The recent Kuwaiti film Moon without honey has quickly climbed the Netflix playlists and became the most viewed title on the platform. This romantic comedy, which tells the story of a newly married couple with almost irreconcilable differences, has surprised with its success in numerous countries, placing itself in first place in the top 10.
Directed by Elie El Semaan and with a cast headed by Nour Al Ghandour and Mahmoud Boushahrinext to Faisal Almezel, Ascia, Mahdi Barwiz, Amal Mohammed, Moon without honey proposes an immersion in Kuwaiti culture, showing a romantic comedy with an unusually chaste treatment by Western standards. The absence of kisses and intimate scenesin line with the country’s social and religious conventions, has not prevented the film from capturing the attention of a global audience, demonstrating that the appeal of cinema transcends cultural barriers.
The 100-minute film has accumulated praise from both specialized critics and viewers, who highlight the chemistry between the protagonists and a script that balances wit with moments of genuine emotion. Moon without honey shows how even the deepest differences can be the ground for a relationship full of discoveries. This has been a key factor for word of mouth on social networks, where users have not hesitated to recommend the film.
Netflix continues to diversify its catalog with productions from emerging markets such as Turkey, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Kuwait, where the cost of production is lower. This approach not only enriches the platform’s offering with varied stories and unique perspectives, but also opens cultural windows for global audiences. Moon without honey is a prime example of how quality content can come from anywhere in the world and resonate with viewers from different backgrounds.
“On their honeymoon, a newlywed man and woman discover that they have almost nothing in common. Is it true that opposites attract? A romantic comedy that is about getting married quickly, out of spite, with a person who is totally opposite to you and with many secrets between the two”, reveals the synopsis that has intrigued many. This simple but effective plot serves as a backdrop to explore universal themes such as love, tolerance and mutual understanding, elements that have likely contributed to its success.
The conflict appears when Hamad is informed that perhaps Noor, his new wife, is actually his sister. It is not a blood bond but rather a union (baby brothers) marked because they have been breastfed by the same woman. In the Arab culture there are different schools that mark the religion and that determine the bond of brotherhood according to the number of milk feedings given to the baby. In this film they follow the line of the Safii school which “establishes that there must be more than five shots spread over the first two years of life and, if they occur outside of that period, there is nothing that can prohibit a marriage,” according to the information published in BBC.
The plot revolves around this discovery and the revenge that Noor plans against her ex-boyfriend who left her and married another woman in no time. The peculiarity of Moon without honey lies in its ability to serve as a cultural bridge, offering Western viewers a glimpse into the traditions and sensibilities of Kuwaiti society.
