“Oh Belinda” is a Turkish film currently available on Netflix. I will now provide my own interpretation of the movie. The story unfolds with Dilara, a renowned actress, shooting a shampoo commercial with little enthusiasm. Struggling to connect with the role of a conventional housewife responsible for cooking for her family, she finds it difficult to fully immerse herself in the character. The director suggests that she needs to completely embody the role of Handan. Driven by her determination to finish the shoot, she forces a smile and begins to bring her character to life. However, things take a bewildering turn for Dilara when she discovers herself freshly showered in a different bathroom. From there, her journey as Handan continues, and she experiences life as a working mother with two children, fulfilling the expectations of her husband, who not only requires her attention for family matters but also for his own sexual desires.
This opinion might not be widely shared, but I believe that Handan is a disenchanted housewife who has lost her love for her husband. Taking care of their two young children has become an obligation rather than a fulfilling role for her. She initiates an affair with her brother-in-law and even attempts money laundering to facilitate their escape together. However, she eventually realizes that running away with him would only worsen the situation, so she hides the money instead. It is my belief that she suffers from depression, leading her to believe that she is the famous actress Dilara, who is involved with the handsome actor Serkan. Being an ardent fan, she is familiar with Serkan’s personal stories. In her Dilara persona, she becomes convinced that Arzu, a less famous actress, is envious of her and wants to seduce Serkan. This obsession leads her to audition for the role of Arzu’s sister in a play, but she ultimately gets fired when she fails to show up. In reality, it is likely that the theater director manipulated her, aware of her mental instability. The conclusion of the movie, with her in the shower realizing she is back to being Dilara, suggests that she remains trapped in her depression and her alternate reality continues to consume her.
The enchanted shampoo, Belinda, serves as a metaphor for Handan’s yearning for a more magical and fulfilling existence, an escape from her mundane married life. Her feelings toward her husband have waned, which explains her inability to recall the first time they met. As an act of rebellion, she gets a star tattoo on her back, symbolizing her desire to break free. Her daughter, perceptive of her mother’s situation, consistently wears a stunned expression, understanding the turmoil within her. Unfortunately, Handan’s deteriorating mental health is not comprehended by her unsympathetic mother-in-law, who continues to criticize her. Although her husband, Necati, appears to love her, he likely lacks the knowledge and understanding necessary to effectively support someone grappling with mental illness.
Once again, I’d like to emphasize that the perspective I’ve shared is solely my own. If you’re interested, you can watch “Oh Belinda” on Netflix. Enjoy! 🙂
The World of Second Chances 