The camera lingers on a man clutching an orange, his knuckles whitening as he stares into the distance—this is A Round of Applause, Berkun Oya’s surreal psychological drama that unfurls like a fever dream. Set in Turkey and spanning decades, it follows Mehmet (Fatih Artman), a man grappling with existential angst, as he navigates his quirky family and the emotional wounds from his past.

Oya’s series is a bold departure from conventional storytelling. The nonlinear narrative jumps between Mehmet’s infancy, childhood, teenage years, and adulthood, creating a fragmented yet compelling portrait of trauma and identity. This structure allows for moments of profound introspection, such as when young Mehmet (played by Kayra Orta) clutches the same orange his adult self will later obsess over. These recurring motifs add a layer of dreamlike intensity to the storytelling, making A Round of Applause feel like a visual poem rather than a traditional drama.

The series’ visuals are its strongest suit. Oya employs a mix of surreal imagery and stark realism, creating a disorienting yet captivating atmosphere. The use of color is particularly striking, with the orange serving as a symbolic anchor that ties together the different time periods. This visual language sets A Round of Applause apart from other psychological dramas, making it a standout in its genre.

The nonlinear structure, while visually refreshing, often leaves viewers disoriented. The plot exists more in the gaps between ideas than in any concrete throughline, which can make it feel meandering at times. For instance, the transition between Mehmet’s childhood and adulthood is jarring, lacking the emotional beats that would make the shift feel earned rather than abrupt.

The performances are a mixed bag. Aslihan Gurbuz shines as Zeynep, Mehmet’s partner, embodying the complexities of their relationship with nuance and depth. Her portrayal of Zeynep’s own struggles and growth is one of the series’ highlights, providing an emotional anchor amidst the surreal chaos.

However, Artman’s performance as Mehmet is uneven. His portrayal oscillates between introspective and erratic, mirroring the series’ tonal inconsistencies. At times, Artman’s performance feels more like a collection of mannerisms than a fully realized character, which weakens the emotional impact of Mehmet’s journey. The supporting cast provides solid performances but lacks the depth to elevate the material beyond its surreal trappings.

Cihat Süvarioğlu as Metin and Serra Arıtürk as Ahu deliver convincing turns, but their characters often feel like background noise in Mehmet’s existential crisis. The exception is Nur Sürer, who brings a quiet intensity to her role as Mehmet’s mother, providing some of the series’ most poignant moments.

The series explores themes of trauma, identity, and the search for meaning in life. Oya’s direction is ambitious, blending psychological depth with surreal visuals to create a unique viewing experience. However, the execution is inconsistent, with some episodes feeling more cohesive than others. The pacing issues and tonal shifts can make it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the story.

A Round of Applause is best suited for viewers who enjoy surreal, introspective dramas and are willing to navigate its fragmented narrative. Comparisons can be drawn to other psychological dramas like The Leftovers or Twin Peaks, but A Round of Applause carves out its own niche with its unique blend of Turkish cultural elements and existential themes.

While it may not resonate with mainstream audiences, it offers a rich, thought-provoking experience for those willing to engage with its surreal storytelling. The series demands patience and active viewing, but its visual inventiveness and emotional depth make it worth watching. However, its structural flaws and uneven performances prevent it from being a truly essential work.

In the end, A Round of Applause is a series that demands patience and active viewing. Its visual inventiveness and emotional depth make it worth watching, but its structural flaws and uneven performances prevent it from being a truly essential work.