Normal People
Before watching I heard mixed reviews but the overall judgement was that it was exceptional. I can definitely say it lead up to those expectations.
It’s difficult to choose where’d I’d like to start when praising Normal People but I’d begin with the incredible writing. Honestly, each character in this show was written to perfection where you can understand their choices & actions. The name of the show is a little on the nose which gives you high expectations but every ounce that this show gives you reminds you how it reaches those expectations. Connell is shown as a quiet but popular which perfectly contrasts Marianne although she also quiet, does not have any friends. When they begin their relationship, it’s questionable as personally this is quite uncommon due to their age in the show but once they develop on their relationship it becomes clear that they understand each other. The first main altercation between the two is incredibly frustrating from a viewers perspective as you clearly see the mistakes each person is taking, which continues throughout the show when dealing with their issues together. You want to shout at each of them but the show brings you back to the realisation that this is a show about normal people and depending on personal experience, it gives you the opportunity to relate and look back at your personal past mistakes. Portraying this with such ease is difficult to find as other shows & movies show relationships a more fictional viewpoint as that’s what viewers prefer to see. This breath of fresh air is such a nice thing to see.
Although I’ve praised the shows writing, the cinematography & filming was unreal and I’m honestly baffled how much it controls a scene. The colours portraying each characters emotions during a difficult scene or the camera angle giving the viewer more understanding what the overall story is trying to tell you. A scene that’s stuck with me after watching Normal People is Connell sat in lecture theatre & he couldn’t look more depressed if he’d tried. The blue seats flooding the frame continuing the depressive theme, showing that Connell has lost enjoyment even in the things he loves the most.
One specific thing in this show which I thought was incredible was how Marianne’s family was portrayed. She’d come from a family who had lacked a father figure, struggled with abuse and avoided emotion at every turn. Her brother who ended up just like his father, emotionally abusing Marianne throughout the show which ended with a physical altercation & when Connell turned up the the house, you could see the fear in his eyes when Connell had him pinned up against the wall. I hope this was telling the viewers that he’d finally seen himself & what he’d become so he’ll change in the future. Marianne’s mother being the distant divorcee who doesn’t know how to properly help her children as she still doesn’t know how to help herself as she’s stuck in a depressing job and an unhappy family.
Both Marianne and Connell’s challenges with their own mental health was difficult to watch as it felt like I wasn’t watching a fictional tv show and instead, two real people battling through growing up. Personally, the most difficult to watch was Marianne’s time in Sweden as she had lost herself & what she wanted. Being stuck in a position which she wanted to break free from but no where to go especially after what happened between her and Connell. This being brought back in the final episodes made it even more upsetting as the show created a connection between the viewer and Marianne & Connell.
I adored this show and appreciated the reality check that it gives you when looking at your own life. It’s difficult to find tv shows or films which can affect you in such a way. I will definitely be rewatching this in the future & recommending it with warning.