‘Another Self’: Why Should We Watch Netflix’s Turkish Drama?
Netflix’s latest Turkish drama ‘Another Self’ (Zeytin Ağacı) broke out as soon as it is aired. With the perfect cast, extraordinary story, and mesmerizing scenery of one of Turkey’s most beautiful shore towns, the series has been on everyone’s agenda!
Another Self (Zeytin Ağacı), a Turkish series released on July 28, 2022, is Netflix’s most recent addition to its library of international content. With its tranquil picture and glamorous cast, the series has been at the center of the world’s audiences’ interest.
A lot of websites have been written to understand the source and reason for this interest. Since Turkey is a country where people can easily polarize, the Turkish audience has already split into two sides. While one side strongly supports the series, the other side, on the other hand, furiously criticizes it. So, in this article, we will try to stay impartial and be as objective as possible.
Well, let’s leave the official trailer of the series before we begin:
Before Skip into the Story…
The accomplished Turkish director Burcu Alptekin is directing Another Self. Well, the provocative and ambitious series includes Tuba Büyüküstün, Seda Bakan, Boncuk Yılmaz, Murat Boz, Füsun Demirel, Fırat Tanış, Rıza Kocaoğlu, Umut Kurt, and Serkan Altunorak. The series contains English audio and subtitles for viewers outside of Turkey even though it was initially produced in Turkish.
What is the Plot of Another Self (Zeytin Ağacı)?
Netflix’s Turkish drama Another Self has 8 episodes in the 1st season and each of which runs an average of 50 minutes. Even though the series says nothing new, each episode flows and you find yourself skipping the next episode even if you notice.
Spiritual Journey of Three Sister-Like Friends
Three friends are followed in the plot of Another Self as they set out on a spiritual and therapeutic journey. The reason for this trip, in the meantime, is to deal with their troubles and traumas from the past while navigating their present lives.
Is Another Self a Remake?
No, it is not. Yet, the Turkish drama has similarities in regards to its story with other productions, — such as Under the Amalfi Sun, On the Verge, and Dangerous Liaisons. What’s more, it has stunning aesthetics and can come off as a tourism advertisement. And it is only because it is set in a picture-perfect seaside village in Turkey, Ayvalık of Balıkesir district.
Is Another Self an Adaptation from a Book?
Yes, it is! Meanwhile, a year ago, the series purchased the copyrights to the psychology book “Seninle Başlamadı” (It Didn’t Start With You). So, Another Self is an adaptation of this book. Important reminder, psychological TV dramas have been quite popular in Turkey recently!
Who are the Main Characters of Zeytin Ağacı?
The first segment of Another Self introduced viewers to three close friends. Leyla (Seda Bakan) is a devoted wife, mother, and social media influencer. Sevgi (Boncuk Yılmaz) is a lawyer fighting recurrent cancer, and yet not happy with her job at all! She constantly dreams of quitting her job. And Ada (Tuba Büyüküstün), on the other hand, is a talented, young, and promising general surgeon in Istanbul. All of them have completely different personalities, nevertheless, they are best friends since the university. They are even close to each other like sisters!
What About Ada and Leyla of Another Self?
As we said above, Ada (Tuba Büyüküstün) is a very successful general surgeon in a private hospital in Istanbul. She is also married to Selim (Serkan Altunorak), who is a talented engineer. Even though their marriage seems perfect from the outside, the couple has a vital conflict. While Selim eagerly wants a baby, Ada doesn’t want it at all! On top of that, when Ada comes across her greatest love Toprak (Murat Boz) in Ayvalık, she starts questioning her relationship with Selim.
As for Leyla, she is a devoted mother and wife, and a social media phenomenon. Though, she is suffering from her marriage as her husband Erdem (Umut Kurt), a fairly wealthy man, doesn’t love her back as she loves him. Furthermore, he keeps cheating on Leyla with other women. So, Leyla, hopelessly, does everything to make her husband love herself…
Conflict Between Holistic and Conventional Surgery Methods
Sevgi chooses to try spiritual healing after growing weary of ineffective medical care. What is worse, she also loses hope day by day. Thus, Sevgi in Another Self got her two best friends, Ada and Leyla, to accompany her to Ayvalik. In this small shore town, there is a spiritual guru named Zaman (Fırat Tanış). The man is famous to cure people’s illnesses using unconventional methods. He is also a doctor, as we learn at the end of 8 episodes, yet he doesn’t mention it to anyone in town.
