Leyla ile Mecnun Review: A Surreal Turkish Sitcom
8/10 — Leyla ile Mecnun (2011)
Pros
- Original, surreal humour
- Endearing characters
- Distinct voice
Cons
- Cultural references may be lost
- Uneven episodes
Leyla ile Mecnun follows a couple, named after the classic Middle Eastern love story, and their friends in Istanbul, in a series full of surreal gags. It built a cult following in Turkey.
What works
The humour is original, with quick wit and a willingness to be strange, and the characters are endearing. It finds comedy in everyday life in a distinctive way.
Where it falters
Some jokes depend heavily on Turkish references, and quality varies from episode to episode.
Verdict
A quirky and affectionate comedy that rewards viewers who like the offbeat.
