Starting off with captivating protagonist and promising story that delivers to some extend but not all. Epidemic, societal decline and government control are main themes. Beautifully shot with grim city scapes. Reasonable realistic character development but it crumbles a little at the 5/6 episode mark where the story takes detours. The biggest fail and why it is not high 8s for this review is the lack of explanation around this epidemic, the mortality and symptoms for example. Without this, it is difficult to feel threat or urgency which also sends other storylines a drift. It feels like the story is searching although the cinematography is excellent.
34 Reviews
Worth to discover!
yarkingevez4 December 2022
Well-fictioned scenario making the audience curious and waiting for the next episode. After two years with the pandemic, it forces us empathize and question our own world. Stunning acting from Turkish movie and theater industry.
Moreover, the fact that the book inspired by the script was written 3 years before the script was written is another factor that makes this fiction interesting.
Considering the low budgets that nerflix allocates to European productions, it should not be compared to Hollywood productions.
However, it can be said that 7 different local Turkish animation companies and more than 100 graphic-designers work meticulously and it is a good job worth watching.
Moreover, the fact that the book inspired by the script was written 3 years before the script was written is another factor that makes this fiction interesting.
Considering the low budgets that nerflix allocates to European productions, it should not be compared to Hollywood productions.
However, it can be said that 7 different local Turkish animation companies and more than 100 graphic-designers work meticulously and it is a good job worth watching.
Written long before COVID
ysaygideger-774-7527283 December 2022
The series is adopted from a Turkish novel written by Afsin Kum, published in 2016, which I was not aware of it before watching the series. I finished the first season 15 minutes ago, and really enjoyed watching it. It needs a lot of thinking, sense of humor and open minds. I admired the "abuks" and congratulate the writers.
All the characters, acting and directing are incredible. The story takes place in Istanbul. There is an outbreak going on which spreads by hearing nonsense talking of affected people. The main character the hot skull, is the only immune person who is a linguistic scientist, but has a side affect of the immune response.
Hope to see the second season soon.
All the characters, acting and directing are incredible. The story takes place in Istanbul. There is an outbreak going on which spreads by hearing nonsense talking of affected people. The main character the hot skull, is the only immune person who is a linguistic scientist, but has a side affect of the immune response.
Hope to see the second season soon.
Good Topic, Turkish series but very promosing
ilir_osmani2 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Pretty bold start for Hot Skull, the topic is pretty good after the pandemic we had. I would prefer to watch it with English subtitles. The main charachter is a good turkish actor. The series is also a little psychological. There are some fragments that disturbed my head in good way. Hope it will continue like this. If you were in Istanbul before it is good to see the city in this situation. The other actors are also good, the talking in the series is average, but I guess it will improve in the future. So I would definetly recommend anyone to give a chance to the series. If you love distopic epidemic times, this is for you.
Reminded me of Pontypool
gullyfoyle-261855 December 2022
I was reminded of Pontypool and various story plots of Charles Stross and Greg Bear regarding mental virus ideas.
It was a nice change of pace from Zombies and the actors all looked "real".
A pleasant edition was no sex instead of love character plotting.
And older people were actually depicted as stars and not simply incompetent bystanders as one finds in most US productions.
I'm always surprised at the respect and wide characterization foreign media allows older adult roles. There is no pandering to the youth market or excessive gore and sexuality.
Either way everyone should watch and create their own opinions instead of following someone else's.
That includes mine.
It was a nice change of pace from Zombies and the actors all looked "real".
A pleasant edition was no sex instead of love character plotting.
And older people were actually depicted as stars and not simply incompetent bystanders as one finds in most US productions.
I'm always surprised at the respect and wide characterization foreign media allows older adult roles. There is no pandering to the youth market or excessive gore and sexuality.
Either way everyone should watch and create their own opinions instead of following someone else's.
That includes mine.
