#towfik

November 7, 2020 | Paranormal (2020)

My friend was very excited about the new show on Netflix titled Paranormal, because it is based off the very popular series titled Ma Waraa Al Tabiaa (which translates to “beyond nature” or “metaphysics”—or, in Netflix’s case, “paranormal”) by Egyptian author and physician Ahmed Khaled Tawfik* Farrag (*the spelling of this name differs in the few websites I have checked: Towfik, Tawfiq, Toufiq).

According to Wikipedia (and seconded by my friend), “Tawfik is considered by many to have been one of the most influential writers of his time.” Also, “he was the first contemporary writer of horror and science fiction in the Arabic speaking world and also the first writer to explore the medical thriller genre.” [x]

“On 5 November 2020, Netflix released Paranormal, a six-part adaptation of Ma Waraa Al Tabiaa, which marked the streaming service’s first original Egyptian series.” [x] According to this show’s page on IMDB, “it’s the 1st Egyptian work that [got o]nto the IMDB top 250 list.” [x]

In the show, the main character is Refaat Ismael, “a retired doctor [and bachelor] who leads a life chock-full of paranormal experiences [and has] a sarcastic attitude.” [x]

I have watched the first four of six episodes, and it’s creepy—but in a good way? In general, I avoid horror shows/films, and so I had spent a bit of time glaring at everywhere but the screen. The first episode creeped me out the most. The second was very Egyptian-y to me in that it featured a mummy. (The second screenshot is from the second episode, featuring the “supposedly cursed mummy.”) The third episode was confusing for me ... I don’t understand that “mythical creature.” Perhaps because it is mythical I am not meant to understand it? However, of the episodes I did watch, the fourth one (”The Myth of the Naiad”) ... horrified me the most. Maybe because the horror in this episode is not of the supernatural but that of humankind ...

I hope-ish (remember, I don’t like horror) to watch the last two episodes soon.

Also, apparently the actor who plays Refaat—Ahmed Amin—is known for his comedies, so this serious(?)/horror(?) role is actually new-ish(?) for him? I mean, on IMDB, he is listed first as a “comedian” and then “actor and writer.” [x] (And I just found out that he played in The Treasure 1 [2017], too... Heh.)