Cruel Summer

I had never heard of this show, but it was among the recommended titles on imdb.

So I decided to give it a chance, while not betting a dime I'd end up loving it. I stand corrected! It had me "hooked, lined and sinkered" after 2 episodes.

First of all, it is not a teen series, although the main characters are actually teenagers.

Second, the plot is very good and bursting with twists that keep you guessing all along. The idea and of the 3 parallel timelines one year apart works great and seamlessly here.

Third, the acting is impeccable, the evolution of the characters over the 3 year span is flawless, and quite impressive, with a special mention for Chiara Aurelia. Olivia Holt is insanely pretty.

All in all, a great and entertaining series, that comes as an unexpected surprise. I'm glad I watched it.

Each episode is addictive, because it allows the audience to trust and doubt the two female lead characters at the same time. With all the plot twists, you will find that both characters are the victim and the villian at the same time. Yet, I feel sorry for both. Also, I appreciate how they don't romanticise an underage student and authoriative figure relationship like pretty little liars. Instead, it covers the grooming, a real issue.

This series is great when you get past the bad "Texas" accents, and the annoying Harley Quinn Smith.

I'm in my 30s and I was wary about this show because I thought it was for teens. But it was actually super gripping and had me hooked. I binged it over two days. Yes there were some silly unbelievable things in it but there were lots of twists and it had you guessing the whole time. The acting was also good. I love that it was based in the 90s too.

I passed on this show until just recently because it just didn't look like something a grown woman would be able to enjoy. I got teen high school drama vibes and that's just never enough to keep me interested. I finally gave it a shot and thank goodness because it's easily one of my favorite series I've watched in recent memory. The way the story unfolds, the way it keeps you completely absorbed even though you only get more questions than answers until the last couple episodes, the cinematography and color schemes! And the acting. It was so impressive and by the end of the season you get all of your answers.