Normal People

2020 has been a strange and awful year even for cinema and tv but that's when Normal People enters the scene. It's arguably one of the best tv shows of the year. First of all I'd like to say that the sex/nude scenes aren't gratuitous. They're there for a reason, to convey emotions, a real and meaningful connection or in other cases a more superficial and frivolous one. The intimacy scenes are so well done and are nothing like Fifty Shades of Grey, like I've seen people write about. This tv show portraits growth so well, going back and forth, turning the tables ever so smoothly you can't help but to be with them, to relate and understand them. One of the things I enjoyed the most is the subtlety with which it lets the viewer get a sense of what they're feeling. The cinematography is so beautifull it's a feast for the eyes, playing with colors, upside-downs, light, every shot made with intention and so beautifully put. The cast was very good but Paul and Daisy are on a whole new level. Their chemistry, their capability of portraying so much with a simple look or nod, it's truly amazing and a delight to watch them on scene. They both have a great future in the industry if they desire and I hope the 2nd season comes out and fast! Really recommend you go see it, you won't regret it.

Outspoken student Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is an outcast at school. Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal) is the quiet popular jock. His mother works as a cleaning lady in the Sheridan's large family home. The two Irish teens have a secret sexual relationship but he refuses to acknowledge her in public. Their lives and loves would intertwine over the years.

I have to be really honest. I was a little unconvinced at first. The actors are too old to play teens. Both characters have issues that put me off. Marianne is too bitter. Connell is too quiet and his treatment of her is emotionally brutal. By the fourth episode, the age thing stops mattering. Quite frankly if I knew they would be aging up in the show, I wouldn't sweat that issue. As for these characters, they really grow on me, both as roles and the actors. These young new faces are truly engaging and they are beautiful to boot. As characters, there are emotions beneath that are really worthwhile to explore. They become more and more fully formed people and that's the brilliance of this limited series. These are great characters performed by compelling new faces.

It felt almost like reading a book where you envision the characters so vividly, you can almost touch them. The chemistry the two leads have, their acting, the cinematography, are all so well blended together, so seamless, it's palpable. A melancholy trip worth taking, if only to remind the ones past teenage years how vulnerable and all-engulfing a young love is.

I suppose, the freshness is the main virtue of this series about life. The freshness of story and storytelling and acting. An old fashion film, like one of the most profound useful refuges in the circle of eccentric or political correct projects. A story easy to perceive as a personal one. A great exploration of high school and college years. And lovely, precise, wise, splendid crafted definition of friendship. Using naturalism tools.

In short, a great series of the last decade.

And admirable example of storytelling and acting.

One of the most beautiful tv shows I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Incredible chemistry. Incredible written. beautifully heartbreaking