Kübra

Kubra is that series that makes you think about everything that is really important in life. The values, such as compassion, help, family, love of fellow human beings, all of these are played with real mastery by the actors of the series. Cagatay Ulusoy masterfully creates the role of Gökhan, a simple man, loved by the community, but at the same time different, who seeks answers to the questions related to his role on earth. Through this role, he wants to spread among the community the idea that God is in everything, in every situation, and nothing is accidental. Cagatay managed to transform himself once again, to form a character different from the others he played. I am proud of what I create.

Once in a while Netflix comes up with brilliant outliers. Kubra is a great example.

At first, it feels like a story of a religion (or a cult) in the making, with a Muslim Jesus-like (both visually and mindset-wise) figure facing predictable leadership challenges, corrupt politicians, and dealing with his family.

In the last chapter (of season 1), the twist turns the story upside down (not revealing what it is, although some other reviews did...), setting up the scene for a very different season 2.

There is a lot to like. The characters, the acting (and the actors themselves), the exploration of spirituality from the 21st century Turkish perspective. As someone who knows next to nothing about Turkey, I found it to be educational while still accessible enough not to overshadow the story with cultural differences. In the last chapter, the professional terms and concepts are amazingly spot on. Sadly, the Hodja character (a priest with what sounds like a degree in psychology) is underexplored.

I deducted one point for the Netflix's insistence on specific running time. The bullet subplot felt redundant and forced with the motivation of the rioters vague and unclear. It's like it was added just to make the season last for 8 chapters. It made the series feel a bit stretched. But at least Netflix didn't cancel it, like they do with other brilliant outliers (The OA, 1899, etc.).

Faith, belief, cultism, looking for a better future, entrenched powers fighting change, corruption..... Basic human traits and flaws meet in this Turkish series. Is Gokhan chosen by God to be his spokespreson and usher a change? Or is he just delusional? Or are there other factors at play? It's a nice look at.intersection of faith, politics and social movements. Who is playing whom? Who has ulterior motives? Who really believes and who is just going with the flow? And who is trying to harness this for their own gain?

Overall the story is interesting and compelling but at points thing happen at the pace of plot and people act the way they do simply to further plot and not because it's a rational and logical thing to do.

There is a Hollywood series with a similar premise and plot, which was in turn inspired by different series as well. I won't say which ones due to spoilers but you'll likely recognise them if you've seen either.

Kübra is a mirror to the world... For me, Kübra is a mirror of the world. His message is for all of humanity, regardless of religion or country. It provides guidance for solving the problems of today's world. One needs faith, without which one is lost in the whirlwind of the world. Let's look into this mirror and see where we stand in it. Cagatay Ulusoy as Gökhan masterfully shows us the right way. This actor always teaches and gives us a message through his films. He showed me this in all his projects. It is also unique in this. Kübra is a masterpiece in every way. The writing, direction and acting are 10/10. Definitely check it out!

Kubra comes with a message for all humanity, a message that can be assimilated by everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity, country. Universal values such as truth, love, brotherhood, joy, happiness, compassion, generosity are the same for all people on earth. The duality existing in everything makes us choose between faith and doubt, between love and hate, between light and darkness, between balance and chaos. We need faith, without which we are lost in the whirlwind of the world. Kubra is a successful serial in terms of script, direction, acting. Cagatay Ulusoy disturbs us, by the way he animates Gokhan, so deeply, convincingly, to the point of identification with him. I liked Kubra, it impressed me, it surprised me with that last episode, the key to the series, artificial intelligence, who and how will use it, this is the question of the moment. My recommendation is addressed to those who follow a series with their eyes, heart and mind. Don't miss Kubra.