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

(Updated after Season 2).

17-year old James is not your average teenager. He is convinced he is a psychopath and, as such, plans to go on a murder spree. At school he meets Alyssa, who is also far from average: intense, unpredictable, volatile and cynical. A friendship forms and, due to their unhappy home lives, they run away together. However, what started as a harmless act of rebellion soon has dark consequences, leaving them on the run.

Superb. From the outset the series is great: the characters are dark yet funny and engaging and there is a quirkiness that balances the humour and darkness. Solid plot, with clever developments and sub-plots and great character depth and development. Emotional ending.

One of the main reasons for the engagement and entertainment of the series are the lead performances. Jessica Barden is superb as Alyssa: over-the-top and intense with spot-on mannerisms and superb comedic timing. Alex Lawther plays the straight character to Alyssa's kookiness and does it with aplomb. The chemistry between them is great too.

Rounding it all off is brilliant soundtrack, one of the best you'll hear in a TV series. A great selection of tracks, all of which fit in perfectly with the series.

Season 1 ended so emotionally and poetically I sort of wished there wasn't going to be a Season 2. There is a Season 2, and it doesn't disappoint. Not quite as riveting as Season 1: we already know the main characters now and the plot development in Season 2 is a bit stop-start. Season 1 seemed to have better momentum.

Season 2 is still great though, and possibly even funnier than S1. Plus, we have a new character that will have a profound impact on the story...

This modern British teen "Bonny and Clyde" esque comedy/drama has me feeling so many things. All in the best way possible. The show does so many things right! Firstly, the chemistry between James (Alex Lawther) and Alyssa is something so fresh. Their match was not destined to be. What this show does really well is how it kind of sticks close to reality. Our expectations are almost never what we want them to be. The End of the F***ing World also has some great humor. Mix it all together with great casting, screenplay, relatable characters, and action...that is what you get. Fresh, Daring, New, and Thoroughly enjoyable!

I would recommend this to absolutely anyone.

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.

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.