Baghdad Central

Produced by Channel 4, Baghdad Central is an intriguing drama series that premiered in 2020. The drama draws its title and much of its plot from the Iraq capital, which forms the backdrop of the story. The series expertly and intricall combines elements of crime, thriller and drama to present a captivating narrative that is as immersive as it is entertaining.

Baghdad Central unfolds during the chaos that engulfed Iraq in 2003 after the fall of Saddam Hussein. This period symbolizes a time of political tension and uncertainty, where society's norms are uprooted, and anarchy is just a breath away. This compelling drama chronicles that volatile time, offering viewers an inside glimpse into the struggles that the everyday Iraqis faced.

The central character is the ex-police inspector Khafaji, portrayed expertly by the talented actor Waleed Zuaiter. Khafaji, a proud patriotic man who served his nation faithfully in the former Iraqi police regime, finds himself adrift in a city whose familiar landmarks are swiftly disappearing amidst the chaos of war.

After being falsely accused of being an collaborator with the off-canvas Saddam Hussein, Khafaji realizes he must quickly adapt to survive the chaotic new Iraq. The protagonist's life takes a further complicated turn when he discovers that his eldest daughter, an insightful university scholar, has disappeared. This drives Khafaji to undertake the dangerous task of finding her amidst the chaos of a destabilized city, all the while wrestling with the bubbling tensions and threats that nestle within the intricate labyrinth of political unrest.

The comprehensive cast, alongside Zuaiter's critically acclaimed performance, includes Bertie Carvel, Clara Khoury, Leem Lubany, Neil Maskell, Tawfeek Barhom, Maisa Abd Elhadi, and July Namir.

The acting in Baghdad Central receives high praise due to the stellar performances by a diverse cast. Khafaji, played by Zuaiter, is unyielding and intense, a man driven by paternal love amidst the grim realities of a crumbling society. Clara Khoury's soothing cadence as the translator Zahra, and Bertie Carvel's chilling portrayal of the British ex-police officer Frank Temple equally add depth to the narrative with their nuanced performances.

Baghdad Central is a distinctive depiction of the turbulent aftermath of the Iraq War, offering a narrative perspective that hails from the heart of the country, rather than the distant eyes of the West. The writing is sharp, and the plotting is relentless, injecting excitement and tension into every episode. The story combines the nail-biting tension of a mystery-thriller with the grand narrative sweep of historical drama.

Stephen Butchard, the writer and creator of the show, successfully encapsulates the human drama that unfolded in Baghdad during the Iraq war. The direction and cinematography also play a key role in the immersive experience of the drama. Gwyneth Hughes, who helms some of the episodes, uses her vast experience to narrate a story that is quintessentially human, filled with unspoken emotions and nuances.

In terms of technical prowess, the confrontation footage and the scenes of everyday life in 2003 Baghdad are exceptional, creating a remarkably authentic look and feel. The intriguing narrative, compelling performances, and stark depiction of a war-torn city combine to make Baghdad Central more than just a typical crime thriller.

It is a story about survival, loyalty, integrity and above all, the unyielding power of familial love. Despite its harrowing premise, the show never loses sight of its characters' humanity. It sensitively explores the cultural, moral and societal complexities of a nation past the brink of war while shedding light on the innate resilience of its people.

In conclusion, Baghdad Central is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that offers a fresh Pakistani perspective on the lesser-documented aftermath of the Iraq war. This engaging drama, built around a moving human story, challenges conventional narratives by portraying the intricate mosaic of life in a society torn apart by conflict and shrouded in political intrigue. Providing insight into a complicated period in history whilst delivering an edge-of-your-seat experience, Baghdad Central is an engrossing watch that leaves a lasting impression.