A True Gentleman (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“A True Gentleman” (2024), a Turkish Netflix drama directed by Onur Bilgetay, delves into the complicated world of male escorts and the emotional toll that such a life brings. It follows Saygın, a successful male escort, as he navigates the conflicting realms of wealth, power, love, and loyalty. Although this movie shows great potential by addressing the trials of transactional relationships and inner turmoil, it often falls flat due to lackluster execution and predictable storytelling.
In this article, we’ll review “A True Gentleman” and explore the various streaming options available for those looking to watch this Turkish drama online.
Plot Overview
The plot of A True Gentleman centers around Saygın (played by Çağatay Ulusoy), a high-end male escort living a luxurious life funded by his wealthy clients. One of these clients, Serap, offers Saygın financial security in exchange for exclusivity, including a house, car, and more. However, Saygın’s feelings complicate matters as he falls in love with Nehir, the best friend of Serap’s daughter. As he juggles his professional obligations with Serap and his personal feelings for Nehir, his carefully maintained life starts to unravel.
The story also explores Saygın’s relationship with his close friend and fellow escort Kado, who battles his own struggles with the job and drug addiction. This dual narrative presents both the allure and the heavy burdens that come with the male escort lifestyle.
The film promises an introspective look at love, loyalty, and personal integrity, but its surface-level treatment of these themes limits its emotional impact.
Where to Watch A True Gentleman (2024) Online
As of 2024, A True Gentleman is available on multiple platforms for both streaming and rental/purchase options. Below are the primary streaming services for this film, especially for viewers in the United States:
Streaming Services
- Netflix: The film is available to stream exclusively on Netflix. Netflix subscribers in the U.S. can access the movie in high definition with their basic subscription plan. Netflix offers a wide range of subtitles, making it accessible to international audiences, including English and Turkish.
Rental and Purchase Options
For those who do not have a Netflix subscription, here are some other platforms where A True Gentleman may be available for rent or purchase:
- Amazon Prime Video: The movie can be rented or purchased in HD or 4K UHD format.
- Apple iTunes: Similar to Google Play, the movie can be purchased or rented in HD or 4K through iTunes, viewable on Apple devices.
Characters and Performances
Saygın (Çağatay Ulusoy)
Saygın, the film’s lead, is meant to be a charismatic figure who captivates his wealthy clientele. Unfortunately, while Ulusoy’s looks fit the role of a gigolo, the depth and complexity of Saygın’s character fail to materialize fully on-screen. His performance feels static, and he doesn’t demonstrate the dynamic range needed to portray a man torn between love and financial security.
Kado (Haki Biçici)
Kado, Saygın’s friend and fellow escort, is one of the film’s most intriguing characters. His arc showcases the darker side of their shared profession, including the insecurities and degradation that come with it. Biçici’s performance is more engaging and raw compared to the rest of the cast, offering a glimpse into the mental toll that such a profession can take.
Nehir (Ebru Şahin)
As Saygın’s love interest, Nehir brings a layer of innocence and complexity to the story. Her chemistry with Ulusoy is one of the highlights of the film, though her character is underdeveloped, reducing her to a plot device rather than an independent individual with agency.
Themes and Analysis
A True Gentleman attempts to explore several important themes, such as the nature of transactional relationships, the emotional isolation of sex workers, and the challenge of reconciling personal desires with professional obligations. The dynamic between Saygın, Kado, and their respective clients reveals the emotional emptiness beneath their otherwise glamorous lives.
However, while these themes offer significant potential, they remain shallowly explored. The film struggles to balance between its dramatic undertones and its somewhat unrealistic portrayal of the characters’ relationships. The rushed pacing also contributes to a lack of emotional depth, leaving much of the story feeling predictable.
Cinematography and Visual Style
Visually, the movie has moments where its cinematography shines. The lavish settings of Saygın’s life, filled with luxury cars, upscale apartments, and high-end fashion, are captured in vibrant colors. However, beyond these aesthetic choices, there is little to celebrate. The camera work and scene composition are often too basic, missing the opportunity to make the film more visually compelling. For a movie that hinges on sensuality and drama, a more polished visual style could have elevated the story.
Reception and Critique
A True Gentleman has garnered mixed reviews since its release. While some appreciate the film’s ambition in tackling sensitive subjects like male prostitution and the emotional consequences of such work, others criticize its predictable plot and lack of character development. The dialogue feels stilted, and several side plots are introduced without proper resolution, detracting from the overall narrative flow.
For a story rooted in complex themes, the film’s resolution feels rushed, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. The underexplored secondary characters, such as Serap and Fulya, offer potential for deeper narratives, but they remain largely sidelined.
Final Thoughts
A True Gentleman (2024) offers a glimpse into the world of male escorts, but it doesn’t quite deliver the emotional impact or character depth it promises. While it touches on important themes like trauma, personal sacrifice, and transactional relationships, the film falls into the trap of predictability, lacking the nuance and complexity needed to make it truly memorable.
If you’re looking for a Turkish drama that scratches the surface of romantic entanglements and the emotional cost of leading a double life, this might be worth a watch. Otherwise, the film’s shortcomings in character development and storytelling leave it feeling like an opportunity missed.
