Saints used to be given divine messages, but in the modern age, what if God, or any higher power, communicated to us through social media? Kübra explores this idea in serious contemplation, with fewer intelligence agencies than Netflix’s 2020 Messiah, and more interest in the chosen messenger himself. The show is surprisingly more meditative than thrilling, as the lost ex-militaryman Gokhan and his loved ones quibble over the messages possibly from Allah, through the titular screen name. Of course, they point out that the very idea is ludicrous. At worst, it could be a delusion influenced by a stranger that wants to manipulate a war veteran for nefarious purposes. But the journey and the excellent performances allow us to ponder how prophets came to be– how faith and purpose are intertwined, and how much life’s difficulties can push us to hope for a miracle.
When a suburban man receives messages that seem to predict the future, he develops a following — and powerful enemies.
On a social media app called Soultouch, traumatized ex-military Gokhan receives messages from a mysterious user that predicts the future, sent just in time for him to save others.
Çağatay Ulusoy had a decent performance in The Tailor– he certainly had the leading man look perfect for the, frankly, cliché role he had– but it feels like Kübra is a better avenue to display his talents. His brooding demeanor matches the former soldier that lost his purpose, but this time, he makes Gokhan’s confusion, the uncertainty, and the guilt feel so palpable. And with the series fully centered around him, it’s great to see him up to the challenge of carrying this thematically rich show.
Theoretically, if God messaged someone to be his prophet via social media, Çağatay Ulusoy is a great choice.
