The End of the F***ing World

Spectacular. I started watching on a whim when I saw the Netflix banner and got so caught up that it's suddenly 5:00 AM and I just finished the finale. This is a younger version of Bonnie and Clyde except PLOT TWIST the crime has a reason and one of the protagonists is a would-be sociopath who sets out to kill the other. The acting is brilliant, the characters are brilliant, there are lesbian police detectives whose lesbien-ness isn't the main focus of their characters. What more could I ask for? I'm sure that people are going to complain about the romanization of violence/crime/anarchy or whatever, but I would argue that this show does exactly the opposite. Everything has consequence in this tragic tale, from the young protagonists' actions to the adults whose mistakes have irreversibly damaged the lives of their children and the people around them. The performances are stunning. I've only ever seen Alex Lawther in Black Mirror, but I look forward to his future projects. That dude has a long career ahead of him, and so does Jessica Barden. A side note: As someone in their late teens, its refreshing to see actors who actually LOOK like teens playing teens. Every other piece of media shows airbrushed adults in their mid twenties as the "average teen" and it gets exhausting (I can confirm that almost all of us look like baby eggs with faces, even as a freshman in college). This is dark, this is real, this is relevant, and this is beautiful. P.S. This is not a rigged Netflix review. I am ACTUALLY giving this 5 stars and I am writing it of my own volition. Peace out

James (Alex Lawther) and Alyssa (Jessica Barden) are 17 year old students. He's killing small animals and wonders if he's a psychopath. He decides to kill Alyssa. She's a moody rebel and decides to try having sex with the gawky James. She hates her stepfather and runs away. He punches his dad and steals his car. The two go on a search of her biological father.

I love these characters and I love these two actors playing these characters. I love their naive darkness and their weird connection. It's a charming relationship with all the murder and mayhem. I don't have much else to say other than truly loving these characters.

Its not edgy, cliche, or funny really. It tackles real issues of attachment and abandonment in a world full of people that glorify narcissistic tendencies. The growth of the characters is gradual but real in just one season. It has comedic writing without being overall condescending to any one thing in particular.

Its romance without the sex, drugs, or cliche drama that is in most shows that cast teen actors. Its refreshing to watch something that doesn't paint a teenager as an idiot or some spoiled child. Instead as people with real thoughts that can cut deep. Well done and has you hoping for more, but ends satisfyingly with an almost tearful point.

It came full circle. I had alot of burning questions from the first season and when i heard they renewed it i was ecstatic. This is the perfect ending so please don't ruin it with a third season.

A different kind of show where two unfit kids go on an adult adventure. One of the few shows that was odd enough to keep my attention and making me watch episode after episode until I had realized I just spent the whole weekend finishing this series. For people looking for something more gritty and new, I'd recommend this as a watch.