Honeymoonish: Kuwaiti rom‑com takes the world by storm on Netflix

This week marked an unprecedented event in Netflix's history as a movie produced in an Arab country, specifically Kuwait, climbed to the number-one spot on the global charts. The romantic comedy captivated diverse viewership across other European nations.

The conventional cinema experience, often reserved for Hollywood blockbusters, saw a refreshing twist with the Kuwaiti production "Honeymoonish". Surprisingly, this film drew an impressive audience of 14 million viewers on the streaming platform in under a week. The romantic comedy dominated the Netflix charts worldwide last weekend and set a groundbreaking precedent as the first Arab production to ever lead in popularity.

Despite the scarce online reviews, "Honeymoonish" has garnered solid feedback. Critics seem hesitant to embrace films from less traditional filmmaking regions, particularly romantic comedies. However, "Honeymoon" stands as a delightful exception to the rule.

"Honeymoonish is the type of film you should approach with an open mind. It’s charming, well-acted, and features stunning scenery. But it’s also formulaic in giving us the Kuwait version of the enemies-to-lovers trope. Unlike in a traditional rom-com, the two protagonists start with a marriage of convenience and then build up on the love story side of things. " – Lori Meek from "Ready Steady Cut" shares her thoughts.

"Honeymoonish" might be an ideal pick for fans of romantic comedies that follow a familiar formula. In this Kuwaiti narrative, two individuals, pushed together by their families into marriage, seem incompatible initially. Yet, as their story unfolds, they gradually find common ground.

The film spotlights Nour Al Ghandour, an Egypt-born actress living in Kuwait who boasts a remarkable acting portfolio in the Arab TV industry. The widespread acclaim of "Honeymoonish" could pave the way for her international career breakthrough, possibly in Hollywood.