A Good Dystopia, But Only "Good"
olivesandvines8 December 2022
Hot Skull is a good Turkish dystopia travelling around contemporary social issues pandemic, state pressure, totalitarianism, resistance, individualism, and search for hope. Presented in a gloomy Istanbul atmosphere portrayed in brown, yellow and green colors, this eight part series tells us the story of Murat Siyavus, a linguist and an intellectual who is immune to the a social-medical pandemic, yet prone to another illness related to (his) bodily reactions. Around social and medical issues, Hot Skull presents a dark future, where the cities are wound round with walls and law enforcement forces. It is a good series since it is a dystopia that is not common in Turkish popular culture and it presents contemporary social-medical issues with good visuals, and credible storytelling. The acting of Osman Sonant, Sevket Coruh, Haluk Bilginer and especially Tilbe Saran are notably good, the rest is unfortunately below average. However, since it is within the boundaries of popular culture (yes Netflix) the series limits itself and almost always stops where it can say something more, and become critical and notable.
Derivative
r-677132 December 2022
Having watched the first episode it is fairly obvious that this is a re-imagination of the 2008 Canadian film Pontypool with a COVID like setting/analogy.
That film had the exact same premise, a diseased state with the same symptoms and spread the exact same way, verbally (speech to hearing). Having said that, the production values are good, and the lead actors are good as well. I haven't watched too much Turkish cinema, but this seems to be a quality production even if the idea is not entirely original. Yes, it is Turkish, but the video I watched had a dual English Audio component and subtitles as well. I'm interested to see where they take this and will continue to watch. BTW, check out the original movie, Pontypool, it is quite good.
That film had the exact same premise, a diseased state with the same symptoms and spread the exact same way, verbally (speech to hearing). Having said that, the production values are good, and the lead actors are good as well. I haven't watched too much Turkish cinema, but this seems to be a quality production even if the idea is not entirely original. Yes, it is Turkish, but the video I watched had a dual English Audio component and subtitles as well. I'm interested to see where they take this and will continue to watch. BTW, check out the original movie, Pontypool, it is quite good.
Nice touch
gorkemfull18 December 2022
The story and performances were good, some parts were slowed down and some parts could be elaborated more, but overall it was quite good, cinematically. The ideas were captivating with all the visual compositions. I think it was unique in that way.
The most satisfying part of the series was the criticism on politics and the autocratic system, I really enjoyed it.
Downside was the character development, they were not so deep, especially the main characters could have more depth. My favorite character was Ozgur.
In short, the series are worthy of watching, it is not a simple action series, it gives you more than that.
The most satisfying part of the series was the criticism on politics and the autocratic system, I really enjoyed it.
Downside was the character development, they were not so deep, especially the main characters could have more depth. My favorite character was Ozgur.
In short, the series are worthy of watching, it is not a simple action series, it gives you more than that.
Great beginning, but loosing momentum
JohnM638 December 2022
At first I was intrigued by the theme, the general atmosphere and the symbolism in this dystopian story. However, after three or so episodes the series started loosing my interest. The acting is ok, the footage great, but after the first couple of episodes the story looses the little momentum it has and it becomes a drag. It just goes on and on without any clear direction or even purpose.
The characters are not very appealing and remain very superficial, even when the protagonist is concerned. I just read there will be a second season. That might be a second chance for a series that sofar was only able to bury its potential under a pile of nothingness.
The characters are not very appealing and remain very superficial, even when the protagonist is concerned. I just read there will be a second season. That might be a second chance for a series that sofar was only able to bury its potential under a pile of nothingness.
Great Job!
baris-826223 December 2022
It was a very successful production for Türkiye, especially in the science-fiction genre.
The actors and script are pretty good.
We should all make useful comments to pave the way for such quality productions.
The cooperation between Neftlix and Türkiye will become stronger day by day.
It was a successful production about a mass epidemic that started in Turkey and what would happen next.
While I am used to seeing similar original science-fiction works as a work done by different countries, I was very happy that Türkiye signed such an original work.
I would like to humbly invite those who want to watch this series to watch this successful series without giving spoilers.
All my best wishes, Enjoy watching!
The actors and script are pretty good.