“Family Constellation Therapy”
This is the most argumentative part of the series. In fact, this is the main part where most people criticize the series. According to critics, the series misleads people who have cancer and seek treatment. Namely, they say Another Self misleads people with cancer disease and falsely encourages them to go after unscientific methods. But, this is wholly another debate!
Rain or shine, Sevgi joined Zaman in a session of what the show dubbed family constellation therapy. It is, however, a highly dramatized and mystifying rendition of a legitimate therapy process. While doing so, Sevgi doesn’t share a thing with her friends as they, especially Ada, stand up to her decision.
Sevgi’s Search for a Cure Unearths Other’s Traumas
She finally told her friends about Zaman’s session a month after her illness had magically disappeared. Nonetheless, this only raises Ada’s temper as she is a biological professional. She is strongly opposed to alternative healing methods. But certain things that happened in their life brought the three women back to Zaman’s retreat for spiritual healing. They all have burdens on their shoulders, secrets coming from their pasts, and problems to be solved…
What are the Main Focuses of Another Self?
Another Self covers a wide range of topics throughout the course of eight episodes. These are including friendships, unsolved traumas, and biomedical versus holistic approaches to healing. In addition to those topics, Zeytin Ağacı also deals with other issues, — such as true love, familial challenges, and love affairs.
Many viewers may find the spiritual healing part of the show absurd. Because the method relates the difficulties that the various individuals are currently experiencing to the deeds and sorrows of their ancestors. The series served as a lesson in alternative methods. However, as many health problems today are being treated using methods that science is unable to explain.
Flawless Combination of Mystery and Intrigue in Another Self
The viewers, however, can very well ignore the spiritual healing component of the show as fiction. And they can also see it as something that adds mystery and excitement to the program. The three women’s realistic and admirable friendship was just one of many other intriguing elements of the Turkish television series. The love plotlines and the family dynamics were each interesting in their own right.
Should We Skip or Stream Another Self?
After all, here is the question: should or shouldn’t we watch the Turkish series Another Self (Zeytin Ağacı)? The answer is definitely yes! But not that easy! …
The Turkish series’ major emphasis was not on its production value or cinematography, yet it nevertheless managed to attract viewers and compel them to click the “next episode” button. However, it does not provide enough excitement or action to hold the attention of viewers with a short attention span.
Great Acting Make Zeytin Ağacı More Preferable
It does, however, appeal to people who enjoy a solid tale that provokes thought and develops intriguing character portrayals that keep your attention riveted. The series’ starring ladies had fantastic chemistry. Moreover, their interactions with the supporting characters are fascinating as well.
Eye-catching Performances of the Leading Characters
Tuba Büyüküstün (as Ada), Seda Bakan (as Leyla), and Boncuk Yılmaz (as Sevgi) were captivating. Moreover, they are also convincing in their portrayals of these strong, independent women. So, they displayed a powerful dynamic.
Passionate Love Scene in Another Self: A Netflix Classic!
Netflix uses sex as a formula to get higher viewership numbers, and so does in Another Self as well. The hot love scene of Tuba Büyüküstün (Ada) and Murat Boz (Toprak) turned the internet universe upside down. Especially the actress’ worldwide fans got crazy for that scene. While most people admired the courage of the actress, some others criticized the actress for using her body.
What are the Technical Details of Another Self?
The screenwriter of the popular Turkish drama is Nuran Evren Şit. Burcu Alptekin, on the other hand, is directing the series. As for the production company of the Turkish series, OGM Pictures takes on the job.
How Many Episodes does Another Self Have?
The Turkish original drama on Netflix, Another Self (Zeytin Ağacı) has 8 episodes. Depending on the success of the first season, Netflix may film the second season as well. As for the running time of episodes, each one lasts an average of 55 minutes.
When was Zeytin Ağacı Released?
The series was released on July 28, 2022, together with the world.
Where is the Filming Location of Another Self?
Netflix’s latest Turkish drama and romance Another Self (Zeytin Ağacı) was filmed in Turkey’s one of the most famous touristic spots Ayvalık.
Long Story Short…
In a nutshell, Another Self (Zeytin Ağacı) is a very successful drama whose story is working pretty well. Yet, the viewers should have an open mind about alternative medical approaches and appreciate a contemplative plot instead. The story of the Turkish drama on Netflix is engaging, inspirational, and heartfelt. So, we strongly recommend you to watch the latest Turkish drama on Netflix for a delightful show with strong acting.
