Netflix’s success in amassing and promoting adaptations of Korean webtoons is only one example of how the company makes the most of content from unanticipated regions. Netflix has opted to release Alkhallat+, a Saudi Arabian comedy satirical thriller that follows an anthology of stories centered on various characters in diverse settings.

Telfaz11, a prolific Saudi Arabian production company that has been massively successful with films like Blue Spirit, Raven Song, and Khambalah: Stereotype since its establishment in 2011, is collaborating with Netflix on the current project. The film is based on their hit show Alkhallat, which consists of 22 episodes and was initially aired in 2017 and has racked up more than 1.5 billion views across multiple streaming platforms.

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As Netflix adds more unique content to its streaming platform, it will only increase its repertoire and provide audiences with more options. While one of Saudi Arabia’s most anticipated films of 2023 is in the works, here’s everything we know about Alkhallat+.

Alkhallat+: The Plot

According to the Netflix trailer, the story follows four different characters in various situations, yet they are all connected in some manner. While a man is going about his daily activities, his life takes a dramatic change in the trailer’s first scene, while another individual hops in a car, hoping no one will catch him. Further, into the trailer, we witness numerous characters get themselves into trouble with no way out, as well as a few social issues among individuals from various regions.

The characters are dressed in traditional Arabic attire, providing us with a more in-depth view of their culture not just via language but also through costumes. The plot appears to be similar to the original series, however, it concentrates on new characters rather than those from 2017’s Alkhallat. In any event, the film’s expectations are very high, especially after watching the trailer, which doesn’t disclose much to make assumptions.

While we elaborated on the trailer’s premise, the official synopsis from Telfaz11 Studios is as follows.

Alkhallat+: The Cast and Crew

     Netflix

Since the film is built on an anthology of stories about deception and trickery, it has an exciting addition to the cast that fits the film’s dark comic vibe. In the first anthology story, Mohammed Aldokhei will play a man who appears to be minding his own business but slips into trouble. Previously, the actor featured in short films and television series such as Six Windows in the Desert, Is Sumiyat Going to Hell?, and Khambalah: Honourable, But.

“From the creators of the digital series Alkhallat, which amassed over 1.5 billion views and defined a new generation during its 22-episode run, comes an anthology of stories of social deception and trickery set in four unlikely places. In one story, two thieves crash a wedding to save their co-conspirator. In the next, a chef working at a fine-dining restaurant puts the business on the line to save her parents’ failing marriage. The next story is set in a morgue, where the friend of a recently deceased man returns to bury something secret given to him by the dead man’s wife. The last tale follows a mother searching for her husband while he, in turn, searches for their son in a nightclub. There’s always a way out of any situation – and whoever has a trick up his sleeve will use it for their own benefit.”

Abdulaziz Alshehri will play a terrified guy fleeing from something or someone, while Fahad Albutairi appears to play a character who is continually irritated by his roommate. While the former is most known for his roles in Sattar, Masameer: The Movie, and Masameer Country, the latter is a stand-up comedian, writer, actor, and creative producer. Fans might recognize him from 2022’s The Office, The Fates Hotel, and From A to B.

While these few characters have received more attention in the trailer, the rest of the cast members include Ibraheem Alkhairallah (Raven Song), Ibrahim Al Hajjaj (Rashash), Sohayb Godus (The Son of Gnosis), Ziyad Alamri (Another Planet), and Ismail Al Hassan (The Great Muse). The film was shot in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and directed by Fahad Alammari, who made his international film debut as a member of the additional crew for the 2016 short film, Is Sumiyat Going to Hell?

Release Date

Alkhallat+ will be released worldwide on the official streaming platform on January 19.

Everything Else We Know

Alkhallat+’s production company recently celebrated its 11th anniversary and announced four feature films that will be released by the end of 2023. Due to its earlier release date, Alkhallat+ looks to be the event’s focus. Therefore, Netflix organized the international premiere on December 5, 2022, at the Red Sea International Film Festival, with a thousand people attending the Gala, to ensure its place as a historic film in Saudi Arabia.

In line with Netflix’s mission to provide a more diversified selection of material, the streaming giant is now delving into Arabian films, and let’s hope Alkhallat+ succeeds.