We should all make useful comments to pave the way for such quality productions.
The cooperation between Neftlix and Türkiye will become stronger day by day.
It was a successful production about a mass epidemic that started in Turkey and what would happen next.
While I am used to seeing similar original science-fiction works as a work done by different countries, I was very happy that Türkiye signed such an original work.
I would like to humbly invite those who want to watch this series to watch this successful series without giving spoilers.
All my best wishes, Enjoy watching!
And a half
Headturner113 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Hey genius! Their is an option button when you click on about the film and it tells you audio and English is there and you click on it. And there is a subtitle option in multiple languages as well. Some foreign films simply aren't dubbed but there are always English subtitles. Good that took up half my required characters! I watched it dubbed because my eyes can't take reading subtitles for very long anymore. The dubbing can make or break a foreign film. I often have to skip them when I hear the dubbing and this one wasn't horrible ( like the patient) that was bad even in French. Any ways it was ok . I thought it was funny how they called them jabberers. Idk why but I cracked up every time. Tho they weren't really Jabbering they just kept reciting odd phrases almost as if from an encyclopedia or something. Wisdom like words none the less or poetic like. I liked Anton but the lead guy annoyed me after a while as selfish as he was! They weren't consistent with the head phone thing. More than half the time they didn't have them on and that was when they were around the areas with tons of these jabberers. I fell asleep on the last episode so I guess I'll finish it tonight but I was getting sick of it a few episodes before that.
Its so bad I can't stop watching it
Ingelgreger13 December 2022
What sets up as an intriguing and cool story completely fails with extremely bad dialogue, drug overuse, 50-year olds acting like 30-somethings. It's like a Berlin Club underground series met Alice in wonderland with actors meant to do telenovelas. There's no logic to the dialogue at times, you just sit there and ask yourself, why, what... huh? It's actually so frustrating at times that I have to call my granny and tell her to avoid wasting her precious last time watching this.
Then why did I not stop myself? It's just so stupid that you endure the masochist act of finishing the series, even when knowing you'll feel cheated and intellectually violated afterwards. So, after writing this you'll probably jump at the series. Well, please thank me now and not later. And don't send me your shrink bills. Enjoy.
Then why did I not stop myself? It's just so stupid that you endure the masochist act of finishing the series, even when knowing you'll feel cheated and intellectually violated afterwards. So, after writing this you'll probably jump at the series. Well, please thank me now and not later. And don't send me your shrink bills. Enjoy.
Interesting story, satisfactory acting, excellent visuals and atmospher
metehanp6 December 2022
So far, Hot Skull is the finest show I've seen in 2022. The images are stunning, and the whole vibe is gloomy and eerie, perfectly representing a dystopian society. I really like the overall acting performance. Although the main character appears a little strange at times, and his mother's excessive smoking habit is displayed so frequently (I'm not sure why), I could easily say I appreciated the natural vibe of the performance. From beginning to the end, there is an exciting story going on, and I hope they announce a season 2 soon. As someone who watched the entire season in one session, I assure that if you are into dystopian science fiction shows, you will definitely appreciate this one! Concerning the one-star review, I'm not sure what he/she is talking about; nonetheless, he/she is definitely not a science fiction fan; obviously, it is normal for show to give absurd and ridiculous vibes at moments, but that's the genre's key objectives, am I wrong?
Better than expected
simbiat7 December 2022
"Hot Skull" is definitely better than I expected. It's far from perfect of course, but still quite a solid sci-fi from Turkey. I would not mind a bit more "sci" in it, they did not really go much into the explanation of jabbering throughout the series.
I was disappointed in the last episode, though. It felt rushed, and not so much in the story department, so much as in production. It felt as if actors have lost their edge and their performance got worse for no apparent reason. Although, I was watching it with English dub, so maybe it was the dub problem, and not the actors.
Nevertheless, I would not mind seeing a second season.
I was disappointed in the last episode, though. It felt rushed, and not so much in the story department, so much as in production. It felt as if actors have lost their edge and their performance got worse for no apparent reason. Although, I was watching it with English dub, so maybe it was the dub problem, and not the actors.
