On the Water Surface

Deniz returns to her hometown to attend her widowed mother's wedding. The anger, fear, and guilt she thought she'd left behind, resurface during the visit. As her mother leaves her the family house, a tragedy haunts her. She can't stop thinking about her father drowning at sea. Moreover, she feels her mother blames her and has abandoned her for it. She realizes she won't be able to move on like her mother unless she faces her problems head-on. Following a confrontation, Deniz accepts the past and takes a real step into adulthood. Sitting by the sea, she is at peace. The sea is no longer a threat but a sign of liberation. She jumps in.

Directed by Zeynep Köprülü, On the Water Surface leans on a strong ensemble — Cemre Ebüzziya, Nazan Kesal, Yasemin Szawlowski — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2023.