'Whispers': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about Netflix's first Saudi original thriller series
Netflix's first Arabic original series, 'Jinn' — a supernatural show featuring Jordanian teens — generated so much controversy over its "westernized" depiction of the Arab world that it led to the cancelation of the series. Also, the show's teen stars went into hiding following threats and the controversy indefinitely delayed another Arabic original on Netflix.
This June, Netflix is back with another Arabic original series. This time, a licensed original from Saudi Arabia, 'Whispers' would be much more conservative than 'Jinn' and may potentially be received better by the streaming service's Arab viewers. Netflix is, in essence, an American company and it would be interesting to see how 'Whispers' will unfold as it comes from one of the more conservative and orthodox countries in the Middle East, where until recently women were not allowed to drive cars or leave their homes without male guardians. However, women still require male consent for a woman to leave prison, exit a domestic abuse shelter or marry. Moreover, women, unlike men, still cannot pass on citizenship to their children and cannot provide consent for their children to marry.
Read on to know more details about 'Whispers'.
Release date
'Whispers' will be available to stream on Netflix on June 11.
Plot
The eight-episode series tells the story of a family who faces the death of the patriarch, Hassan, whose mysterious past resurfaces days before the expected launch of his company’s new smart application. The story develops from the different perspectives of the series’ protagonists and examines many social issues such as family feuds and struggles brought forth by the business world. Hassan dies in a car accident as the series starts but as events unfold, the family realizes not all is as it seems. Soon, Hassan's wife and daughter, Amal and Waad feel his presence in the house after his death and even get phone calls from his number.
Cast
The series features a number of female talents including Shaimaa Al Fadl, Mysoon Alruwaily, Elham Ali, Nada Tawhid, Norah Alanbar and Leila Arabi, in addition to actors Ali Al Sharif, Osama Al Qass and Mohamed Ali, who will star alongside Abdul Mohsen Alnimer.
Director
Hana Al Omair
Hana Al Omair is a Saudi Arabian writer and director known for 'Hadaf'. Al Omair directed 'Whispers'.
Trailer
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'Jinn'
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'Six Windows in the Desert'