Nevertheless, I would not mind seeing a second season.
Highly entertaining, very thoughtful
yooniverse28 December 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect at first, as I expected another permutation of the typical post-pandemic apocalypse story. Instead, Hot Skull turned out to be a clever and entertaining show that I am glad I didn't overlook.
The premise is a bit novel--a virus of some sort affects the speech and verbal comprehension centers of our brains, and it is spread through speech of infected people. As a result, people are required to wear headphones or ear plugs, and infected people are quarantined into zones that are locked down, where the the haves and the have-nots are neatly separated to achieve an new abominable social norm.
But what happens when someone achieves immunity? Will the institution that derives its power from the new social structure want to see it end? It's a very clever and dark analog and social commentary on the Covid-19 pandemic, and the public health and political insanity that ensued around the world, with our human rights sacrificed for the perceived public good. But who is really free? Those who live inside the heavily surveilled disease-free zones, or outside, in the unmonitored zones? It's a a very real and prescient dystopian scenario that doesn't involve the done-to-death global warming/climate change trope.
This is a Turkish production, and as with ALL foreign language shows, it should be watched in its original language track with subtitles. The acting is generally good, though perhaps the talent is a bit uneven, but Osman Sonant is excellent by any measure. The story is well-paced, but it bogs down a bit towards the end, where it perhaps gets a little too preachy and the social analogy goes a bit over the top, but the story sets up very nicely to continue into a second season.
The premise is a bit novel--a virus of some sort affects the speech and verbal comprehension centers of our brains, and it is spread through speech of infected people. As a result, people are required to wear headphones or ear plugs, and infected people are quarantined into zones that are locked down, where the the haves and the have-nots are neatly separated to achieve an new abominable social norm.
But what happens when someone achieves immunity? Will the institution that derives its power from the new social structure want to see it end? It's a very clever and dark analog and social commentary on the Covid-19 pandemic, and the public health and political insanity that ensued around the world, with our human rights sacrificed for the perceived public good. But who is really free? Those who live inside the heavily surveilled disease-free zones, or outside, in the unmonitored zones? It's a a very real and prescient dystopian scenario that doesn't involve the done-to-death global warming/climate change trope.
This is a Turkish production, and as with ALL foreign language shows, it should be watched in its original language track with subtitles. The acting is generally good, though perhaps the talent is a bit uneven, but Osman Sonant is excellent by any measure. The story is well-paced, but it bogs down a bit towards the end, where it perhaps gets a little too preachy and the social analogy goes a bit over the top, but the story sets up very nicely to continue into a second season.
Great idea for different take on epidemic drama but.....
paulchampion-7470621 January 2023
The premise of the programme uses an interesting change from the norm for what could infect the world. It starts with great promise but throughout fails to devote sufficient time on those affected thus resulting in lack of suspension, threat and menace. The story plods along, occasionally interspersed with some faster paced action, leaving the viewer wanting more but not receiving. It takes until the last couple of episodes before some questions begin to get answered, moving with anticipation towards the finale. As the ultimate offering unfolds it becomes plain that this will lead onto a second season and whilst those watching will be mildly satisfied, will also feel short-changed by the programme failing to deliver in exchange for the investment made by the viewer over 8 episodes.
WELLDONE(Well written, well played, well filmed)
metinguven434 December 2022
Congratulations for good story which has a good background and basis.
Congratulations for extraordinary scripts taking you into deep thoughts.
Congratulations for so smart puzzles making you use your mind more then we do recently due to social media , Perfect acting taking you deeply into the story. Based on a book written ( in 2016 ) before Covid 19 outbreak. A milestone for Turkish movie makers. Filming locations were chosen well and prepared with a detailed manner. Finally thanks a lot to Netflix for supporting local movie producers. It helped a lot to many countries movie makers, directors, actors who haven!t so far had enough financial sources to show how much they can be creative.
