Dollar

Dollar is a unique, suspenseful drama series produced by Netflix that first aired in 2019. With Beirut and its beautiful sights offering a captivating backdrop, Dollar draws the audience into a gripping tale filled with mystery, suspense, and a lot of excitement.

The Lebanese series provides an interesting blend of drama and thriller genres embellished with a touch of romance. Comprised of 15 episodes, Dollar tells an engaging, suspenseful story that viewers can sink their teeth into, with twists and turns that ensure the audience remains hooked until the very last moment.

The captivating series follows the story of Tariq, played by the versatile talent Adel Karam, who is known for his previous work in the movie The Insult. Tariq is a marketing whizz at a local bank, noted for his creativity in a conventional workplace. His life takes an exciting turn when a new, ambitious, and highly wealthy CEO, Zeina, played by Lebanese star Amel Bouchoucha, steps in. Zeina, determined to make her mark, unveils a new marketing strategy for the bank – they will release a new dollar currency note valued at a million. However, there’s a catch - the exclusive note will only be released to the person who can guess the correct serial number.

This innovative campaign takes Lebanon by storm, launching Zeina and Tariq in a thrilling game that spans across Beirut. The duo undertakes an exhilarating journey filled with challenges that keeps the audience glued to the screen episode after episode. As the series unravels, the power dynamic between Zeina and Tariq becomes an interesting subplot, creating romantic tension that complements the main narrative. Their relationship highlights themes of ambition, desire, power, deception and rather surprisingly, love.

The multi-faceted plot of Dollar is paired with top-notch acting performances. The charismatic Adel Karam perfectly portrays the role of a charismatic, conflicted employee thrust into a world of unpredictability, while Amel Bouchoucha brings an intensity and ruthlessness to her role as the CEO. Their performances truly bring their characters to life and their chemistry is palpable, making spectators eagerly anticipate their every move.

Dollar successfully offers an intense, fast-paced game filled with suspense while providing a commentary on wealth accumulation and the lengths people are willing to go to secure a fortune. Amidst this, the romance angle adds a soft touch to the narrative, providing balance and making the characters more relatable to the viewers.

The producers and directors have done an exceptional job of creating an environment that beautifully complements the storyline. The backdrop of Beirut adds authenticity and an aesthetic beauty to the drama, showcasing its splendor and vibrancy. The cityscape and the lifestyle of Beirut become an integral part of the show, immersing the viewer in its culture and atmosphere.

While the plot remains captivating, it's the dramatic narrative, the interactions within the characters, and the depiction of Beirut that sets Dollar apart. It's not just about the money; rather, it beautifully captures the complexities of human emotions, the grey area between right and wrong, and the thin line between sanity and obsession.

In the end, Dollar is more than just a thrilling chase for wealth. It’s a journey of self-discovery and redemption for the characters, equally teaching the audience valuable lessons about ambition, love, and the lengths one is willing for both.

The series is very intriguing, with witty dialogue, rich characters, and a compelling storyline that sets it apart from regular drama series. Although it is a Lebanese series, it offers universal appeal with its captivating plot, beautiful cinematography, and brilliant performances. Whether one is a fan of drama, suspense, thrill, or romance, Dollar has something for everyone, setting a new benchmark for Middle Eastern series on an international platform like Netflix.

Note: The Dollar series is primarily in Arabic and does offer English subtitles. It’s an excellent chance for viewers around the world to dive into Middle Eastern entertainment and experience the taste of its culture, while simultaneously enjoying a gripping narrative.