Netflix's 'The Matchmaker' Review: A gripping story that keeps you guessing till the end

The lack of dialogues in certain scenes only makes the movie more tense
UPDATED APR 27, 2023
Reem AlHabib plays Hessa in 'The Matchmaker' (Netflix)
Reem AlHabib plays Hessa in 'The Matchmaker' (Netflix)

Spoilers for 'The Matchmaker'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Psychological thriller 'The Matchmaker' has been released and it is worth watching more than once. Directed by Abdulmohsen Aldhabaan, the Netflix orignal film, 'The Matchmaker', begins with Tarek, an office worker, struggling to cope with the challenges of his home life with his wife Reema and their daughter. One day, he becomes captivated by a stunning intern at his workplace, but she abruptly resigns before he can muster the courage to talk to her. Later, he discovers a mysterious package on his desk, which reveals a tablet with information about a breathtaking desert resort. Intrigued, Tarek decides to take the trip.

Upon arriving at the resort, Tarek is presented with a set of regulations that the resort strictly adheres to. He also discovers that he is cut off from the outside world and unable to communicate with anyone outside the resort. As he explores the resort, he starts discovering the strange practices and customs of that place place, leading him to question its true nature.

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'The Matchmaker' poster (Netflix)
'The Matchmaker' poster (Netflix)

Late nights and strained family ties

From the get go, we see Tarek is an exhausted tech employee, who works late nights constantly. This puts a strain on his family ties. His daughter and wife, Reema, seem to grow more distant from him, infuriating him. The fact that his daughter doesn't speak to him or ask him any questions bothers him too. The tension within the household forces Tarek to seek pleasure elsewhere.

Tarek meets Salma, a beautiful intern, and tries to get close to her. However, the next day, she resigns, which breaks his heart. Later, he finds an attractive package with a tablet inside which plays a video invitation to a magical yet secret resort where you can find the ideal woman and marry her. He impulsively takes a flight to the resort in the middle of nowhere. However, only horror awaits him at the place. 

Hussam AlHarthi as Tarek in 'The Matchmaker' (Netflix)
Hussam AlHarthi as Tarek in 'The Matchmaker' (Netflix)

The family must not bear the consequence 

The main message of the movie is that a person may deserve a second chance even if they commited a sin for their family's sake. When Tarek arrives at the resort, he sees a bevy of strange staffers everywhere in the establishment.

Tarek meets the owner of the place, the actual matchmaker, who gives him a red ring that acts as an entry pass to the resort. The guests are confined to their rooms with guards patroling at all times. Salma, who Tarek was attracted to in his office, works at the same resort. On stating his desire to marry Salma, Tarek faces strange and mysterious situations. The lack of dialogues in certain scenes amplifies the tension as we see the custom of taking these men as slaves ends with Salma taking the throne. She wanted to give these men another chance to go back to their families and live a happy life. In the end, Tarek reunites with his family and starts spending more time with them. 

Noul AlKhadra as Salma in 'The Matchmaker' (Netflix)
Noul AlKhadra as Salma in 'The Matchmaker' (Netflix)

'The Matchmaker' is currently available on Netflix. 

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