Watch Finding Ola

Finding Ola is a dramatic series on Netflix that was first premiered in 2022. The unique series is an Egyptian production which gives a rare glimpse into the Middle Eastern culture, it's challenges, traditions, family values and societal norms through the lens of the lead character Ola.

This fascinating series revolves around the passionate, complex life of Ola, a woman living in contemporary Egypt, brimming with struggles, adventures, dreams, and dilemmas. Ola is an architect with a seemingly perfect life but riddled with several personal and professional challenges. She grapples with a failing marriage, a career at crossroads, and the responsibilities of raising two young children while battling her own internal demons.

The plot is interestingly intricate, and it unfurls progressively, offering viewers a deep dive into the life of this strong-willed, determined Egyptian woman who yearns for her lost identity, freedom, and life's simple joys. Ola's voyage of self-discovery, liberation, and redefining her life goals forms the crux of the story.

Like Ola, each character is thoughtfully developed, boasting vivid personality traits that wonderfully add to the story's backdrop, creating a full-bodied narrative rich in emotions, amusing situational humor, and soul-stirring drama.

The beautiful city of Cairo forms an integral part of the series, not just as the setting but almost as a character itself. It plays a significant role in the plotline providing a distinctive flavor to the narrative while contributing to mood, cultural reference, and local color.

From bustling markets, ancient architectural marvels to modern skyscrapers and quiet, leafy suburbs, the picturesque visuals of Cairo will enthrall the viewers, transporting them virtually into the heart of Egypt. The vibrant city life, the traditions, the Egyptian hospitality, the local cuisine, the captivating music, and dance, everything is vividly portrayed, offering an enticing slice of Egyptian life to the viewers.

Finding Ola is an exploration of deep and impactful themes such as love, marriage, success, failure, identity, and freedom. It also deals with more sensitive subjects like mental health and societal expectations from women in the Egyptian society. The series skillfully marries these global themes with local realities to create a universal narrative that can resonate with viewers across the globe.

The powerful performances by the cast, particularly Hend Sabry portraying the lead role of Ola, are an absolute highlight of the series. Their nuanced performances depict a wide spectrum of human emotions which do plenty to keep the viewers glued to the screen.

Finding Ola is honest, real, and deals with life's gritty realities with an admirable sense of sensitivity. It is not afraid to venture into uncharted territories, exposing deep-seated societal issues, stigmas, and challenging stereotypes along the way.

In terms of style, the series displays a blend of drama, realism and a dash of humor. The perfect balance between serious, deeply moving scenes and light, humorous moments makes the series highly enjoyable while being impactful. Moreover, the intelligent use of flashbacks helps in outlining the narrative in a detailed, engaging way.

The dialogues are crisp and meaningful. They not only aid in carving out well-rounded characters but also reflect on the philosophies, desires, ambitions, fears, and frustrations that humans perpetually struggle with.

With excellent cinematography and careful attention to detail, each frame in the series is expertly crafted. The sound design and background scores also deserve a special mention for inducing the appropriate mood and atmosphere within the series.

In essence, Finding Ola presents a beautifully poignant tale of self-discovery, determination, and the spirit of female empowerment. The Netflix series does an excellent job of showcasing the various cultural and social facets of the Egyptian society, while delivering an engaging story filled with high emotional stakes.

This evocative series gives the audience a chance to undertake an emotional journey with the strong, relatable, and deeply flawed Ola. It allows them to experience her joys, pains, dilemmas, and triumphs, making it an engrossing viewing experience.

Finding Ola is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between February 3, 2022 and on Netflix