Netflix’s latest Turkish-language film, Everything’s Going to Be Great, dives into the complexities of family, fame, and unfulfilled dreams. Starring acclaimed Turkish actor Caglar Corumlu and directed by Umut Aral, this dramatic comedy blends dry humor with aching realism. While the title suggests optimism, the story charts a much rockier emotional path.
Set against the backdrop of Istanbul, the film follows two estranged brothers as they awkwardly attempt to rebuild their relationship while launching a business doomed from the start. What unfolds is a poignant, often hilarious reflection on failure, identity, and the illusion of control.
What is “Everything’s Going to Be Great” About?
A Quick Synopsis
The film centers on Altan, a former musician still clinging to dreams of fame, and Nuri, his uptight pharmacist brother. Reunited after years apart, Altan convinces Nuri to fund a wildly impractical business idea—a vitamin supplement shop that doubles as a music club. Naturally, chaos ensues.
Despite the setup, the film steers away from slapstick or traditional buddy comedy tropes. Instead, it probes the deeper pains and disappointments each brother carries.
Themes at a Glance
- Sibling rivalry and reconciliation
- Mid-life crisis and lost potential
- The absurdity of ambition
- Turkish cultural commentary through satire
Who’s Behind the Camera?
Director and Vision
Umut Aral, known for his work on “Love 101” and other Netflix originals, directs the film with a balance of visual flair and raw honesty. He plays with the contrast of optimism and absurdism, using natural light and handheld camera techniques to immerse viewers.
Screenplay and Tone
The script, co-written by Aral and Berkun Oya (Ethos), is character-driven, punctuated with dry humor and cutting dialogue. While pacing can feel slow in places, it’s part of the film’s deliberate tone—more European arthouse than traditional comedy.
Standout Performances
Caglar Corumlu as Altan
Corumlu is magnetic as the delusional yet lovable Altan. His performance swings between hilarious and heartbreaking, often in the same scene.
Engin Gunaydin as Nuri
Playing the emotionally constipated pharmacist, Gunaydin offers a perfect foil to Corumlu’s chaos. His gradual unraveling provides the film’s most affecting arc.
Supporting Cast
- Tulin Ozen as Nuri’s estranged wife
- Firat Tanis as the shady landlord
- Guest cameos from Turkish pop icons add levity and local flavor
Cinematic Style and Emotional Impact
Visuals
The Istanbul setting is used beautifully—gritty alleyways, bustling markets, and melancholic rooftops. Color grading shifts subtly with tone, leaning brighter in comedic moments and darker in scenes of emotional strain.
Soundtrack
A mix of retro Turkish rock, ambient sounds, and emotionally charged piano motifs reinforce the highs and lows.
Emotional Resonance
Viewers who’ve struggled with family, career regrets, or identity will find themselves unexpectedly moved.
Comparison with Other Netflix Originals
| Title | Country | Genre | Similar Themes | Emotional Tone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everything’s Going to Be Great | Turkey | Dramedy | Sibling drama, lost dreams | Bittersweet |
| The Eddy | France | Drama | Music + personal downfall | Melancholic |
| Marriage Story | USA | Drama | Family breakdown, emotional crisis | Intense |
| Derry Girls | UK | Comedy | Sibling/friend chaos, local culture | Light-hearted |
Why You Should Watch It
- Not your typical comedy: It’s raw, honest, and often uncomfortably relatable
- Stellar performances: Especially from Corumlu and Gunaydin
- A window into Turkish urban life rarely shown in mainstream cinema
- Visually rich and musically layered
FAQs About “Everything’s Going to Be Great”
Q: Is the film a comedy or drama?
A: It blends both. Expect moments of levity within an emotional framework.
Q: What language is the film in?
A: Turkish (with subtitles in multiple languages)
Q: Where can I stream it?
A: Exclusively on Netflix worldwide
Q: Who is the target audience?
A: Adults who enjoy character-driven, emotionally nuanced storytelling
Q: Is it part of a series or standalone?
A: It’s a standalone feature film.
An Unexpectedly Honest Turkish Masterpiec
Netflix’s Everything’s Going to Be Great is not just a film title—it’s an ironic mantra for two men trying to outrun failure. With layered performances, gorgeous cinematography, and a script that refuses to sugarcoat life’s complexities, it becomes one of the most compelling international releases of the year.
Whether you’re a fan of Turkish cinema or new to it, this film invites you to laugh, cry, and reconsider what it means to start over. Just don’t expect everything to be great—at least not in the way you think.
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