Off Road

Off Road is a gripping exploration of friendship under pressure. The stunning scenery and unpredictable path offer a real travel, documentary thrill. Yet, the heart of this show is not just the dirt roads; it's the emotional terrain Raz and Sela navigate together.

Unique and undeniably watchable. The blend of rough, and, ready adventure and relational authenticity makes for a compulsive travel, friendship study, definitely worth streaming.

Deep cultural context or harmonious camaraderie, you might find parts of this uneven.

Long Way Round, Dark Tourist, or raw interpersonal documentaries....

The show follows two very successful actors in Israel - Rotem Sela, a model, TV host, and famous actress (by the way, a close friend of Gal Gadot), and Lior Raz, the creator of the hit series Fauda. They set off in a jeep on a journey through Asia, traveling along dangerous trails.

There are some really funny moments when they get stuck along the way or come across strange customs and traditions of the local people - it's both hilarious and fascinating. They open up about their personal lives and share things they've never revealed before. They also put their friendships to the test, which makes it even more interesting.

Stunningly cinematic in scope and quality of picture, this month-long journey OFF ROAD through the beautiful terrain of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan is simply breathtaking.

The two leads, Lior Raz and Rotem Sela, take a beautiful journey on the road less traveled. And that's not an obvious choice for this pair, who are two of the biggest stars in their country. Their introspective journeying - reflected in their conversations with one another, with locals, and with their therapist - is just as meaningful and full of discovery as their physical road trip. Pressing pause on their busy lives and careers provides us all an experience worth connecting with.

There are no extreme highs or lows here, no melodramatic infighting, no challenges, no prizes - and there is freedom and relief in the lack of structure and in the meandering nature of the trip. OFF ROAD is a really enjoyable break from typical TV fare. Well done.

Many people may watch this thinking they're in for a travel show, where the point is to be exposed to intriguing cultures and faraway lands but that isn't the point of the series. It's the setting that allows the two friends to be out of their comfort zone, out of their elements to present the social dynamics of a couple of platonic friends. It's unapologetic, not PC, they don't hold back and document a raw glimpse into their friendship and how they cope being far from their families, far from what they're used to.

Having said that, I feel it's very culturally appropriate for Israeli audiences who don't filter as much for TV. This could be refreshing for international audience but may not be everyone's cup of tea unless you are willing to be open to watching unfiltered conversations that aren't looking to be PC in western standards.

This series is absolutely captivating - the kind you start and can't stop watching. It's not just the storyline, but the small, intimate moments that draw you in. You get a real sense of the inner world of both Raz and Sela, as well as the people and cultures they encounter. There's a clear contrast between the local perspectives and the more Western views they bring, but it's handled with genuine curiosity, balance, and respect.

Rotem Sela's infectious laughter brings unexpected humor and warmth, adding levity even in more serious moments. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, and while it easily could have crossed into discomfort, the director handles it with nuance and subtlety, letting their dynamic unfold naturally.

Visually, the series is stunning - the cinematography and music elevate the storytelling, creating a layered and immersive experience. Thoughtful, funny, and emotionally resonant. Highly recommended.