Echoes of the Past or Maweid mae Almadi is a bold and visually striking series that redefines the standards of Egyptian drama, though it struggles to hold against international competition.
The acting is mostly very good, with a few standout performances. Asser Yassin leads the series with his charm and is perfect for the role. Rakeen Saad delivers an impressive performance despite occasional missteps, while Mahmoud Hemida reaffirms his legendary status after a string of less impactful roles.
Shereen Reda is surprisingly impressive, while Saba Mubarak, Sherif Salama, and Mohamed Alaa do fine but aren't particularly memorable. Mohamed Tharwat is a standout; he moves away from his usual comedy roles and proves he can handle a serious part with depth and subtle humor. Huda El Mufti also shows growth, shedding her previous tendencies as a subpar actor and evolving into a more authentic actor.
One of the series' most praiseworthy elements is its casting. The young actors chosen to portray the main cast in flashback sequences closely resemble their older counterparts-a rare feat in Egyptian TV. Among them, Khadija Ahmed, who plays young Layla, is something else! Her amazing performance hints at a promising future in acting.
Visually, the series is a treat. Director Al Sadeer Massoud has crafted a distinct visual identity with striking camera angles, color schemes, and seamless transitions, reaching full eye candy status. The show's aesthetic is far different from the repetitive and formulaic visuals of typical Egyptian series. However, this focus on style occasionally overshadows the substance of the story, creating a double-edged sword where the visuals captivate but the narrative is left aside.
The script, adapted by Mohamed El Masry from "Who Killed Sara?", fits well into the Egyptian setting but suffers from unresolved plot holes and awkward dialogue in some scenes. While the twists in the final episode are genuinely surprising and well-executed, the overall storytelling leaves room for improvement. Certain unnecessary and uncomfortable moments, such as a younger character almost kissing an older one, could have been removed entirely and no change would've occurred.
The show excels in cinematography. Ahmed Gabr's work as the director of photography is excellent, making every frame visually appealing. Even so, some action scenes lack impact due to overly stylized filming and less focus on choreography. The hotel fight sequence stands out as a rare example where everything comes together beautifully.
The soundtrack by Amin Bouhafa is another strong point. It adds a lot of emotion and depth to the show, making many scenes more powerful and enjoyable.
Unfortunately, the CGI and visual effects are the series' weakest points. Poorly executed animations and unrealistic CGI detract from otherwise originally impactful moments. The scene of a man falling from a building is a glaring example of subpar VFX work, so bad to the point where it's funny.
The blood and violence in this series stand out when measured against Egyptian norms; while not extraordinary, they are less common in Egyptian TV, this can be appealing or off-putting based on the viewer. They surely enhanced the effect of the violence and avoided making it appear cartoonish; however, some of the blood created using CGI looked incredibly artificial, which completely ruined the impact that the excessive blood was originally meant to convey.
Despite its flaws, Echoes of the Past is a groundbreaking effort within the context of Egyptian media. It raises the bar for local productions, offering a richer and more sophisticated experience than what audiences are accustomed to. While it may feel average or underwhelming to international viewers familiar with Netflix's global catalog, it stands out as a remarkable achievement in its home country.
For Egyptian audiences, this is an 8 or 9 or even a full mark, thanks to its bold approach and good enough production. For international viewers, it might feel closer to a 4 or 5 due to its pacing and weaker CGI.
If you decide to watch it, keep in mind that it's a product of a country with limited resources. Don't expect it to compete with global hits but rather enjoy it for what it is-a big step forward for Egyptian drama.
