What Is Burning Days About?
The premise of Burning Days in 289 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a sun-scorched Anatolian town scarred by unexplained sinkholes and a failing water supply, a chaotic boar hunt tears through the streets as hunters chase their prey between crumbling houses and startled neighbors. Into this charged atmosphere arrives Emre, a young, idealistic lawyer freshly appointed as the state prosecutor, recently transferred from Ankara. His official mandate is straightforward, but the town’s weathered routines and unspoken codes quickly make clear that nothing here will be simple.
As a mayoral election looms on the horizon, Emre is drawn into a web of local politics where alliances are shifting and loyalties are tested. He is courted by the mayor’s circle, befriended by Şahin, a fellow lawyer who moves comfortably within the town’s power structure, and approached by Murat, a provocative newspaper editor who rides a Harley Davidson and seems to know more than he lets on. Through dinners, conversations, and chance encounters, Emre begins to sense the tension simmering beneath the surface — long-running grievances, buried secrets, and a community where appearances rarely match reality.
When a local young woman is attacked, Emre’s professional instincts pull him toward the case, thrusting him into a deepening crisis that begins to blur the lines between his role as prosecutor and his place within the town’s fragile social order. The investigation pulls him into uncomfortable territory, where his authority is questioned, his judgment is challenged, and his isolation grows with every step he takes.
Slow and atmospheric, the film builds a suffocating sense of dread through shadowed hallways, empty streets, and unsettling silences. It is a portrait of a man out of step with his surroundings — principled, perhaps naive — caught in a landscape where truth is fluid and every handshake conceals a negotiation.
What Happens in Burning Days?
The complete story of Burning Days, from the first scene to the last, in 679 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
Emre, a young lawyer recently appointed as the state prosecutor, finds himself transferred from Ankara to the quaint but problematic town of Yaniklar in Anatolia Province. From his very first moments in the village, he witnesses the local customs firsthand as men pursue a boar, ultimately dragging its lifeless body through the streets. Despite being welcomed by the local lawyer, Şahin, and the town’s dentist, Emre makes it clear that he cannot condone what they deem to be a harmless tradition of hunting. He reminds them firmly of the gun laws prohibiting shooting in populated areas.
While enjoying a swim in a nearby lake, Emre meets Murat Körükçü, the local newspaper editor who arrives on a Harley Davidson. Murat warns Emre about the town’s dangers, mentioning how his predecessor mysteriously vanished, suspecting someone had attempted to poison him. That evening, during a dinner with the mayor and his son (who is, interestingly, Şahin), Emre hears the mayor trivializing the town’s ongoing water issues as mere “natural phenomena.” As the night unfolds, Şahin attempts to coax Emre into traditional customs with a bottle of Raki and an invitation for a rooftop bath. However, the atmosphere shifts dramatically when a dentist arrives with musicians, and Murat’s comments lead to a confrontation where Emre’s discomfort becomes evident. When a shy young gypsy girl named Pekmez unexpectedly dances for them, Emre’s nausea overwhelms him, culminating in his passing out.
Upon waking, Emre finds a disturbing surprise—a dead rat in his kitchen. The unsettling events continue as he learns of a new sinkhole that has appeared overnight in town. He is soon called to the hospital, where he is confronted with the aftermath of a violent crime; Pekmez has been brutally raped and beaten, leading her father Yavuz to lash out at the police officers present. Emre refrains from intervening, which adds to the tense atmosphere. Yavuz later reveals the ongoing abuse that the family has endured, along with the painful memories of Pekmez having given birth to a child after a previous assault.
In the hospital, a police officer, a male doctor, and Emre confront Pekmez about the incident, though her fearful stammering leads to limited clarity. Emre insists on a sperm test, triggering a chain of events where he orders Şahin’s arrest—an action that invites doubt and resentment from the local authorities. The film poignantly portrays the stark reality of patriarchy; as women work in the hospital, they appear completely sidelined from the critical discussions at hand.
A dinner with the town’s judge and her husband, who is the hospital doctor, highlights the local attitudes as the judge implies that Pekmez might not be reliable in her testimony. She pressures Emre to release Şahin, thereby revealing the moral ambiguities at play within the town’s legal framework. With the mayoral elections looming, Şahin employs populist tactics, like providing free water to villagers, complicating Emre’s pursuit of justice. When Emre questions Şahin about the rape allegations, he finds himself unexpectedly accused instead.
