A woman embarks on a journey of self-discovery when her seemingly stable marriage falls apart
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f one has watched everything under the sun and is looking for something light-hearted that hits home, Finding Ola is a perfect choice. This Egyptian dramedy, spanning two seasons, invites its audience into the life of Ola, a woman who seems to have it all: a loving husband, two children and a seemingly stable life. Her world is upended when her husband, Hesham, drops a bombshell: he wants a divorce. His reason? A feeling of boredom in the marriage. It is an abrupt and startling moment, made all the more jarring because Ola, despite their growing disconnect, still wants to stay and wants to fight for the relationship, while Hesham is resolute in his decision. In the midst of her heartache, Ola discovers herself, becomes liberated and learns to take control of her life.
The series showcases how a woman can pour her heart and soul into a marriage, making every sacrifice to nurture it, only to find herself cast aside when her partner desires something new. Ola has given her all to their marriage: her time, her career and her sense of self. When he demands a divorce, it’s not due to a lack of love from her but because he is seeking something else, something unknown. He believes that there is something better outside their marriage, only to find out the hard way that the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere. It illustrates how many women in the traditional confines of marriage are expected to give everything they have without question, while their partners may take it all for granted. Once Hesham leaves and pursues a younger woman, his realisation that his life with Ola was fulfilling is a bitter pill to swallow.
In the interim, Ola begins her journey of reinvention. She sees the power of liberation as she breaks away from the emotionally suffocating environment of her marriage. The series delicately shows how, despite her heartache, she starts to see herself not just as a wife or mother but as an independent, multifaceted individual. Ola reconnects with her inner strength that had long been overshadowed by her duties as a mother and wife.
Finding Ola does not try too hard. It is funny when it needs to be and real when it matters. Packed with humour, drama and spot-on delivery, it hits all the marks without any fluff. It is a show that hits home and is absolutely worth a watch.
When Hesham begins dating a younger woman, the children are surprisingly open to the idea. Yet they react strongly to the thought of their mother considering another relationship. It speaks volumes about societal expectations placed on women in many cultural contexts, where the idea of a woman moving on is often met with resistance and judgment, while men are allowed more freedom.
Finding Ola also draws attention to the cyclical nature of generational trauma, as Ola’s mother, like her own mother, shows emotional coldness towards Ola. She demands that Ola fight for her marriage with Hesham, even though it is clear that neither of them desires it any longer. However, as it progresses, the series takes a turn towards hope as Ola breaks this cycle. Her mother’s distant and emotionally closed-off behaviour gradually shifts as she begins to recognise Ola’s strength and resilience. Finding Ola beautifully knits a subplot about breaking free from the emotional legacies of past generations.
A particularly significant moment in the series occurs when Ola decides to launch her own business after years of sacrificing her career for her family. She reclaims her professional identity and, in doing so, reconnects with an old friend, whom she had distanced herself from due to her loyalty to Hesham. This rekindled friendship plays a big role in Ola’s path to healing. She begins to surround herself with people who truly understand her and support her growth. The business she starts, called Second Chance, symbolises her newfound autonomy and determination to take control of her life.
This Egyptian dramedy, spanning two seasons, invites its audience into the life of Ola, a woman who seems to have it all: a loving husband, two children and a seemingly stable life. Her world is upended when her husband, Hesham, drops a bombshell: he wants a divorce.
As the series continues, Hesham’s character undergoes an equally consequential transformation. After suffering a heart attack, he breaks up with his younger partner and experiences a deep realisation about what truly matters in life. He acknowledges that he was happiest with Ola, but by the time he reaches this conclusion, Ola has already moved on. She has evolved into someone who knows her worth and is no longer willing to settle for a man who treated her as a temporary option. Ola’s line, as translated in the dubbed English version, deeply resonates with the viewer: “Am I a hotel to you? You can just check in and check out whenever you please?” This powerful statement stresses the emotional abuse Ola endured while being viewed as disposable.
Ola eventually finds love, once again; this time with someone who values her as an equal. She also builds a fulfilling friendship with her two business partners, one of whom is the friend she reconnected with, creating a family of choice that supports and empowers her. By the conclusion, Ola has completely transformed. She is her own person, living a life that reflects her own dreams and aspirations.
Finding Ola does not try too hard. It is funny when it needs to be and real when it matters. Packed with humour, drama and spot-on delivery, it hits all the marks without any fluff. It is a show that hits home and is absolutely worth a watch.
The author is a freelance contributor