As we enter the fourth day of the holy month, it seems like everyone has already made up their minds about their final Ramadan watchlist. While this year’s drama marathon is packed with action and thrillers, Asser Yassin and Mai Ezz El Din have broken the mold with Albi W Moftaho. In this article, ELLE editors explain why Albi W Moftaho is, without a doubt, our favorite Ramadan show so far and likely the dark horse of the drama marathon.
Starring Asser Yassin and Mai Ezz El Din, Albi W Moftaho follows Ezzat and Mayar, two people from vastly different social backgrounds whose lives have somehow intertwined. Ezzat (Asser Yassin), a middle-aged man who is still unmarried, struggles with his overbearing mother and daydreams of love and marriage. Mayar (Mai Ezz El Din), a divorced young woman with a son, lives under constant pressure and threat from her ex-husband. Seeking a pretty wife and a Muhalil (a man you marry briefly to legitimize a remarriage to your ex-husband after three divorces), Ezzat and Mayar turn out to be a surprisingly perfect match for each other. But as you might expect, things quickly become complicated between the two, and we’re likely going to be blushing a lot throughout the rest of the episodes.
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One key feature of the show is its ability to depict this unusual situation – two complete strangers marrying – in a way that isn’t sexual or cringeworthy. Quite the opposite, in fact; Albi W Moftaho is anything but the typical cheesy romance. The strength of the direction shines here, as director Tamer Mohsen knows exactly how to get the best performances from his cast, almost as though he’s manipulating marionettes! He hooked us from the first minute, making us fall in love with both the major and secondary characters, while compelling us to keep watching to see how this fake marriage turns into one of the most beloved love stories of Ramadan.
The chemistry between Asser Yassin and Mai Ezz El Din is nothing short of mesmerizing. How have we never seen them together on screen before? Asser Yassin, as charismatic as ever, perfectly nails the role of the romantically frustrated man. His character is relatable, as many men can likely identify with being in his shoes — entering their fourth decade of life without marriage. Mai Ezz El Din, meanwhile, continues to dominate the “local girl” role, but with a refreshing twist in this series.
Mahmoud Azab’s return to the screen may well be one of the highlights of Albi W Moftaho. Gen-Z may not be familiar with this legend, but his TV show Azab Show was a fan favorite back in the 2000s. We can’t help but shed a tear in every scene he’s in, as he portrays an older, hopeless romantic.
Above all else, the understated nature of Albi W Moftaho is what truly sets it apart this Ramadan. Yes, we all love a bit of over-the-top drama in our Ramadan shows, but if you look back at your all-time favorite Ramadan series, you’ll likely find that the best ones are the ones with strong stories, rather than the ones that rely on trending scenes — think Mohamed Ramadan’s shows, for example.
Everything about this show is exceptional. The directing, storytelling, acting, and coloring of Albi W Moftaho are all nothing short of phenomenal. It’s simply a feel-good series, and we can’t wait to see how Ezzat and Mayar find their way back to each other!
