Love Me Instead

A prisoner approaching parole who refuses to abandon his protective instinct for his daughter. Years of imprisonment have sharpened his sense of justice, yet his longing for connection makes him capable of drastic actions when faced with danger around Yonca. He grapples with truth, memory, and the consequences of his past violence as he seeks to shield his family. His choices culminate in a tragic, ferocious act that defines his character.

Musa’s daughter-like ward who has lived under Nuriye’s care. She becomes the emotional link between Musa and his past, navigating a dangerous neighborhood while trying to maintain innocence. Her existence anchors Musa’s longing and memory. In the ending, her grown self hints at a life shaped by the events she witnessed.

Musa’s old friend who takes Yonca into her care and becomes a surrogate mother figure. She provides shelter and steadiness in a neighborhood ruled by crime, resisting pressure from the criminal element. Her loyalty and tenderness anchor Musa’s emotional world, and she ultimately honors him as a father figure in her own life. She witnesses, mentors, and sometimes intervenes in the violence that unfolds.

A prison guard tasked with escorting Musa home and back, he embodies duty and restraint. He maintains composure amid danger and ultimately offers Musa a choice, supplying a path that can either defuse or intensify the violence. His relationship with Nuriye adds a layer of complexity to his character. He becomes a quiet witness to Musa’s final reckoning.

The neighborhood powerbroker who runs a gambling den and preys on Yonca’s surroundings. His predatory behavior and criminal influence symbolize the danger lurking in the community. He is a catalyst for Musa’s rage and a constant reminder of the underworld that drives the film’s conflict. His presence raises the stakes of Musa’s pursuit.