Jinn (TV series) explained

Composer:Etyen[1]
Country:Jordan
Language:Arabic
Num Seasons:1
Num Episodes:5
List Episodes:
  1. Episodes
Cinematography:Fadi Kassem
Editor:Daniel Grinspum
Camera:Single-camera
Runtime:25–47 minutes
Network:Netflix

Jinn is a Jordanian Arabic-language supernatural drama television series, created and executive produced by Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya, Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani alongside Christian Bou Chaaya and Lucien Bou Chaaya. The series premiered on Netflix on June 13, 2019. The series stars Salma Malhas, Hamzeh Okab, Sultan Alkhail, Aysha Shahaltough, Zaid Zoubi, Yasser Al Hadi, Mohammad Nizar, Mohammad Hindieh and Karam Tabbaa.

Premise

Jinn follows the story of a group of teenagers, who study in a private school in Amman. They go on a field trip to Petra, which is known as home to ancient demons and strange phenomena.[2] The group's lives are disrupted when a spiritual figure appears,[3] accidentally summoned by Mira.[4] They must try and stop Jinn from destroying the world.

Cast and characters

Production

Development

On February 26, 2018, it was announced that Netflix had given a series order to Jinn, a new television series, directed by Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya, and executive produced by Elan and Rajeev Dassani. The series order was reportedly for a first season of five episodes.[3] [5] [6] [7] [8]

On August 13, 2018, it was announced that in addition to serving as director, Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya would also act as an executive producer. Additionally, it was further reported that writers would include Elan and Rajeev Dassani and Amin Matalqa. Elan was expected to serve as head writer while Matalqa was slated to direct two episodes. Production companies involved with the series set to consist of Kabreet Productions and Master Key Productions.[9] [10] [11] On April 18, 2019, it was announced that the series is scheduled to premiere on June 13, 2019.[12]

Casting

Alongside the start of production announcement, it was confirmed that the series would star Salma Malhas, Hamzeh Okab, Sultan Alkhail, Aysha Shahaltough, Yasser Al Hadi, and Ban Halaweh.[9] [10] [11]

Filming

Principal photography began on August 13, 2018 in Amman, Jordan. The shoot was scheduled to last over the course of ten weeks with filming locations including Petra, Wadi Rum as well as a dozen locations in Amman.[9] [10] [11] [13]

Critical reception

The show was panned by Middle East Eye as "badly scripted, poorly acted and sloppily directed",[14] while Thrillist called it "generic," "unrealistic," and "confusing."[15]

Jinn has an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, out of six reviews.[16] Positive reviews praised its consistency, intrigue, and novelty factor. Negative reviews criticize the quality of its acting and script.

The series generated controversy for the scenes that feature “moral degradation”. These include two instances where Malhas's character kissed two different men in separate scenes.[17] Another complaint involved the series's rough language. Jinn became controversial in Jordan, with some government agencies threatening censorship. It was reported that Jordan's top prosecutor asked the Ministry of Interior to stop the show's broadcast.[18]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: ETYEN scored 'Jinn'- Netflix's first Arabic original series. OneBeat. April 30, 2019. June 13, 2019.
  2. Web site: Van Ruymbeke. Laure. Debre. Isabel. June 21, 2019. Netflix's First Original Arabic Series, 'Jinn,' Stirs Up Outrage in Jordan. 2019-06-28. Fortune. en.
  3. Web site: White . Peter . Netflix Orders 'Jinn', Debut Middle Eastern Original Series To Launch In 2019 . . February 26, 2018 . February 26, 2018.
  4. Web site: Netflix series 'Jinn' launches at red carpet event in Jordan – in pictures. The National. June 13, 2019 . en. 2019-06-28.
  5. Web site: Director Amin Matalqa believes 'Jinn' could 'kick start more shows in the Middle East. Aftab. Kaleem. The National. June 13, 2019. June 13, 2019.
  6. Web site: Gemmill. Allie. Netflix's First Arabic-Language Original Series Sounds So Good. Teen Vogue. February 26, 2018. en. February 26, 2018.
  7. Web site: Rego. Nick. Netflix announces "Jinn" as first Arabic original series from the Middle East. TechRadar. February 26, 2018. en. February 26, 2018.
  8. Web site: Foster. Elizabeth. Netflix marks first Arabic original series with YA drama. Kidscreen. February 26, 2018. February 26, 2018.
  9. Web site: Wiseman. Andreas. Netflix Sets First Arabic Original Series: Supernatural Teen Soap 'Jinn'. Deadline Hollywood. August 27, 2018. August 13, 2018.
  10. Web site: Frater. Patrick. Netflix Sets 'Jinn' as First Arabic Original Series. Variety. December 7, 2018. en. August 13, 2018.
  11. Web site: Ritman. Alex. Netflix's First Arabic Series 'Jinn' Begins Shoot in Jordan, Unveils Cast. The Hollywood Reporter. December 7, 2018. en. August 13, 2018.
  12. Web site: Netflix Unveils Teaser For Debut Arabic Original 'Jinn' & Sets June 13 Release. White. Peter. Deadline Hollywood. April 18, 2019. April 18, 2019. en.
  13. Web site: Newbould . Chris . Netflix debuts Arabic original Jinn begins shooting in Jordan . . August 16, 2018 . en . August 13, 2018.
  14. Web site: Netflix and the Middle East: How Jinn became a nightmare. 2020-04-29. Middle East Eye. en.
  15. Web site: Shankar. Karthik. Netflix's Supernatural Teen Drama 'Jinn' Is Like a Middle Eastern 'Twilight'. 2020-04-29. Thrillist. July 2, 2019 .
  16. Web site: Jinn: Season 1 on RT. www.rottentomatoes.com.
  17. Web site: Netflix Series 'Jinn' Sparks Uproar In Jordan Over Alleged "Immoral Scenes". Haring. Bruce. 2019-06-15. Deadline. en. 2019-06-28.
  18. Web site: Netflix's first Arabic original series sparks uproar in Jordan. www.aljazeera.com. 2019-06-28.