Saudi cinema continues to break barriers. With The Matchmaker, a Netflix Original film, the ever-buzzworthy production company Telfaz11 has created the first Saudi psychological thriller, and trust us, it’s best you just experience for yourself.
Ok, we’ll say a little bit: Filmed entirely in the gorgeous and historic AlUla area of the Kingdom, the film follows Tarek, played by Hussam Al Harthy, an IT worker who becomes infatuated with a beautiful intern in his office, following her to the desert to an ancient matchmaking ritual which is much darker than it initially appears to its guests.
With the film now streaming on Netflix, Esquire Middle East sat down with Hussam Al Harthy to talk about making the film, his personal film heroes, and how he got inside the head of his character. Read more below.
Esquire Middle East sits down with Hussam Al Harthy
How did you get involved?
Hussam Al Harthy: I got the story through the agent. I went through the whole story, and it was very interesting to me—following Tarik from page one to the last page, was a very interesting story. I loved it. I loved it from the second I read it.
What did you connect with in Tarek?
To be honest, after reading every character, you find something from this character inside yourself. With Tarek, he reminded me of myself years ago, and I loved that, as I could take in the whole journey. And follow his emotions, throughout the whole story.
What was your read on him?
He’s this gloomy, average employee, doing his daily tasks, going to his house. But you can see that this guy is kind of unhappy. He’s doing all these things, and his family is not enough for him, having the job isn’t enough. He finds himself interested in the new intern, and that sparks the events that drives im to the resort. It gets a bit insane, and I found that lovely.
How long did it take you to get in character?
The first step for me every time is figuring out the character’s appearance. I have to look like someone who doesn’t look like me. It makes things easier from that step. And then I work on his thoughts, what’s his background, where he comes from, what he really wants. I need to know what drives him, and I discussed with the director how he sees the character. We found ourselves on the same page every time we talk about Tarek, and that really put me at ease.
This is obviously a new genre for Saudi Arabian film. As a tenured actor, did that require any adjustment from the usual?
Absolutely. This was the first time I worked on such a character, and this was an incredible first for the Saudi film industry.
How has your relationship with the producers Telfaz11 grown since you first started working with them?
To me, they’re family. We first worked together 12 years ago, and we have a unique relationship. Working with them was a turning point for my career, and I wouldn’t think twice to work on anything with them, because they push boundaries—and the bonus of working with Netflix and filming in AlUla was such a unique experience.
What does it mean for you to have this film on Netflix?
A few days ago, I was talking to a friend of mine, and I was saying, The Matchmaker will be shown in 190 countries. That was blowing my mind! It’s a different world today.
What was it like filming in AlUla, this dreamlike, historic area?
That landscape is made for such a story. It’s such a unique place, and it helped the film, in my opinion. The size, the scale, the archaeology made it all feel like destiny. I will never forget this experience.
What were the main difficulties you faced out there?
Difficulties? I don’t recall any difficulties. Every day was a rich day, where people used to put everything they have with passion, with love, with sincerity, in sharing the experience, working together, sharing their knowledge. I don’t recall difficulties, only extraordinary memories.
What actors do you admire most?
I love Christian Bale.
What are the films that inspired you to get into acting?
Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and Bale in Vice, The Prestige, American Psycho and The Machinist.
There’s a lot of physical transformation in those choices. Is that something you could ever see yourself doing?
[Laughs] We’ll see!
The Matchmaker is now streaming on Netflix. Watch Hussam Al Harthy in it here.