Aktris

I was very apprehensive when I decided to give "Aktris" a try. The trailers were very promising but the Turkish film industry has disappointed me more times than not and so, having low expectations was the best way to go... And I'm happy to admit that I was proven wrong!

The story was very exciting; constantly misleading you and making you entertain the potential of different scenarios, only to prove you wrong in the end. Its best element was that although the series is about a serial killer, it is made very clear from the beginning that the character should not be sympathized with. Yasemin Derin is a cold-blooded killer that her tragic backstory in no way can be used to justify her actions. She kills out of boredom, for her own pleasure and embraces her cruelty. Murder for once is not beautified! Of course there are also some clichés in the story, but they are incorporated in a great way and the plot holes that exist are filled in various artistic ways, with the employment of sketches, famous movie references etc. Many questions are left unanswered though, which I believe are hints for future seasons.

Another great element is the cinematography. Vibrant colors, great exposure with the camera placement, assisting greatly with the feelings that need to be evoked as well as its movement, following faithfully the protagonist's moves when the latter is in distress and staying static when she is fighting her inner wars.

I admired the use of lighting the most. With the series slogan being "When all lights are on you, no one can see you", the handling of light and darkness was immaculate!

The soundtracks were excellent and enriched the experience beautifully!

The cast was also great! From the beginning it's made clear that the focus is on the protagonist and that we are supposed to follow the story through her. The actress that played Yasemin Derin, Pinar Deniz, was phenomenal! From the first minutes she conveys the character's difficulty to grasp the concept of humanity perfectly. At first she exaggerates her moves in order to help the viewer understand that Yasemin is only imitating how people are acting in order to fit in, but as the story progresses and different feelings are stirred into her, we watch her act more sincerely. My personal favorite scenes are when the focus is completely on her, when she is alone and vulnerable to her thoughts and feelings. Every emotion is depicted in her expressive eyes and I have to admit that the actress just gained a new admirer! The rest of the cast is also great, with another instant favorite character being Ahmet, Tolga Tekin, because the dynamic between him and Yasemin was very raw and emotional.

In conclusion, Aktris was a great journey, which I can't wait to continue hopefully with more seasons to come! I am quite generous with my rating but the team deserves it for the effort and thought they put in the project! I fully recommend it!

I have rarely been this disappointed by a show. While the trailer seems to promise a Turkish version of Killing Eve mixed with Sunset Boulevard, it barely lives up to its own expectations.

The trailer sets up a tempting story straight out of female rage essays on an actress who by night becomes a vigilante. The mix of American Psycho like vibes and Hollywood-y feels was way too good to pass on. I was hooked and waited upon it for months.

What is delivered is a very boring plotline, guided by even bleaker subplots, disappointing acting performances and a finale that left me saying "thank god it's over"...

One of the top 5 worst turkish mini series ever, in my book fever dream is the only thing that can be said. Embarrassing cast and even terrible acting bad effect bad dialog and editing. I'm really not usually this critical, but the script reads like a first draft of a high school screenwriting project. This is what happens when you have bad writing, directors who are out of their depth. Just ... wow The performances are some of the worst ever I don't know who told the actress she needs to stuck out her tongue every five minutes roll her eyes and laugh to convince us that she's a psycho cause that's definitely didn't work It looks like a snl joker skit although even the skit would've turned out way more realistic and convincing than whatever the hell pinar deniz's doing.

It didn't happen. Unfortunately, Turkish TV series always fall under the bar. It is impossible to get used to bad and fake acting. Bad adaptation of the imitation script is the other negative thing.

Please don't waste your time and money on such fake serials. Do little but do it yourself. Even the extras are bad. Why why why? Does Disney have a lot of money?

Maybe it would be helpful to send the actor and director somewhere for training. What are those fake conversations between the driver and the woman? The leading actress is unfortunately a disaster..Sorry for the truth. Maybe that can help...

The 1st season of Aktris was exhilarating! The story was very thrilling, always keeping you on the edge of your seat, making you second guess most of the things you think you understand and the cinematography and colors were very beautiful. I'm in awe of both Hakan Bonomo and Soner Caner for their work.

Pinar Deniz as Yasemin Derin was exceptional! She forces you to almost empathize with a serial killer by making you understand her inability to grasp the concept of humanity. The journey from imitating human nature to being forced to experience it is a thrilling roller-coaster. She portrays masterfully Yasemin's constant inner war with her self about the human experience, control, morality, ethics and her struggle to differentiate good from evil. One of her finest works!

The rest of the cast was also really great! Pinar and Uraz have great harmony and I loved how Yasemin was the one free of inhibitions, fully aware of her sexuality and the "Avci" in the relationship, whereas Fatih was reserved, always at war with his mind and heart.

The duo that stole my heart though was Pinar and Tolga, Yasemin and Ahmet! Partners in crime and in life, they saved each other once and then they just never stopped being there for each other. They became family!

The dynamic between Yasemin and Ekin was also beautifully constructed!

Some other exquisite details were the art that was incorporated in the series to depict tales of the past and the music that added to the intensity and thrill of the experience!

I just hope we'll soon be hearing the renewal news, because I need to experience Yasemin Derin's new adventures!