Nejat İşler
Sadık
Overview
When a young woman goes missing in Istanbul, a jaded writer gets tangled up in a deadly chain of events as he sets out to find her—and a good story.
Cast
11 people
Reviews
5 min readThe Curious Case of a Man Who Forgot to Be Interesting
I’ll admit it: I went into 10 Days of a Curious Man with cautious optimism. The first two films in this Turkish Netflix trilogy—10 Days of a Good Man and 10 Days of a Bad Man—had their moments, even if they often felt like exercises in style over substance. But by the time the credits rolled on this third installment, I was left with a question that gnawed at me more than any of the film’s half-baked mysteries: How does a movie with this much talent behind and in front of the camera manage to feel so utterly inert?
Uluç Bayraktar’s film follows Sadık Adil Öçal (Nejat İşler), a former private investigator turned aspiring writer who stumbles into the disappearance of a young woman while hunting for inspiration. It’s a premise that should crackle with tension—Sadık is a man out of time, a relic of a grittier Istanbul, navigating a world that’s moved on without him. The problem?
The film never quite decides what it wants to be. Is it a noir-tinged character study? A darkly comedic satire of Turkish crime dramas?
A straight-faced thriller? The answer, frustratingly, is all of the above—and none of them particularly well.
The inconsistency starts with the tone. One moment, Sadık is delivering a monologue about the futility of art with the weight of a man who’s seen too much; the next, he’s engaged in a slapstick chase with his bumbling henchmen, Zeynel (Rıza Kocaoğlu) and Hüso (Kadir Çermik). It’s as if Bayraktar couldn’t decide whether he was making a Coen brothers pastiche or a Turkish Chinatown, so he split the difference—and the result is a film that lurches between genres like a drunk trying to find his keys.
Jonathon Wilson at Ready Steady Cut wasn’t wrong when he called this "the worst of a so-so bunch," though I’d argue the real issue isn’t just that it’s bad—it’s that it’s boring, which is somehow worse.
Audience Opinions
Audience 6.9/10
"A convoluted but intriguing mystery that struggles to stand out in its franchise."
The film draws viewers in with its atmospheric crime-drama setup and strong lead performance from Nejat İşler, who adds depth to the jaded writer character. However, the plot’s complexity and reliance on familiar tropes leave many feeling underwhelmed, especially compared to earlier entries in the '10 Days' series. latestnetflix.com's take is that Some appreciate the stylish execution, but others find it hard to stay engaged due to pacing and predictability.
What viewers praise
- Strong lead performance Nejat İşler’s portrayal of the jaded writer adds emotional weight and intrigue to the story.
- Atmospheric setting The Istanbul backdrop and visual tone create a compelling, moody atmosphere.
- Engaging premise The missing-person mystery hooks viewers early, offering enough intrigue to keep them watching.
Common complaints
- Overly convoluted plot The story’s twists and turns feel unnecessarily complicated, making it hard to follow at times.
- Familiar tropes The crime-drama elements rely too heavily on well-worn clichés, reducing its impact.
- Pacing issues Some scenes drag, and the film struggles to maintain momentum throughout its runtime.
- Weak franchise comparison Many feel it doesn’t live up to the quality of earlier films in the '10 Days' series.
Recommended for
Crime drama enthusiasts Fans of Turkish cinema Nejat İşler admirers Mystery lovers seeking atmosphere
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of 10 Days of a Curious Man: A Gritty Turkish Thriller with a Star-Studded Cast
Uluç Bayraktar’s 10 Days of a Curious Man (2024) is shaping up to be one of Turkey’s most anticipated crime thrillers of the year, blending Bayraktar’s signature suspense with a high-profile ensemble. The film, which premiered in November 2024, follows a jaded writer (Nejat İşler) who stumbles into a deadly investigation after a young woman vanishes in Istanbul 
. With its R-rating, 110-minute runtime, and a plot that promises twists at every turn, the movie is already drawing comparisons to Bayraktar’s earlier hits like Ezel and Karadayı—but with a fresh, cinematic edge 
.
A Director’s Shift from TV to Film
Bayraktar is no stranger to high-stakes storytelling. The Turkish director built his reputation on gripping television dramas, including Ezel (2009–2011) and İçerde (2016–2017), both of which became cultural phenomena in Turkey for their intricate plots and morally complex characters . 10 Days of a Curious Man marks his latest foray into film, a medium where he’s had less experience but clearly aims to make an impact.
The shift from TV to cinema isn’t just a change of format—it’s a chance for Bayraktar to flex his directorial muscles in a more condensed, visually driven narrative. While his TV work often sprawled across dozens of episodes, 10 Days distills its tension into a tight runtime, suggesting a deliberate pivot toward a more cinematic, thriller-focused approach . Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but early audience scores (65% on Moviefone) hint at a mixed but engaged reception .
The Cast: A Mix of Veterans and Rising Stars
At the heart of the film is Nejat İşler, one of Turkey’s most respected actors, known for his intense, brooding performances. İşler plays Sadık, a private detective (or, in some versions of the synopsis, a disillusioned writer) whose search for a missing blogger spirals into a labyrinth of crime and corruption . His casting alone is a draw—İşler has a knack for playing flawed, compelling protagonists, and his presence elevates the film’s noir-ish tone.
Alongside him, İlayda Akdoğan (Mustang, The Wild Pear Tree) takes on the role of the missing woman, a popular blogger whose disappearance sets the plot in motion. The supporting cast is stacked with familiar faces, including Şenay Gürler (The Gift), Rıza Kocaoğlu (The Protector), and Kadir Çermik (The Club), all of whom bring gravitas to what appears to be a morally ambiguous story .
One standout is Hazal Subaşı, a rising star who’s been making waves in Turkish cinema and TV. Her inclusion suggests Bayraktar is balancing seasoned talent with fresh energy—a smart move for a film that needs to feel both timeless and contemporary .
Plot and Tone: A Dark, Twisty Mystery
Details about the film’s exact plot are scarce, but the snippets available paint a picture of a slow-burn thriller with heavy crime and drama elements. According to IMDb, the story revolves around a missing person case that pulls İşler’s character into a "deadly chain of events" . Filmaffinity’s synopsis describes Sadık as a private detective, while Moviefone’s audience score hints at a narrative that keeps viewers on edge .
Bayraktar’s previous work suggests 10 Days will lean into psychological tension, with a focus on Istanbul’s underbelly. His TV series Karadayı (2012–2015) and İçerde were praised for their gritty realism and layered characters, and 10 Days seems poised to deliver more of the same—just in a tighter, more cinematic package .
What’s Next for Bayraktar?
With 10 Days of a Curious Man now out in the wild, the question is whether Bayraktar will return to television or double down on film. His track record suggests he’s comfortable in both mediums, but the success of this project could determine his next move. If the film gains traction internationally—especially with its Netflix release—it might open doors for more big-screen ventures .
For now, audiences can expect a moody, character-driven thriller with all the hallmarks of Bayraktar’s style: sharp dialogue, moral ambiguity, and a plot that refuses to let go. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but with İşler at the helm and a stacked cast behind him, 10 Days of a Curious Man is already one to watch.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.