Soap operas have long captured audiences worldwide with their intricate drama and sensational storytelling. While Egypt has not historically been a hub for producing soap operas, Watar Hasas challenges this narrative, presenting a riveting blend of melodrama, family chaos, and societal critique.
Directed by Wael Farag and featuring a powerhouse cast led by Saba Mubarak and Mohamed Alaa, this show has cemented its place as the talk of the town these past weeks. But what makes Watar Hasas the epitome of soap opera storytelling? Let's break it down.
A New Frontier
Watar Hasas is a textbook soap opera, a serialised drama that focuses on the daily lives of its characters, spiced up with betrayal, jealousy, and scandal. While Egyptians often turn to Syrian, Turkish, and Lebanese productions for their soap opera fix, Watar Hasas has proven that local productions can hold their own. The show's luxurious settings, character dynamics, and melodramatic arcs hit all the right notes for an audience seeking escapism.
Familiar Formula with a Twist
Under the direction of Wael Farag, who previously gave us Bein El Sutoor, Watar Hasas thrives on its suspense and theatrics. While Bein El Sutoor was a murder mystery from the outset, Watar Hasas begins as a traditional soap opera before morphing into a whodunnit in its later episodes. This pivot divided audiences; some found it an exciting twist, while others felt it detracted from the show's original essence. True to the soap opera genre, the show also leaned heavily on glamorous portrayals of its female characters, which some found unrealistic and distracting.
Behind the Chaos
The show's outrageous family dynamics are the handiwork of Amin Gamal and Mina Beyawy, the duo responsible for No2ta Soda. Known for crafting family-centric dramas filled with jaw-dropping encounters, they delivered another high-stakes narrative. However, despite being family, the extremes to which the characters went to sabotage each other were met with mixed reviews. While some applauded the bold storytelling, others criticised the relentless negativity.
A Scandalous Pairing
Saba Mubarak and Mohamed Alaa's on-screen chemistry was undeniable, even overshadowing the scandalous foundation of their relationship in the story, which begins as an affair. Their dynamic kept audiences hooked, proving their prowess as actors capable of driving even the most controversial plots.
The Trio
The heart of Watar Hasas lies in the dysfunctional friendship of its central trio; Saba Mubarak, Ingy El Mokkadem, and Heidy Karam. Their characters embodied jealousy, betrayal, and sabotage, creating a toxic yet oddly captivating dynamic. Despite their constant schemes against each other, the moments of unity within this trio left audiences questioning the complexities of friendship.
Rising Stars in the Spotlight
Amid the seasoned cast, fresh faces brought new energy to the show. Jana El Ashkar's portrayal of Laila, the character whose murder becomes the series' central mystery, marked a significant breakthrough. Despite debuting earlier this year in Kamel El 3adad +1, it was her performance in Watar Hasas that solidified her place as a rising star. As Laila's best friend, and possibly more, Sherif El Sheashei's layered performance showcased his growing range as an actor.
In a heartbreaking arc, Toqa Hossam's character faced societal rejection and ultimately took her own life. Her emotionally charged performance struck a chord with viewers, furthering her reputation after her standout role in Wara2 El Tout.
Subtle Feminist Undertones
Beneath its melodramatic exterior, Watar Hasas tackled significant societal issues, particularly the double standards women face. Toqa's character highlighted the crushing weight of societal judgment, while Laila's murder explored the discrepancies in how law and culture perceive adultery based on gender. These moments added depth to a show otherwise defined by its extravagance.
Final Verdict
Watar Hasas is a bold attempt to bring the soap opera format to Egyptian television, complete with glamorous characters, scandalous twists, and underlying societal critiques. While it wasn't perfect, its ability to hook viewers and spark conversations about its themes makes it a significant addition to this year's television lineup. Whether you loved it or hated it, one thing is certain, Watar Hasas was impossible to ignore.
