Netflix globally releases its Lebanese suspense series, “Franklin.” This “gripping new drama/thriller” marks the on-screen reunion of two of the Arab world’s popular stars, Lebanese actress Daniella Rahme and Syrian actor Mohammed Al Ahmad. The series promises to take audiences into a world of “secrets, sacrifices, and second chances.”
The Plot of “Franklin”
“Franklin” delves into the life of Adam, played by Mohammed Al Ahmad, a devout single father and master money counterfeiter who is dragged back into his turbulent past. The catalyst for this unwelcome return is desperate need: he is forced to collaborate with his estranged lover, Yulia, played by Daniella Rahme. Their dangerous joint venture involves navigating the high-stakes world of creating the perfect $100 bill. The urgency of their task is underscored by reports that Adam’s primary motivation is to save his dying daughter’s life.
The dynamic between the two protagonists is immediately charged by their conflicting personal agendas. While “Adam risks everything to save his daughter,” Yulia simultaneously “seeks an escape from the shadows of her past and a chance for a new beginning.”
These dangers are personified by a determined detective on their trail, promising tense cat-and-mouse mind games. The pressure is further amplified by a ticking clock: With time running out and the stakes higher than ever, Yulia and Adam must work together to outwit those hunting them and protect the people they love before it’s too late.
This narrative framework employs the familiar crime thriller trope of a protagonist being pulled back in for one last job. The deep personal stakes for Adam—his daughter’s life—and Yulia’s quest for redemption or a fresh start provide fertile ground for character development beyond simple plot mechanics. Their unresolved emotions from a past relationship, forced into the crucible of a life-or-death situation, promise a compelling exploration of trust, betrayal, and the possibility of second chances amidst chaos. The external threat of rival gangs further intensifies the tension, ensuring that the internal conflicts between Adam and Yulia are constantly tested by overwhelming external forces.
The Faces of “Franklin”
The casting of Daniella Rahme as Yulia and Mohammed Al Ahmad as Adam is central to the series’ appeal. Yulia is depicted as Adam’s estranged lover, forced to reunite with him under duress. Her personal journey is one of seeking an escape from the shadows of her past and an opportunity for a new beginning.
Adam, played by Mohammed Al Ahmad, is positioned as a sympathetic anti-hero: a devoted single father whose skills as a master money counterfeiter are deployed in a desperate attempt to save his daughter.
Behind the Lens: Creating the World of Counterfeiting and Consequences
At the helm of this project is director Hussein Al Menibawi, tasked with bringing the intricate narrative to life. The script is penned by Cherine Khoury, whose work will be crucial in balancing the suspense elements with character-driven drama.
The series is produced by Jamal Sinan’s Eagle Films, a prominent name in regional production. Significantly, “Franklin” is described as a “big-budget” production, an investment that often translates to higher production values in terms of cinematography, set design, and action sequences—elements particularly vital for a thriller. Filmed entirely in Lebanon, the series is also poised to showcase local landscapes and talent, grounding its high-stakes story in an authentic cultural context. The concise six-episode format is a popular choice for contemporary streaming dramas, allowing for tight, focused storytelling that often encourages binge-watching.
“Franklin” follows the success of previous Arab originals like “The Exchange” and “AlRawabi School for Girls,” which have demonstrated a global appetite for diverse stories from the Arab world.
Where to watch “Franklin”
