The Birth of Modern Istanbul. It’s directed by Emre Şahin, with actors Hazal Kaya, Tansu Biçer and Selahattin Paşalı in lead roles. Midnight at the Pera Palace was released in March 2022, and the storyline is built around Turkey’s historic hotel and museum of the same name.

7. My Father’s Violin

A heart-warming story of music and human connections, My Father’s Violin is a Andaç Haznedaroglu directorial, featuring actors in the lead role. The plot follows the life of a little girl who tries to form a bond with a distant uncle who, like her, is passionate about music. Released in January 2022, the film is written by Palaspandiras.

8. Hot Skull

As the title hints, this sci-fi miniseries makes for a gripping watch. Hot Skull is written and directed by Mert Baykal. The plot draws inspiration from author Afşin Kum’s novel of the same name. The miniseries premiered globally in December 2022, starring Osman Sonant, Sevket Çoruh and Hazal Subasi. Hot Skull is the story of a linguist, who is immune to the disease that spreads via verbal communication.

9. The Club

A bittersweet tale of a woman’s resilience and perseverance The Club is every bit a compelling watch. The plot revolves around a nightclub in cosmopolitan Istanbul, where a mother is trying to cope with a dark past and a rebellious daughter. The 2021-2022 television series is directed by Seren Yüce and Zeynep Günay Tan, while the cast includes actors Gökçe Bahadir, Baris Arduç and Asude Kalebek, among others.

10. Fatma

Fatma is a crime thriller released in April 2021. It’s the story of a nondescript cleaning lady, who mistakenly commits a heinous crime, and then struggles to escape its clutches. The television series is directed by Ozgur Onurme and Özer Feyzioglu. Actors Burcu Biricik, Ugur Yücel and Mehmet Yilmaz Ak play the central characters.

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