Congratulations for extraordinary scripts taking you into deep thoughts.
Congratulations for so smart puzzles making you use your mind more then we do recently due to social media , Perfect acting taking you deeply into the story. Based on a book written ( in 2016 ) before Covid 19 outbreak. A milestone for Turkish movie makers. Filming locations were chosen well and prepared with a detailed manner. Finally thanks a lot to Netflix for supporting local movie producers. It helped a lot to many countries movie makers, directors, actors who haven!t so far had enough financial sources to show how much they can be creative.
Combination of Everything
ali-basali1 January 2023
It has many similarities from many other series, such as: stranger things, dark, matrix, you etc...
It started with a curiosity but cannot keep that momentum all the way to the end. There is no surprise on any of the episode except that one scene.
Sometimes main character behaved like a really childish, selfish but without any good valid background, therefore you cannot make the connection with him.
Topic is okeyish, but could be way better with a little bit intelligence. It turned out a classic Turkish series, which has long lasting dialogs without any meaning, very very slow scenes, meaningless moments. Especially i really looked for a 2x or 3x fast forward option on Netflix to be able watch it.
It started with a curiosity but cannot keep that momentum all the way to the end. There is no surprise on any of the episode except that one scene.
Sometimes main character behaved like a really childish, selfish but without any good valid background, therefore you cannot make the connection with him.
Topic is okeyish, but could be way better with a little bit intelligence. It turned out a classic Turkish series, which has long lasting dialogs without any meaning, very very slow scenes, meaningless moments. Especially i really looked for a 2x or 3x fast forward option on Netflix to be able watch it.
I am flabbergasted
mukremin-295-4250335 December 2022
Turkish series are conquering the world but I usually don't watch them because it's the same thing always with different flavors. Rich family, poor family, families that own corporate businesses . Having an affair etc etc..
This serie shocked me because you don't expect this quality and style from Turkish producers. The direction this serie goes is refreshing and has it own unique style.
I really hope more creative minds will emerge in Türkiye and I really hope they will also take a bold step in the deep to try to produce different kind of series/movies.
I really enjoyed season 1 and literally cant wait for season 2!
This serie shocked me because you don't expect this quality and style from Turkish producers. The direction this serie goes is refreshing and has it own unique style.
I really hope more creative minds will emerge in Türkiye and I really hope they will also take a bold step in the deep to try to produce different kind of series/movies.
I really enjoyed season 1 and literally cant wait for season 2!
Frustration
ayanabdullayevaa12 December 2022
Waste of the time. There is a problem and there is never a solution. It went from the first episode to the last episode. Boring. The sentence you will probably hear most will be 'Murat, you need to do something'. Because of Haluk Bilginer, my expectation was good, but the man came to the drama just to be empty.
It's a dystopian series and the only good thing is that it's such a job instead of stupid love series from Turkey. The editing and shooting were very good. You can watch it, but don't expect too much, I think it was far below my expectations. The points I give are for editing and shooting.
It's a dystopian series and the only good thing is that it's such a job instead of stupid love series from Turkey. The editing and shooting were very good. You can watch it, but don't expect too much, I think it was far below my expectations. The points I give are for editing and shooting.
Unique scenario, fluent
arslankieran4 December 2022
One of the most creative scenario i have recently seen. Some imaginery scenes make it a bit wierd but still connects to main plot. Apocalpytic scenes are well integrated to the scenes and characters such as Anton and Murat are good actors with great acting skills. In case you like some sci-fi tv shows with both realistic and apocalyptic settings hot skull can attract you with its uniqueness. It refers a lot of items from the pandemic time where masks are replaced with the headphones. The genre could be both adventure and criminal in terms of story telling. One of the cool detail was the mass radio usage of people in the future.
Very interesting
xantipaells11 December 2022
I just watched the entire series.
I liked very much! The argument is interesting and contemporary.
