Deebo, the latest horror-comedy series on Yango Play, starring Mohamed Anwar, attempts to bring new life to the genre by blending comedic elements with a fair share of horror. This combination has become popular, particularly after the success of shows like El Beit Beity.
From its first episode, Deebo has drawn viewers' attention with its quirky plot. Set in a haunted hotel, the show follows the life of Diab, a 30-year-old man-child, and his misadventures. His father, fed up with his aimless lifestyle, forces him into paying all the debt he owes him. This leads to Deebo's work at a hotel, which turns out to be far from ordinary; it's home to a range of bizarre animals and some ghostly residents.
Now, let's break down the key elements that made Deebo stand out while acknowledging the challenges it faced:
Talent Across the Board
The ensemble cast of Deebo features notable names, including Sarah El-Shamy, Rushdi El-Shami, Mohamed Mahmoud, and the delightful young talent Rima Mustafa. While Mohamed Anwar is known for his comedic timing, particularly from his work on Masrah Masr, his portrayal of Deebo often felt repetitive. That being said, Anwar's efforts do shine through in certain scenes, particularly when supported by his more dynamic co-stars.
Rushdi El-Shami's portrayal of Abdel Maaboud, the antagonist, stands out as one of the series' strongest performances. His ability to switch between diabolical and humorous is remarkable, bringing depth to the character. He breathes life into the show, making even the most outrageous plot points believable.
Fun Ride with Few Bumps
At its core, Deebo presents a compelling idea: a man-child thrust into a haunted hotel, forced to fend for himself. The initial premise is fresh and full of promise, especially for fans of fantasy and the supernatural. Deebo's encounters with eccentric characters and supernatural beings give the show moments of intrigue and humour. However, as the episodes unfold, the plot begins to lose its grip. The pacing, particularly in the middle of the season, becomes somewhat disjointed.
What begins as a quirky, fun exploration of haunted hotel hijinks takes a turn toward melodrama with unnecessary twists and dramatic overtones that feel out of place in a lighthearted horror-comedy. That said, the ending does leave room for a potential second season, with a cliffhanger that teases future developments.
A Visual Treat
One area where Deebo truly excels is its direction and cinematography. The show's visuals are vibrant and crisp, capturing the quirky essence of the haunted hotel. The use of visual effects to create scary yet comedic moments is done with excellence, especially the scenes involving real animals, whether a lion or a tiger.
While such elements could easily have felt gimmicky, they add to the show's overall charm. Behind-the-scenes stories reveal that Mohamed Anwar had to shoot intense scenes with these animals, which added a sense of realism to the production. His bravery in these moments, despite the risks involved, demonstrates a level of dedication to the role that shouldn't go unnoticed.
Enjoyable Watch
While Deebo may not be without its flaws, it is undeniably entertaining, particularly for fans of the horror-comedy genre. The series delivers some laugh-out-loud moments, mainly through its quirky characters and the absurd situations they find themselves in. Though the storyline may feel disjointed at times, and some performances don't quite hit the mark, the show is worth watching for its fresh concept and visual appeal.
