Any time Mehreen Jabbar is behind the camera is a moment of excitement for Pakistani drama fans. “7 Days In Coney Island” comes as a surprise for fans, as there has been little to zero buzz about this show – most likely due to the lack of big names in the star cast. This story has been written by the excellent Shah Yasir and, of course, directed by Mehreen Jabbar, who has really seemed to have found enjoyment in and made a comeback with the mini-series format of late. The cast includes names like Sidra Batool, Ahmed Razvi, Sabeen Sadiq and Hussain Asif (of Dhoombros fame).
The first episode introduces us to several characters, including a therapist (or psychiatrist?) Ghazala, a Coney Island raised Salman, a restaurant worker Salik, a shop owner Haider, Haider’s wife and daughter Rosa and Maddie, Maddie’s boyfriend Andre, and a mystery character Sana – who has killed someone, most likely in a car accident. There are many tracks here, but the lives of these characters are already beginning to intersect and there are some interesting statements being made through these characters and their stories.
Starting with Salik (Hussain Asif), the story highlights the plight of new immigrants, not only with being away from their families, doing chores and working, but also in picking up on social norms. Salik is attracted to Ghazala and immediately wants to ask her out – unfortunately, the tactics he uses scream “stalker” more than “romance.” While Salik’s behavior is completely out of line, we feel for him after Ghazala’s rejection.
Ghazala, on the other hand, meets Salman while out and about and the two bond over an Urdu novel. Ghazala appears interested, but Salman is somehow connected to Ghazala’s patient, Sana – who is our woman with a mysterious past…..and a husband? Her connection to Salman is not clear at this point. However, there’s a great line Salman recites to Ghazala, possibly foreshadowing her future: “She ends up with herself, but not alone,” indicating self-content.
The angle with Haider, Maddie and Rosa is reminiscent of an old PTV drama, “Awazain.” Haider shows casual racism towards black customers, immediately watching customers with a hawk eye, despite their honest demeanor. Meanwhile, he doesn’t bat an eye as “Desi” customers walk in – and rob him blind. This also trickles down to his family. Haider has married Rosa, a non-Desi who attempts to adopt her husband’s customs and culture – but can a man who married outside of his own culture expect to pin his daughter down? Maddie is dating a black young man, the two planning their futures – at Ivy league schools – together.
There are a lot of positives here. It’s refreshing to see good casting, the actors struggling with the language at times – and why not? They’re supposed to be born and raised New Yorkers. There are so many relatable, realistic moments, such as the boys gossiping about Maddie in the restaurant, discussing her boyfriend and her poor Urdu. The fresh cast works for the show as well, as it feels more real without “stars” attached.
What about the negatives? Well, Salik’s phone conversations with his mother are atrociously executed, as it sounds like his mother is sending whatsapp voice notes from the bathroom. Some of the conversations feel horribly rehearsed (such as Maddie and Andre’s conversations). The show does, in a way, feel like “Jackson Heights 2.0.”: The color-grading is very dim and could have done with a brighter canvas – but this is all nitpicking. As a complete product, episode 1 does a great job of pulling the audience in and telling an interesting story. So far, this is an enjoyable show. It’s unclear how many episodes long “7 Days In Coney Island” will be, but given that it’s a mini-series airing from Friday to Sunday, can we assume it will be six episodes long?