KUBRA Review (Netflix) Few Islamic supernatural scenes, but the ending is incredibly satisfying!

KUBRA A Turkish Netflix original series with 8 episodes, revolves around a man who receives a mysterious message that seems like a prophecy about the future. This leads him to become a messenger of God, questioning the reality of whether it is true or false.

 

KUBRA Review (No Spoilers)

 

A new religious-themed series has emerged in the contemporary world on Netflix, following the footsteps of previous Christian-focused shows like ‘ Messiah‘ and ‘The Chosen One ‘ (recommended for those who enjoy this genre). The Western creators seem comfortable exploring such themes, but delving into Islamic beliefs and portraying Allah or devout worship has its risks. This series hails from Turkey, where 99% of the population adheres to Islam, making it quite unusual. However, Turkey’s entertainment industry has thrived and produced high-quality content in recent years, making Turkish series some of the best in the region. Turkish series often feature unique and unconventional storylines, and this one is no exception. Unlike previous supernatural Christian-themed series, this one explores the consequences of individuals boldly claiming to be messengers of God and how it impacts their lives.

For viewers unfamiliar with Islam, it’s essential to understand that in Islamic context, worshipping any idols or images is strictly prohibited, as stated in the Quran. Therefore, when the protagonist, a former soldier turned mechanic, claims to receive messages from God through a mobile phone, it becomes a significant issue that challenges and offends the Muslim community. Even if what he declares turns out to be true, the narrative unfolds in a small, confined circle, where he gains a following in the town. However, the outside world reacts with skepticism, media sensationalism, politicians trying to capitalize on the situation, and the police investigating him. Even those close to him remain unconvinced. The imam of the local mosque warns him that he is leading everyone towards destruction. There is also a group of devout Muslims who view him as an enemy, ready to harm him at any moment. The protagonist does not embody the typical appearance of a religious figure but is an ordinary person who becomes an unexpected leader with followers. The narrative takes its time in the first two episodes as the protagonist embarks on a journey to discover whether the messages received on his phone are trustworthy. Subsequently, his public proclamation raises suspicions among people, and he believes that all of these events are tests from God that he must endure.

 

The entire story is narrated with a predominant focus on the question of whether he is genuine or deceptive, rather than showcasing various miraculous or supernatural events, which are notably scarce. Even though there are grand scenes, such as the city-wide power outage, it remains a mystery whether it might be an act of terrorism orchestrated by him behind the scenes or if he is being manipulated without his knowledge. Several intertwined events keep the audience in constant suspense, leaving even the viewers themselves questioning throughout.

In addition, the creators have incorporated several small scenes directly adapted from stories in Islam (the writer has friends who are Muslims and watched the series together, providing explanations). For instance, the episode where people are forbidden to leave their homes during the eclipse parallels an event when Moses was with Pharaoh. The collapsing building episode mirrors the moment when Moses asked to see God. The narrative juxtaposes these adapted events with the original stories, resembling a contemporary recording or reinterpretation of religious events, creating a sense of anticipation among viewers. The question lingers whether this is the God, Devil, or perhaps hackers. I’m enjoys in Episode 8, adds a fascinating twist beyond expectations. Even with a cliffhanger ending, it makes the series highly compelling and worth following!

This series is suitable for those who enjoy the supernatural and religious genre. While many series in this genre tend to focus on Christianity, this one stands out by incorporating Islamic elements and references to Allah. The story is set in the city of Istanbul, Turkey, where 99% of the population follows Islam. The protagonist receives prophetic messages through his mobile phone, hinting at future events. Despite not heavily emphasizing grand supernatural scenes, the narrative takes a dramatic turn as the main character faces skepticism and persecution from people who believe he is a false prophet. The plot may not be as thrilling for those not interested in Islam, but it avoids becoming dull by constantly keeping the audience curious and eager to uncover the final answers. The concluding episode provides a satisfying resolution while leaving some mysteries to be explored in the anticipated second season.

 

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