I would have given it a 10 instead of a 9 if some of Umur Turagay and Mert Baykal's decisions were more mature. I can't explain this better, otherwise I'll give a spoiler. Or several! I can only say that I consider some scenes to be immature, as the directors overdid it a lot by forcing the feeling of suspense. The final scene of Season 1 Episode 8 shows my criticism exactly. Otherwise I would have rated it 10/10.
I was positively surprised by the fact that a Turkish series took my attention in such an expressive way that it made me watch the entire first season in just two days.
I liked very much! The argument is interesting and contemporary.
I would have given it a 10 instead of a 9 if some of Umur Turagay and Mert Baykal's decisions were more mature. I can't explain this better, otherwise I'll give a spoiler. Or several! I can only say that I consider some scenes to be immature, as the directors overdid it a lot by forcing the feeling of suspense. The final scene of Season 1 Episode 8 shows my criticism exactly. Otherwise I would have rated it 10/10.
I was positively surprised by the fact that a Turkish series took my attention in such an expressive way that it made me watch the entire first season in just two days.
A must watch tv show, couldn't get enough of it.
jgwnckdq26 December 2022
This came up on my Netflix, I have tried to watch many tv shows that was suggested to me by Netflix but most of them were boring and wasted my time. Do I was very hesitant to start watching this show. I am so glad I gave it a go and it is one of the best tv shows I have watched.
This is a story of looking at a different type of pandemic written well before Covid-19 broke out which makes it unique and interesting. The story is original, unique and acting is truly matching the storyline. There is a character called Haluk (played by Haluk Bilginer) which has become my favourite in the series!
This shows also shows you how governments or other institutions can use a pandemic to their advantage and become control freaks-we did leave this during Covid-19 didn't we? They will do anything to remain their power, at any cost.
I can't wait for the the second series to start on Netflix.
This is a story of looking at a different type of pandemic written well before Covid-19 broke out which makes it unique and interesting. The story is original, unique and acting is truly matching the storyline. There is a character called Haluk (played by Haluk Bilginer) which has become my favourite in the series!
This shows also shows you how governments or other institutions can use a pandemic to their advantage and become control freaks-we did leave this during Covid-19 didn't we? They will do anything to remain their power, at any cost.
I can't wait for the the second series to start on Netflix.
Gibberish
albertval-6956017 December 2022
This is a series with a very interesting, novel premise: a virus that infects people through verbal communication; the virus is described as a "semantic virus."
It has potential to become an engaging show, the 2 episodes demonstrate that: as Murat tries to search for a friend and powerful people hunt him down. There is enough suspense to get you going. But then, it falters, pacing winds down. The viewer is disappointed as if he was driving a car that runs out of gas.
The viewer would have wanted the pace to quicken somehow but it doesn't. Most of the time, Murat indulges in imaginings.
Osman Sonant gives it his best try and Hazal Subasi is a whiff of fresh air. But they are not enough to sustain interest in a story that had such great promise at the beginning.
It has potential to become an engaging show, the 2 episodes demonstrate that: as Murat tries to search for a friend and powerful people hunt him down. There is enough suspense to get you going. But then, it falters, pacing winds down. The viewer is disappointed as if he was driving a car that runs out of gas.
The viewer would have wanted the pace to quicken somehow but it doesn't. Most of the time, Murat indulges in imaginings.
Osman Sonant gives it his best try and Hazal Subasi is a whiff of fresh air. But they are not enough to sustain interest in a story that had such great promise at the beginning.
very good nice nice
emekulkembsm6 December 2022
The Turks are coming with thunder. This job is very good. I'm curious about the next episode. Considered utopian. But if we think like covid, it is not an impossible thing. Turkey's most famous names were not selected. That's why i like it. I like seeing different players. The Turks are coming with thunder. This job is very good. I'm curious about the next episode. Considered utopian. But if we think like covid, it is not an impossible thing. Turkey's most famous names were not selected. That's why i like it. I like seeing different players. The Turks are coming with thunder. This job is very good. I'm curious about the next episode. Considered utopian. But if we think like covid, it is not an impossible thing. Turkey's most famous names were not selected. That's why i like it. I like seeing different players.
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