Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Kübra, which has been making waves as one of Netflix’s most intriguing Turkish supernatural thrillers.
Released on January 18, 2024, Kübra consists of two seasons with a total of 16 episodes, each running approximately 45-50 minutes. This Netflix original series is directed by Durul and Yağmur Taylan and is an adaptation of the book with the same name by Afşin Kum. The show masterfully blends psychological drama with supernatural elements, creating a thought-provoking narrative about faith, technology, and modern prophecy.
Set in the backstreets of Istanbul, the series follows Gökhan, an ordinary man trying to pull his life together to marry his girlfriend. What starts as a simple love story quickly transforms into something much deeper and more complex. The show explores themes of divine calling, social media influence, and the dangerous intersection between technology and religious belief in contemporary Turkey.
The series has gained attention for its bold approach to discussing faith and spirituality in the digital age, presenting a modern take on the concept of prophecy and divine messages through the lens of social media and online communication.
A Man Receives Messages That Change Everything
The central plot revolves around Gökhan receiving mysterious text messages from someone named Kübra that seem to predict the future, sending him into a crisis of identity and faith. When a suburban man receives messages that seem to predict the future, he develops a following and powerful enemies. What begins as curiosity about these prophetic messages gradually evolves into something much more significant and dangerous.
The messages start simply with “You are different!” but quickly escalate into predictions that prove eerily accurate. As Gökhan witnesses these prophecies come true, he’s forced to confront the possibility that he might be chosen for something greater than his ordinary life. The series skillfully builds tension as each prediction draws Gökhan deeper into a world where the line between divine intervention and manipulation becomes increasingly blurred.
The narrative structure allows viewers to experience Gökhan’s confusion and growing belief alongside him, making the supernatural elements feel grounded in genuine human emotion and psychological realism.
Gökhan Şahinoğlu: From Ordinary Man to Reluctant Prophet
Çağatay Ulusoy portrays Gökhan Şahinoğlu with remarkable depth and authenticity. His character arc represents one of the most compelling transformations in recent Turkish drama. Starting as an everyman struggling with daily life and relationship issues, Gökhan gradually evolves into a reluctant spiritual leader who must grapple with the weight of divine responsibility.
The series shows how interesting it is to watch a man go from zero to a religious leader in a short period of time. Ulusoy’s performance captures the internal conflict of someone who never asked for this burden but finds himself unable to ignore the calling. His portrayal balances skepticism with growing faith, showing how ordinary people might react when faced with the extraordinary.
The character development is particularly strong in showing how Gökhan’s relationships change as he accepts his role, creating realistic tension between his personal desires and what he believes to be his divine purpose.
Merve and the Supporting Cast: Love in the Shadow of Destiny
Aslıhan Malbora plays Merve, Gökhan’s girlfriend who finds herself caught between her love for him and her fear of what he’s becoming. Her character represents the grounding force in Gökhan’s life, the reminder of who he was before the messages began. The chemistry between Ulusoy and Malbora creates an emotional anchor that keeps the supernatural elements from overwhelming the human story.
The supporting cast includes Ahsen Eroğlu as Gülcan, Nazan Kesal as Dilek, and Cihan Talay as Salih, each bringing their own perspective to Gökhan’s transformation. These characters serve as both supporters and skeptics, reflecting the various ways people might react to claims of divine communication in the modern world.
The ensemble work creates a believable community around Gökhan, showing how his journey affects not just him but everyone in his orbit.
The Ultimate Test: Government Opposition and Divine Challenge
In the second season, Gökhan goes against the government, facing new powers and new problems as he must decide whether to lead his followers to salvation or damnation. As Gökhan’s acts mystify onlookers, the police begin investigating, creating a dangerous situation where faith meets authority.
The climax builds to a confrontation between divine calling and earthly power, forcing Gökhan to make choices that will determine not only his own fate but the fate of everyone who believes in him. As Gülcan grieves their father’s death, Gökhan faces the ultimate test from Kübra, creating emotional stakes that go beyond the supernatural elements.
This season pushes the boundaries of what the character and the audience can accept, testing the limits of faith when faced with real-world consequences.
Success on Netflix: A Bold Turkish Original
Kübra has achieved significant attention on Netflix with its unique blend of faith, technology, and psychological drama, earning a 6.1 rating on IMDb. The series has been praised as an effective and intriguing examination of faith, technology, and the idea of a prophet, with an excellent lead performance. The show stands out among Turkish Netflix originals for its willingness to tackle complex religious and social themes through a supernatural lens.
The series has been described as a “Turkish masterpiece” that unravels a pre-apocalyptic narrative where a divine messenger grapples to find his footing in society. The format allows for deep character development across its episodes, giving viewers time to connect with Gökhan’s journey and the moral questions it raises. Kübra represents Netflix’s commitment to diverse international content that challenges viewers intellectually and spiritually.
Why You Should Experience This Spiritual Thriller
If you love stories that blend supernatural elements with deep psychological drama, Kübra is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show offers a unique perspective on faith in the digital age, asking profound questions about divine communication, personal responsibility, and the price of belief. With strong performances, particularly from Çağatay Ulusoy, and a narrative that builds genuine tension around both supernatural and human conflicts, this Turkish drama delivers an experience that will leave you questioning the nature of faith and destiny.
A Series That Challenges Everything You Believe
Kübra succeeds because it takes its supernatural premise seriously while grounding it in genuine human emotion and contemporary social issues. This isn’t just a fantasy about receiving divine messages, it’s a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be chosen, to lead others, and to maintain faith when the world seems to be pushing back against everything you believe.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 16 episodes (across 2 seasons)
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2024 (Season 1: January 18, Season 2: June 6)
Current IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Supernatural
Status: Completed (2 seasons aired)
Protagonist: Çağatay Ulusoy (Gökhan Şahinoğlu)
Antagonist: Government forces and internal doubt