Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama 50M², which delivers a gripping Turkish thriller about identity, redemption, and the power of community as a dangerous hitman attempts to escape his past by assuming a new life in an Istanbul neighborhood.
Released on January 27, 2021, 50M² premiered on Netflix as a miniseries with 8 episodes, each running approximately 45 minutes. Directed by Selçuk Aydemir and written by Burak Aksak, the series stars Engin Öztürk, Aybüke Pusat, and Cengiz Bozkurt in compelling performances that drive this identity-driven thriller. The series takes its name from the tiny 50 square meter tailor shop that becomes the protagonist’s refuge and the center of his transformation.
50M² masterfully combines crime thriller, identity drama, community story, and redemption narrative elements to create a unique viewing experience. The series explores themes of second chances, found family, the search for identity, the power of belonging, and the possibility of genuine change even for those who seem beyond redemption. This Turkish production stands out by balancing intense crime elements with heartwarming community dynamics.
A Hitman’s Desperate Escape Into New Identity
The story centers around Gölge (meaning “Shadow” in Turkish), a hitman who works for crime boss Servet Nadir but knows nothing about his own past or childhood. 50M² begins when Gölge betrays his boss while searching for clues about his mysterious origins, forcing him to flee and take refuge in a vacant tailor shop in the Güzelce neighborhood of Istanbul.
When the neighborhood residents mistake him for Adem, the recently deceased tailor’s son, Gölge makes a life-changing decision to embrace this new identity. As 50M² unfolds, what starts as a desperate survival strategy gradually transforms into a genuine opportunity for redemption as Gölge discovers what it means to be part of a community that accepts and protects him.
Gölge/Adem: The Assassin Learning to Live
Engin Öztürk delivers a nuanced performance as Gölge, portraying his transformation from a cold, efficient killer to someone learning how to form genuine human connections for the first time. Throughout 50M², Gölge struggles with maintaining his false identity while discovering aspects of himself he never knew existed, as the warmth of the neighborhood begins to change him fundamentally.
His character journey explores the possibility of genuine redemption and whether someone can truly escape their past by becoming a better person. Gölge’s evolution from isolated hitman to protective community member showcases the series’ belief in the transformative power of belonging and acceptance, making his character arc both believable and emotionally satisfying.
The Güzelce Neighborhood: A Community That Heals
Aybüke Pusat and Cengiz Bozkurt, along with the ensemble cast, create a rich tapestry of neighborhood characters who become Gölge’s unexpected family. In 50M², the residents of Güzelce represent different aspects of community life, from gossipy neighbors to protective elders, each contributing to the protagonist’s gradual humanization.
The neighborhood dynamics become central to the series’ emotional core, as these ordinary people unknowingly provide the love and acceptance that Gölge has never experienced. Their relationships with “Adem” create both comedic moments and genuine emotional depth, making the community feel authentic and worth protecting.
Past Collides with Present: When Two Worlds Meet
The series reaches its most intense moments when Gölge’s criminal past begins to threaten his new life and the innocent people who have welcomed him. 50M² builds tension as Servet Nadir’s organization closes in while Gölge must decide whether to flee again or stand and fight to protect the community that has given him a chance at redemption.
These climactic episodes showcase the series’ ability to balance intimate character development with high-stakes action, as Gölge’s personal transformation is tested by the ultimate challenge. The confrontation between his old and new identities forces him to choose between survival and sacrifice, revealing the true extent of his character growth.
Success on Netflix
50M² found moderate success on Netflix by offering international audiences a unique blend of crime thriller and community drama that felt both familiar and distinctly Turkish. The series resonated with viewers seeking character-driven stories about redemption and second chances. With Engin Öztürk’s compelling central performance, authentic neighborhood atmosphere, and its balance of action with emotional storytelling, 50M² established itself as an engaging entry in Netflix’s international thriller catalog, though it was ultimately not renewed for a second season, leaving fans disappointed but satisfied with the complete story arc presented.
A Redemption Story Worth Your Time
If you love identity thrillers with heart and community-centered storytelling, 50M² is the perfect series to binge on Netflix.
Why This Heartfelt Thriller Deserves Your Attention
Positive Points:
- Excellent lead performance by Engin Öztürk as a hitman discovering his humanity through community acceptance
- Perfect balance of crime thriller elements with heartwarming neighborhood dynamics and relationships
- Authentic portrayal of Istanbul neighborhood life that adds cultural richness and emotional depth
- Strong supporting cast that creates a believable and lovable community of characters
- Thoughtful exploration of identity, belonging, and the possibility of genuine personal transformation
Negative Points:
- Limited to only 8 episodes, which may feel too brief for full character and relationship development
- Some crime thriller elements might feel familiar to viewers of similar genre series
- Cultural references and neighborhood dynamics may require context for international audiences
- The series was cancelled after one season, leaving some story threads unexplored
- Balancing act between thriller and drama elements may not satisfy viewers seeking pure action
50M² offers a touching exploration of how community and acceptance can transform even the most unlikely individuals, making it essential viewing for anyone seeking crime drama with genuine emotional depth and cultural authenticity.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 8 episodes (1 season – cancelled)
- Platform: Netflix
- Release Year: 2021
- Current IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Genre: Thriller, Drama, Crime, Identity Drama
- Production Type: Turkish Drama (Dizi)
- Status: Cancelled after one season
- Main Protagonists: Engin Öztürk (Gölge/Adem), Aybüke Pusat (Dilara), Cengiz Bozkurt (Muhittin)
- Antagonist: Servet Nadir and the criminal organization threatening Gölge’s new life and community