For the love of film
From a personal passion to a community of half a million followers, Nadim Safieddine uses his love of film and TV to connect, critique and elevate regional talent.
Illustration: Umang Sawkar
Nadim Safieddine is a name synonymous with film and TV reviews in the Middle East. As the founder of Nad’s Reviews, the first website in the region dedicated to detailed analysis of movies and series, Safieddine has built a thriving community of around 500,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram, Youtube and his website. His journey is not just about critiquing content but also about leveraging his platform to grow regional film and TV.
Safieddine’s influence extends beyond social media, with appearances on TV, radio, and podcasts, as well as collaborations with major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and OSN. Through his candid reviews and engaging content, Safieddine has not only shaped how his audience consumes entertainment but also how they confront personal challenges.
Safieddine’s love for film and TV began long before the inception of Nad’s Reviews. “I’ve been obsessed with movies and sereis for as long as I can remember,” he shares. His early passion led him to New York, where he pursued film school with dreams of becoming a director. However, life had other plans. Upon returning to Lebanon, Safieddine found himself working in advertising—a field far removed from his cinematic ambitions. Yet, the love for storytelling persisted.
In 2011, amidst personal challenges, including his mother’s battle with cancer, Safieddine turned to what he knew best: film and TV. “To keep my passion alive and to cope when my mother was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer, I started a website called Nad’s Reviews,” he explains. The website became a creative outlet, a place where Safieddine poured his thoughts and emotions into detailed reviews of every show and movie he watched. It quickly became less of a pastime and more of a lifeline. The connection to his parents is strong, some of his fondest memories are going to the movies as a family or bringing DVD box sets of Friends.
Nad’s Reviews quickly evolved into more than just a blog. Safieddine’s detailed breakdown of popular shows like Game of Thrones, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Good Wife resonated with readers looking for a deeper understanding of their favorite series. His background in filmmaking allowed him to dissect the nuances of storytelling, direction, and performance, offering insights that went beyond surface-level critiques. But, at this point, we’re talking text. COVID-19 changed all that.
The COVID–19 pandemic marked a turning point for Safieddine. With more people turning to digital content for entertainment, Safieddine saw an opportunity to expand his reach. He shifted from written reviews to video content, on TikTok and Instagram, a move that would prove transformative. “[…] during COVID, which is when Nad’s Reviews really took off, I shifted from writing reviews on my website – that not many people read – to short snappy videos on TikTok and Instagram,” he says. His bite-sized, engaging reviews began to reach a wider audience, over time growing his follower count to over 500,000 across various platforms as people were desperately seeking digital entertainment – and TV shows to watch – amid the lockdowns.
This transition wasn’t just about adapting to new formats, it was about refining his approach. Safieddine streamlined his review process to fit the fast-paced nature of social media, focusing on digestible scripts that could deliver the essence of his critique in just one minute. “I write a quick, catchy script before filming that fits social—focusing on making it clickbait-y and engaging without any filler,” Safieddine explains. His content is meticulously crafted, filmed at home using a mini–set complete with professional lighting and sound. The result is a polished, relatable product that appeals to viewers seeking quick yet comprehensive recommendations.
In an industry where sponsored content can blur the lines of authenticity, Safieddine’s commitment to unbiased reviews sets him apart. “It’s super simple: I never accept payments for reviews, though many try” he state unequivocally. Safieddine’s credibility is his “superpower,” a quality that has earned him the trust of his followers and the respect of industry professionals. His honest and unfiltered approach to reviewing content ensures that his audience can rely on his recommendations, knowing that they are driven solely by his genuine opinions.
This integrity extends to how Safieddine handles feedback, both positive and negative. Far from shying away from criticism, Safieddine engages in respectful debates with his followers, valuing their differing perspectives. “I actually love debating with my followers when they disagree with me regarding a film or series,” he says.
While his reviews cover a wide array of international content, he has recently made a concerted effort to include more Arabic shows, a genre he initially overlooked. “I started watching Arabic series around three years ago, and more importantly, I’ve even started to appreciate some of them,” Safieddine shares. This shift is part of his broader mission to elevate the quality of film and TV in the Arab world, not just through critique but through active participation in the industry.
Safieddine’s commitment to the regional film scene is further exemplified by his recent launch of a podcast, Bala Nas W Dawaran (or Unscripted). The podcast aims to spotlight and raise up film and TV in the Arab world through in-depth discussions with industry veterans. Nadim’s dedication to promoting quality content and pushing for better standards in the regional industry has not gone unnoticed. “When I meet industry professionals in real life, many tell me that my reviews push them to work harder and strive for better results,” he notes.
Beyond his role as a reviewer, Safieddine uses his platform to address personal challenges, particularly around mental health. Having experienced anxiety and grief, especially following the deaths of both his parents, Safieddine speaks openly about the importance of therapy and mental well–being—a topic often considered taboo in the Arab world. His candid approach has struck a chord with his audience, many of whom have reached out to share their own struggles. “Mental health is still somewhat of a taboo topic in the Arab World, especially for men, and I’ve received so many heartfelt messages from followers sharing how my story made them feel less alone. If only they knew how much those messages help me as well!” he shares. Looking ahead, Safieddine has his sights set on expanding his impact in the industry beyond reviews. “The original dream was always to become a filmmaker/writer,” he reflects.
With Nad’s Reviews as a formidable platform, Safieddine is now pivoting back towards his filmmaking roots, and he’s currently in the process of pitching a TV project that he believes will bring something “cool and different” to the Arab world, though he’ll say no more on the subject.
Safieddine’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and authenticity. As he continues to grow and evolve, Safieddine remains committed to his mission: to celebrate the magic of movies and series while making a positive impact on his audience’s lives.