Review of “El Matbaa” – A Tunisian Drama That Echoes Breaking Bad
Source: La Presse – “El Matbaa” (L’Imprimerie), a ten‑episode series aired on Al Watania 1 from the 11th of Ramadan (28 February) and concluded yesterday.
Synopsis
Written and directed by Mehdi Hmili, El Matbaa follows Nejib (Younes Ferhi), a devoted father, visual artist, and calligrapher whose wife (Sawsan Maalej) suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. When his son Hayder (Younes Nawar) is threatened by a bounced‑cheque scandal that could ruin his future, Nejib is forced to abandon his moral compass to protect his family. In desperation, he turns to counterfeiting banknotes—a trade he knows intimately after a lifetime working in a printing house that is now on the brink of closure.
Complicating matters, an old friend‑turned‑gallery‑owner cheats Nejib out of the proceeds from his paintings. To free his son from prison, Nejib leverages his technical expertise and enlists Khaoula (Molka Aouij), a free‑spirited Gen‑Z woman with strong IT skills and experience in document forgery. Khaoula uses her know‑how to aid undocumented migrants, adding a socially conscious layer to the plot.
Cast Highlights
- Younes Ferhi – Nejib
- Sawsan Maalej – Nejib’s wife (Alzheimer’s)
- Abdelhamid Bouchnak – Supporting role (policeman)
- Ghanem Zrelli, Maram Ben Aziza, Sabra Aouni, Yasmine Dimassi – Ensemble members
- Molka Aouij – Khaoula (also performed the series’ theme song)
- Slim Baccar – Ishak (Nejib’s brother‑in‑law)
- Nour El Hedi – Nejib’s daughter, a fashion‑influencer
Narrative Structure & Influences
From the very first episodes, El Matbaa hinted at American series Breaking Bad through the moral descent of its protagonist. Like Walter White, Nejib—an ordinary family man—gradually spirals into crime, initially justifying his actions as a means to protect his loved ones.
As the series progresses, the crime‑drama (polar) dimension expands:
- Counterfeit money begins to circulate.
- New antagonists join the criminal camp.
- Political shadows emerge, culminating in the final two episodes.
Secondary Storylines
Some sub‑plots feel less convincing, especially the treatment of secondary characters:
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Nejib’s daughter (played by Nour El Hedi) becomes a clandestine gambling organizer overnight to raise funds for her brother’s release. Previously portrayed as shy and homebound, she abruptly transforms into a ruthless poker‑night boss, confronting a corrupt, violent police officer. This rapid shift recalls Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain) from Molly’s Game—the true‑story adaptation of an ex‑Olympic hopeful turned underground poker organizer.
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Abdelhamid Bouchnak’s character—a police officer—occasionally veers into psychopathology, suffering from a dissociative identity disorder and delusions reminiscent of Norman Bates from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.
Visual & Stylistic Choices
Hmili retains a consistent visual language: a maternal presence is always heard rather than seen, appearing from behind or in profile, seated in a wheelchair. He also introduces a hallucinatory brother figure played by Bilal Slatnia.
Throughout the series, there are numerous homages to genre cinema and social realism—sometimes overt, sometimes subtle—showcasing the director’s cinephile background and his pleasure in invoking works that shaped his imagination.
Critical Assessment
At the end of its ten‑episode run, El Matbaa stands as an ambitious series that oscillates between family drama and social crime thriller, flavored by poetic realism. It attempts to explore the gray zones of morality through the journey of an ordinary man (the “disenchanted artist”) cornered by circumstance.
Strengths
- Authentic performances, especially the breakout of Molka Aouij.
- Harmonious blend of image, acting, and soundtrack.
- Measured pacing supported by a discreet yet expressive musical score that underscores emotions without overwhelming them.
- Strong world‑building that grounds each character in a believable environment.
Weaknesses
- Certain character arcs (notably Nejib’s sudden transformation) feel too abrupt; a few extra episodes might have better justified his radical shift.
- Some secondary narratives (the daughter’s gambling subplot) lack depth and appear forced.
Final Verdict
El Matbaa delivers a compelling, socially aware narrative that pays tribute to iconic international series while carving out its own Tunisian identity. Though not flawless, its sincere storytelling, solid cast, and thoughtful production design make it a noteworthy addition to contemporary Arab television.
If you enjoyed morally complex dramas like Breaking Bad or socially charged thrillers, give El Matbaa a watch—you’ll find a rich tapestry of family ties, ethical dilemmas, and cultural commentary.
