Esref Rüya

Unlike any genre I am attracted to, somehow this has drawn me in.

Esref Ruya is all the weird things: creepy, sadistic, violent, gross, horrifying, terrifying, offensive, demented, psychopathic, nightmarish. Yet how it has managed to weave in a charming, sweet, simplistic love story is fascinating. Themes of loyalty and betrayal, along with steadfast love and heartbreak between siblings (whether through blood or choice) are echoed throughout. Humor is sprinkled in as well, keeping it entertaining, not nightmarish as it may have been considering the violence therein.

Cinematographically, it is striking, with shots of staircases, dim rooms clad in deep tones, elegant hotels and restaurants, it's almost all dark--not much sunshine to be found-- much like the story. Every frame is a masterpiece. Every angle genius.

The actors are top notch. There is a lovely and alluring magnetism between Cagatay Ulusoy and Demet Ozdemir. I will be glued to the screen as the story continues to unravel. It's definitely "WOW" worthy!

Amazing direction with beautiful exterior shots. The actors have entered their roles 100%. The series combines drama, humor, strong scenes and strong performances that were evident from the first episode. I can't wait for the next episodes.

Cagatay Ulusoy has managed from the first shot to give meaning and depth to the character he plays. His gaze is captivating. It seems that he has worked hard for the role.

Demet Özdemir already has very strong (interpretative) scenes and I admit that it captivated me. It convinced me from the first episode.

The screenwriter has done an excellent job as all the characters are very well written.

It is a pleasure to follow Demet Özdemir's projects. Each of her characters is different, never the same, this time in the role of a singer, a cheerful woman with a child's soul who tries to achieve her ideals. The character is perfect for Demet, they are similar, she is a person with a special soul beauty. Demet's acting is remarkable, she easily switches from comedy to drama, now we smile at her lines, then, in a few minutes we feel her feelings, fear, despair, pain.. Nisan wakes up between two evils, a policewoman obsessed with an unrequited love, who uses it to take revenge and the mafia world, where she meets Esref, who is looking for his lost love from childhood. We witness an impressive love story, reminiscent of the Hollywood atmosphere of the 60s, the cast, direction, script, music, decor, filming, are of quality. The series is worth watching, a thriller, about human relationships, love, loyalty, betrayal,

Let me begin by saying that creating a weekly two hour series with meaningful content is for sure not an easy task.

The actors, not only the protagonists, are very good. Cagatay definitely has an undeniable charisma especially when playing a macho mafia man (it's not his first time!). I think Demet is wonderful actress but somehow I feel that I am still watching Sanem in Erkenci Kus. Her mimics and probably the way the character is written just really reminds me of her. Hopefully, this will get better in time as she sets in more in the role.

Lovely choices for the rest of the cast especially the choice of Busra Develi for the role of Çigdem and Ceren Benderlioglou for the role of Irmak.

Now for the scenario, so far it seems as another typical mafia Turkish series. It was as if I was watching Içerde again. I don't know why are people commenting as if it's finally something they haven't seen again and again.

There is just too much unnecessary killing. It makes you feel like you're watching some kind of online game where you need to shoot everybody. I'm not in a mafia but I would assume they don't go around shooting people all day.

Also, let's be honest, who in their right minds in this modern world tries to find a woman just based on her mole.

I would honestly like more effort from the writing team and the creative team. It's just such a pity because they've managed to have such a wonderful cast.

For a first episode, it was really good.

It started off a bit slow, but that's expected for an opening - introducing the characters and setting up the story. Then, the pace picked up, and the plot became truly captivating.

The beginning sequences & the production quality as a whole is very similar to the high quality production in some of the best television series.

"Esref looked at a woman for the first time in many years, he felt a warmth in his stomach like he felt when he first saw his Ruya, he looked at the girl's neck, there was no sign, it wasn't her... so feeling this way created a deep regret in him"

"Even when he was taking his last breath, he was still very handsome."

In 2001, Esref sees his dream... I loved the choice of child actors. I continue to watch with curiosity and interest.