As the stakes rise, Murat visits Emre to share geological reports indicating that the sinkholes are a direct result of over-extraction of groundwater, implicating the mayor in a potential cover-up. Murat proves to be a crucial ally; he recounts how he took care of Emre after a drunken episode, suggesting that Emre may have been drugged at the dinner. The following day, Emre receives troubling footage of himself dancing with Murat, igniting flashbacks and a growing confusion about his own actions.
Soon, Emre finds himself confronting not just external threats, like the arrest of Kemal, but internal ones as he grapples with mounting public scrutiny and allegations of an affair with Murat. Despite the challenges, Emre attempts to maintain his authority. However, as rumors swirl and tensions rise, Emre becomes ensnared in the dark complexities of Yaniklar’s local politics, revealing a web of corruption, power struggles, and manipulation—ultimately leading him to question not only the fabric of justice in the small town but also his own moral compass in a scenario where everyone seems to twist the truth to fit their narrative.
Burning Days Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Emre's Arrival in Yaniklar” to “Facing the Truth”. 14 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Emre's Arrival in Yaniklar
Emre, a young lawyer, begins his new role as the state prosecutor after being transferred from Ankara to the small town of Yaniklar. The quaint surroundings of Anatolia Province offer him a warm welcome, but he quickly realizes that his new position comes with its own set of challenges and local customs.
Where:Yaniklar, Anatolia Province
- 2
Witnessing Local Traditions
On his first day, Emre witnesses a group of townsmen hunting a boar, a tradition they consider harmless. His objections to the practice and the hunting laws highlight the clash between his values and local customs.
Where:Yaniklar
- 3
Meeting the Locals
During a swim at a local lake, Emre encounters Murat, the local newspaper editor, who introduces himself on his Harley Davidson. Murat shares concerning insights about Emre's predecessor, who mysteriously disappeared, adding an ominous tone to Emre's new life.
Where:Local Lake, Yaniklar
- 4
Dinner with the Officials
Emre dines with the mayor and Şahin, learning about the town's issues, including sinkholes. The light-hearted evening takes a dark turn as local customs and politics clash, leaving Emre feeling out of place and disturbed.
Where:Mayor's Residence, Yaniklar
- 5
Emre's Disturbing Experience
After an awkward dinner, Emre is overwhelmed and passes out when a reluctant dancer named Pekmez introduces herself. This event foreshadows the deeper issues of the town that will soon unravel.
Where:Mayor's Residence, Yaniklar
- 6
The Aftermath of Violence
Upon awakening, Emre discovers a dead rat in his kitchen, symbolizing the decay and corruption lurking beneath the town's surface. Shortly after, he is called to a hospital where he learns of a brutal assault on Pekmez.
Where:Emre's Kitchen and Local Hospital, Yaniklar
- 7
Pekmez's Case
At the hospital, Emre meets Pekmez, who has been raped and beaten. Her father's anger reveals a history of silence and abuse within the community, complicating Emre's understanding of the local dynamics.
Where:Local Hospital, Yaniklar
- 8
The Legal Dilemma
Emre decides to order a sperm test and arrest Şahin based on the evidence. This decision sparks doubt and resistance from the local law enforcement, showcasing the community's reluctance to confront its issues.
Where:Local Police Station, Yaniklar
- 9
Judicial Obstruction
Emre encounters the town judge, who downplays Pekmez's situation by questioning her mental state. This interaction further complicates Emre's efforts as he confronts the local judicial system's biases.
Where:Local Restaurant, Yaniklar
- 10
Elections and Promises
As mayoral elections approach, Şahin attempts to gain favor by offering free water to the villagers. Emre's confrontation with Şahin over this gesture highlights the manipulation at play during election time.
Where:Yaniklar
Show the other 4 events of Burning Days Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Murat's Revelations
Murat visits Emre to share geological reports indicating the sinkholes are a consequence of over-drilling for groundwater, directly implicating the mayor's negligence. This information adds layers to Emre's understanding of local corruption.
Where:Emre's House, Yaniklar
- 12
Unraveling Memories
Emre receives a video showing him dancing with Murat, which triggers troubling flashbacks. As he pieces together memories, he begins to question his own actions during the infamous dinner party.
