📺 With friends like these, who needs enemies? Zolm El Mastaba takes place in the heart of the Egyptian countryside, in the midst of a raging conflict between two old friends. The friction between them is a reflection of relatable themes of anger, injustice, oppression, and revenge.

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A bitter reunion: After spending seven years in prison, Hassan (Eyad Nassar) returns from Libya to his village in the city of Damanhour, searching for his friend and partner in his ill-fated journey abroad. Hamada (Fathy Abdel Wahab) had fled, leaving Hassan behind, and taking all the money they had earned together in Libya.

Hassan is surprised to discover that Hamada has become village leader, using his influence and the influence of his brother, Sheikh Alaa (Ahmed Azmy) to his personal advantage. He is also shocked to learn that Hamada has married his longtime love Hind (Reham Abdel Ghafour), catalyzing a journey of revenge.

The strength of this series comes from the character development and the casting. Hamada is an intensely complex character brilliantly portrayed by Abdel Wahab, whose unpredictable emotions exacerbate the already tense drama. Hind’s sincerity and tragedy was heartfelt thanks to an excellent performance by Abdel Ghafour, and Nassar’s presence meticulously conveys the struggles Hassan is experiencing.

The saying Zolm El Mastaba is named after illustrates some of the issues facing rural societies, such as the superstitions and traditions that govern interpersonal relationships, the small tragedies of life in a village where people constantly monitor each other’s private lives, and issues of inheritance theft and domestic violence. These thorny issues are presented in the series without feeling forced or contrived, and fit naturally within the realistic and fast-paced plot.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can find Zolm El Mastaba on WatchIt and Yango Play, or watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:40).

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