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Netflix adds The Fakenapping, a Saudi comedy where a desperate plan spirals out of control

27/12/2025 09:51 - UPDATED 27/12/2025 09:51
The Fakenapping Netflix

Netflix continues to expand its international comedy slate with The Fakenapping, a Saudi-produced feature that blends farce with tightly wound family tension. Now streaming globally, the film arrives as a compact, fast-moving comedy built around a deliberately outrageous premise that spirals quickly out of control. As Netflix deepens its investment in Middle Eastern storytelling, The Fakenapping stands out for favoring character-driven humor over spectacle.

Rather than relying on gags alone, the film grounds its comedy in pressure. Financial anxiety, generational expectations, and wounded masculinity shape a narrative where desperation fuels every decision. Here is everything to know about The Fakenapping on Netflix, from its premise and cast to themes.

The Fakenapping: all the key details

What The Fakenapping is about

The Fakenapping centers on Sattam, a struggling entrepreneur whose mounting debts and personal failures push him toward a disastrous idea. Believing there are no good options left, he stages a fake kidnapping of his own father in hopes of extracting ransom money. What begins as a reckless shortcut soon collapses under the weight of mistrust, panic, and consequences he cannot control. The film keeps its scope deliberately tight, unfolding much of its tension through frantic conversations and emotional standoffs rather than elaborate crime mechanics.
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The Fakenapping cast and performances

Mohammed Aldokhei leads the film as Sattam, anchoring the chaos with a performance defined by nervous energy and creeping panic. Abdullah AlDaris and Yazeed Almajyul support the narrative through reaction-driven performances that emphasize escalation over punchlines.

Reviews and critical reception

Commentary has tended to focus on the film’s concise runtime and fast pacing, noting that the story moves quickly and keeps its attention on character interactions rather than elaborate plot mechanics. Observations about humor are generally tied to situational tension and family dynamics, with particular emphasis on moments of embarrassment, misunderstanding, and escalating pressure.

Is The Fakenapping based on a true story?

The Fakenapping is an original fictional story and is not based on real events or previously published material.

Why The Fakenapping is worth adding to your watchlist

If you enjoy comedies built on escalating lies, family tension, and mounting pressure, The Fakenapping should be on your radar.

The Fakenapping release date and where to watch

The Fakenapping is now streaming exclusively on Netflix following its December 11, 2025 release. The film is available worldwide on the platform as part of Netflix’s international movie lineup.

Viewers can watch the film directly on Netflix at the official title page:
https://www.netflix.com/title/81946208

Stephen Ogongo

Stephen Ogongo

Stephen Ogongo is the main writer for Streamingmania and a senior manager at New European Media. Originally from Kenya, he previously founded and directed Afronews.eu and has taught journalism at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. His work blends editorial expertise with a deep understanding of global media and storytelling.