Where:Emre's House, Yaniklar
- 13
Increasing Tensions
Rumors swirl about Emre's conduct and alleged scandals, threatening his authority and position in the community. The rising skepticism among the townspeople puts Emre in a precarious situation as tensions escalate.
Where:Yaniklar
- 14
Facing the Truth
Confronted with a complex web of local politics and manipulation, Emre struggles to find his place in a community where personal agendas reign. The atmosphere thickens with danger as his investigations lead to a life-threatening showdown.
Where:Yaniklar
Who Are the Main Characters in Burning Days?
4 characters, among them Emre, Şahin and Pekmez: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- E
Emre
Played by Selahattin Paşalı
Emre is a young lawyer and the newly appointed state prosecutor in Yaniklar. Throughout the film, he embodies the conflict between his idealistic values and the grim realities of local politics. As he wrestles with personal doubts and societal corruption, Emre's character evolves, revealing his resilience and moral complexity.
- 👨⚖️ Lawyer
- 🕵️♂️ Investigator
- Ş
Şahin
Played by Erol Babaoğlu
Şahin is the town lawyer and a pivotal figure who embodies the old guard of Yaniklar's traditions. His relationship with Emre reflects the larger power dynamics in the town. As both an ally and an adversary, Şahin's character challenges Emre's ideals, showcasing the pervasive complexities of local loyalties and ethical dilemmas.
- 👨⚖️ Lawyer
- 🔍 Manipulator
- P
Pekmez
Played by Eylül Ersöz
Pekmez is a young gypsy girl who becomes embroiled in the film's darker themes of abuse and power dynamics. Her character represents vulnerability and the struggle for agency in a patriarchal society. Through her tragic backstory, the film highlights the societal failures that allow such injustices to persist.
- 👧 Victim
- 💔 Resilience
- M
Murat
Played by Ekin Koç
Murat is the editor of the local newspaper, providing a voice for the community. His character serves as a bridge between Emre and the townspeople, revealing hidden truths and underlying tensions. Murat's friendship with Emre adds layers of complexity to the story as he navigates the dangers of revealing the deeper issues in Yaniklar.
- 📰 Journalist
- 🤝 Ally
Where and When Is Burning Days Set?
Burning Days is set in Yaniklar and Anatolia Province. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events of the movie are set in contemporary times, where modern legal frameworks clash with entrenched local traditions. Issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and patriarchal societal structures are magnified in this backdrop, shaping the characters' lives and decisions.
Where
Yaniklar, Anatolia Province
Yaniklar is a small town located in the Anatolia Province of Turkey, known for its rustic beauty and tight-knit community. The town, surrounded by natural landscapes, faces challenges stemming from its traditional customs and modern legal issues. Its intricate local politics often reflect broader societal themes, influencing the lives of its inhabitants.
- 🏞️ Town
- 🌳 Nature
What Are the Themes of Burning Days?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Justice, Tradition vs. Modernity and Abuse.
-
01
Justice
Justice plays a crucial role in 'Burning Days' as the main character, Emre, grapples with the complexities of legal and moral dilemmas in a small town. The struggle for justice is hindered by local politics and the pervasive influence of patriarchal attitudes. Emre's pursuit of truth exposes him to corruption and challenges his moral compass.
-
02
Tradition vs. Modernity
The film explores the tension between tradition and modernity, illustrated through the local customs of hunting and the implications of modern law. Emre's arrival as a state prosecutor represents a clash of values, highlighting the differences in perspectives among the townspeople. This theme showcases the struggle for progress amidst deeply rooted traditions.
-
03
Abuse
Abuse is a haunting theme in the narrative, particularly as it relates to the character of Pekmez. The movie reveals the hidden traumas within the community and critiques the societal norms that perpetuate silence around such issues. Emre’s interactions with Pekmez and her family underscore the devastating impact of violence and the struggle for empowerment.
What Kind of Film Is Burning Days?
Dark in tone, with variable pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bleak
A slow-burning, oppressive Turkish thriller that traps its idealistic protagonist in a web of small-town corruption, manipulation, and disturbing revelations about power and complicity.
- oppressive
- paranoia
- claustrophobic
- corrupt
- slow burn
- anxious
- political corruption
- small town politics
- sexual assault
- patriarchy
Content notes: sexual assault, rape, drug-facilitated assault, animal death, political corruption, threats and intimidation.
Quiz
How well do you remember Burning Days? Test yourself on the story.
