Rétame

For a series I watched about five times now, you would think it deserves 10 stars. While missing the mark by the slightest, I can assert that this has been the most intriguing series yet about cheerleaders. It's not AT ALL like Bring It On or other works that attempt to bring as much depth to cheerleading as Dare Me.

Addy and Beth are best friends in high school, both of which happen to have a knack at cheerleading. Yes, there's some mean girl energy going on, but there's more to these characters than what meets the eye. As you progress through the episodes, you quickly become aware of what these two teenage girls are capable of and the very limits of their friendship.

My one-point deduction comes from some shallow scenes that don't merely meet the depth of others (though this is mostly towards the end of the series). One thing for certain, it wasn't intended to be a limited series, but in a way, it checks out. The drama is messy enough to keep you going but clean enough to avoid soapy-ness. The finale will have your jaw to the floor, and by then you'd have gotten a taste of what it means to be a cheerleader in that small-town world.

A golden find among television series; few shows have the character arcs of Dare Me.

This show was actually much better than usual teen shows with fairytales and boring love stories. It was darker, it showed the hard part of being a cheerleader and the efforts they have to make, unlike most shows where cheerleaders are nothing but popular girls. I'm really dissapointed that there won't be anymore seasons, while other dumb shows last long.

That's why I like this show. I am reading the book now but so far it's told in the same narrative style and doesn't leave many things out. Beth legitimately reminds me of girls I have been friends with in the past and is extremely relatable. All of the other characters other than Colette French the cheer coach. I suppose I also related to Sam but I don't want to give any spoilers away. This show doesn't hide behind the facade most shows featuring teenager girls do, but instead shows you a gritty truth behind codependency, infatuation, lies, regrets and a true competitive nature. As someone who played sports and has had many girlfriends, this can't be more true. I have never met anyone more competitive than a woman and this show exposes all of the insecurities that come with such a inherent nature.

This show is not horrible. In fact, it is interesting enough for me to keep watching each episode as it appears on my DVR. However, this show hardly keeps me longing for the next episode. It's a show that is good enough to watch when there is nothing else on, but is by no means a "must see". It's interestingly boring if that makes any sense. The characters are all unlikable, and not in a good way that makes them captivating or sympathetic villains. They are stereotypical mean girls that aren't interesting enough to love or love to hate. The adults aren't any better than the kids as there is not a single role model for the cheerleaders because the adults are all flawed. It tries to sound "deeper" than it really is by having the narrator use phrases like "it was beautiful until it went to far" or "nothing is as scary as a bored teenage girl", but it comes across a little like its trying too hard to be a groundbreaking teenage drama like 13 Reasons Why or Euphoria. I am about 3 episodes in so we will see if it improves as it progresses.

Dare Me is a darkly compelling and utterly addictive series that expertly blends the intense world of competitive high school cheerleading with a gripping mystery. From the very first episode, the show hooks you with its sharp writing, stylish visuals, and an atmosphere thick with tension and unspoken desires.

The performances are phenomenal, particularly the dynamic between Addy Hanlon (Herizen Guardiola) and Beth Cassidy (Marlo Kelly). Their complex and often unsettling friendship forms the emotional core of the series, and both actresses deliver nuanced and captivating portrayals. The arrival of the new coach, Colette French (Willa Fitzgerald), further ignites the drama and introduces a layer of intriguing ambiguity.

What makes Dare Me stand out is its willingness to delve into the darker aspects of teenage life, exploring themes of power, loyalty, jealousy, and sexuality with a refreshing and unflinching honesty. The cheerleading backdrop isn't just window dressing; it's intricately woven into the narrative, serving as a metaphor for the intense competition and high stakes that permeate the characters' lives.

The mystery at the heart of the show unfolds gradually, keeping viewers guessing and constantly shifting their allegiances. Just when you think you have it figured out, Dare Me throws another curveball, ensuring that you remain thoroughly engaged until the very end.

While the show can be intense and at times unsettling, it's this very quality that makes it so captivating. Dare Me is a smart, stylish, and thought-provoking series that will stay with you long after the credits roll. If you're looking for a teen drama with substance, a compelling mystery, and unforgettable characters, then Dare Me is definitely worth checking out.