By: Hana Ahmed Farag

Salma sat across from her partner inside her parents’ house, their conversation tense but quiet. She had no idea that within moments, everything would change.

A sudden knock at the door was followed by the arrival of police officers, moving in with purpose. Confused, she barely had time to process what was happening before they placed her in handcuffs. As she turned to her partner, the realization dawned that he was the one who had called them. 

This is how Eqama Gabreya (house arrest), Egypt’s latest psychodrama, starring actress Hana El Zahed, started and successfully captivated audiences across the Arab region. 

The show has been a buzz, drawing in viewers with its gripping storyline and unpredictable twists.  

Social media is flooding with theories, discussions, and debates about the plot’s direction, making Eqama Gabreya more than just a television show but an entertainment trend. 

So, what is behind the show’s surprising success?  

Ahmed Samir Farag, the show’s director, said, “I think it’s different because it’s a psychodrama series, which is something very rare in Egyptian drama…maybe that’s what makes it special.” 

Eqama Gabreya centers on Salma, played by El Zahed, who, following the death of her husband, seeks psychiatric help. Her sessions with Dr. Aida, played by actress Sabrine, lead her to encounter Moussa, Dr. Aida’s son, played by Mohamed Sharnoubi.  

As their lives intersect, a series of dark and unforeseen events unfold, forcing Salma’s hidden past to emerge out of the shadows. 

“I was drawn to Eqama Gabreya because of the intriguing suspense in the trailer and the buzz surrounding it on social media. The idea of a psychological thriller in Egyptian drama is new, so I wanted to see how it would play out,” said Zeina Rabeh, an avid watcher of the show. 

Another reason for the show’s success is the fact that it highlights the mental health struggles many people grapple with.  

“I never fully understood how mental health struggles or intense jealousy could lead someone to make the choices Salma did. This series gave me insight into the complexities of [the psyche] and the extreme actions people might take when under immense pressure,” said Laila El Alfy, an ESLSCA university student who is a big fan of the show.  

“There was a clear intention to raise awareness about mental health and its triggers, which we highlighted through Salma’s backstory, her troubled childhood, her mother’s imprisonment, and other key details. We’ve all heard of ‘Safah El Giza’ (Giza Serial Killer), ‘Safah El Tagamoa’ (Tagamaoa Serial Killer),, and now even ‘Safah Eskendereya’ (Alexandria Serial Killer). Our community is filled with psychologically distressed individuals who aren’t always obvious to us. This series serves as a wake-up call,” Farag added. 

Rabeh also said, “While it was exaggerated at times for dramatic effect, it did shed light on how unchecked mental illness can lead to dangerous behaviors.” 

Building on this point, another viewer, Nazly Omar, a fan of the show, highlighted the importance of expanding on such themes in Egyptian drama. 

“I honestly think Egyptian drama should explore similar themes more often, recently there have been some shows that address mental health issues but I think we should introduce more things like Ekama Gabreya and not just show that illnesses like this exist but also show solutions or treatments for them but overall I give this show a 10 out of 10 and I don’t think it could have been any better,” said Omar. 

Furthermore, a key factor in the show’s success is El Zahed’s unexpectedly compelling performance. 

“I had a game that Hana and I played on the viewer’s minds, which is how to make people fear her but love her at the same time and that’s a very big part of the success because the audience was torn between hating her and loving her,” Farag explained. 

El Alfy added that El Zahed delivered every emotion “flawlessly”, making people sympathize with Salma while also fearing her. She stated that in the show, when Salma wanted to kill her best friend Dina, it was clear through her acting, and her intentions were unmistakable.  

In moments like her arrest, she managed to make the audience feel sorry for her, even though it was obvious that it was inevitable.  

El Zahed is widely known for her roles in lighthearted comedies and romantic series, where she often plays bubbly, charming characters. Her transition into a more intense and psychologically complex role, like in Eqama Gabreya, came as a surprise to many viewers.  

“She conveyed every emotion so convincingly that it was surprising to see her take on a role this intense, this was, without a doubt, the best performance of her career,” El Alfy explained.