What about Loveberry that impressed you the most and made you want to take on the project?
Nursel Köse: The story of Loveberry captivated me as soon as I read it. It centers on four sisters living with their father, with a heartfelt and authentic narrative. In our culture, there’s a deep-rooted issue of older siblings taking on the responsibility of younger ones, and at times, children stepping into the role of parents while parents become more like children. Traditional roles place heavy burdens on women, and these burdens can lead to deep traumas, regardless of sociocultural status. Loveberry delves into this layered, enveloping story, touching on both a universal and local reality in a profound way. What drew me to this project was precisely this human and cultural dimension.
Nursel Köse: “The strongest aspect of Loveberry is how it portrays the way even strong and educated urban women can feel cornered at home.”
Rezzan is a mother who is extremely attached to her son, unable to see his mistakes, and dictates his life. How would you describe Rezzan?
Nursel Köse: Rezzan is a mother who never accepts losing control. Her attachment to her son isn’t just love; it’s almost an obsession. She displays a great blindness to her son’s mistakes because she sees being the sole figure guiding his life as her greatest achievement. However, underneath this attachment are Rezzan’s own fears of loneliness and losing. So, her excessive control actually stems from deep vulnerability and a search for security. Even though Rezzan seems like a strong woman, she’s actually battling her inner conflicts.
Rezzan’s anger toward Aslı and Aslı’s family doesn’t seem to fade. It’s as if she sees every woman her age or younger as a rival. What do you think is the most important lesson life could teach Rezzan?
Nursel Köse: The biggest lesson Rezzan needs to understand in her life is that she can’t control everything. Her desire to direct her son’s life is really an attempt to fill the void in her own. But this attitude doesn’t bring peace to either her or her son. The most important lesson life could teach her is to realize that giving freedom to those she loves is also an expression of love. If she could let go and allow life to take its course, maybe then both her life and her son’s could be happier.
Loveberry is a series that effectively portrays how even educated and working urban women can give up on living their own lives due to the dynamics within a household. It also features a strong family drama. Where do you think Loveberry resonates most with the audience?
Nursel Köse: The strongest aspect of Loveberry is how it portrays the way even strong and educated urban women can feel cornered at home. These women, who seem powerful, are forced to set aside their own lives because of their roles within the family, which is something everyone can resonate with. This is why the audience will see parts of themselves in the characters’ internal struggles and family conflicts. We all have these invisible dynamics in our lives, and I believe Loveberry captures the audience right at this point.
Loveberry will be introduced to the world at one of the most important content markets, MIPCOM. What would you like to say to your viewers in Türkiye and around the world?
Nursel Köse: Loveberry is a story that can resonate not only in Türkiye but also globally. Universal themes like family bonds, love, and sacrifice can touch everyone’s lives. Having the show introduced to a global audience at MIPCOM is a sign of the confidence we have in the power of its story. My message to viewers is this: as you watch Loveberry, you will find parts of yourself reflected in it, and it will open up a new perspective for you. This series tells a lot about the human experience and offers an emotional depth that will embrace you in every episode.
This interview with Nursel Köse was featured in Episode Magazine’s MIPCOM 2024 issue.
