Mzia Arabuli delivers a believable performance within this moving story. She portrays "Lia," a retired schoolteacher set on finding her niece following her sister’s death. Living in Georgia, she believes “Tekla” has gone to Turkey for greater freedom – an existence not easily accepted at home, as Tekla is trans. Despite lacking any Turkish language skills, Lia enlists the help of a local young man named "Achi" (Lucas Kankava) to act as both guide and translator. Their journey leads them into less desirable areas of Istanbul, raising questions about whether finding one person in such a vast city is even possible. Fortunately, when the young man can’t sleep and ventures out, he connects with new people who then introduce them to "Evrim" (Deniz Dumanli), a newly qualified lawyer offering assistance. It would have been simple for director Levan Akin to follow a predictable plot structure, but he avoids that. The film isn't primarily about the quest for “Tekla,” but rather about Lia’s personal journey – her attempt to rediscover herself, find renewed purpose, and gain perspective on the issues that fracture families and leave everyone feeling disconnected. It is in this role that Arabuli shines with a genuine quality that truly resonates. A warm, almost maternal connection develops between her and the young “Achi,” and as they search, we witness a city displaying a diverse range of human experiences – some positive, others not so much. I consider it an impactful film exploring acceptance within a place where poverty and affluence coexist and where there seems to be a general atmosphere of tolerance and generosity. It offers a sense of hope without being overly sentimental, demonstrating that even later in life, there’s still vitality and potential for growth.

Source on TMDB