Innocent ~ A Bite-Sized Review

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🇹🇷 INNOCENT 🇹🇷

Innocent aka Masum (2017) is a Turkish miniseries available on Netflix internationally. Turkish with subtitles. 8 x 44-60 min episodes. Cert 15 U.K.

Premise:

“Cevdet (Haluk Bilginer), a retired commissioner, and his wife retire on their pensions to live in peace on a rural farm. Their lives are destroyed by the sudden arrival of their son, who bears terrible news.” (Ahmet Kozan, IMDb)

Cast:

Haluk Bilginer as Cevdet Bayrakçi

Nur Sürer as Nermin Bayrakçi

Ali Atay as Yusuf

Okan Yalabik as Tarik

Serkan Keskin as Taner

Tülin Özen as Emel

Bartu Küçükçaglayan as Selim

Bite-Sized Review:

Innocent is a psychological crime drama with strong mystery elements. It is written with a pacing that is similar to Nordic noir, so if you do not have the patience for a slow burn, intelligent, challenging and fairly complex plot then this may not be for you. This is a tense, dark and disturbing story that delves into the darker side of human nature.

This series requires full attention as the story is not linear and there are flashbacks. The characters are really well-developed and the layers of their past are masterfully peeled away. There is a lot of beautifully written and delivered dialogue.

The acting in this is always good and often outstanding. This show has a cast full of well-known, multi-award-winning actors, some of whom have worked internationally and who are all at the top of their game here. Haluk Bilginer won an International Emmy in 2019 along with another 17 awards.

The cinematography is fabulous throughout this and the images combine perfectly with the music and sound design. There is a distinct atmosphere to this.

Innocent as a story proves that no one is, in fact, innocent. It also delves into themes of love, betrayal, neglect, denial and contains a truly stunning exploration and portrayal of mental illness. The tension which is built up is incredible and it is a very emotional watch in parts.

I absolutely loved this well-crafted piece of television. All in all, this is a story of Shakespearean-like tragedy.

Very highly recommended!

Reel2ReelTalk rating (max 5 ⭐️)

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2

Trailer: