Unpopular opinion. I thought, from the hype of Twitter, the show would be great. I don’t want to shit on everyone’s parade but Normal People is utterly boring.
Predictable story about two of the most boring people on earth thinking their relationship is so scandalous when it really isn't. Their problems would be solved if either of the main characters could hold an adult conversation instead of assuming the worst about every situation.
Normal People is very repetitive - literally just the same concept in each episode - Connell and Marianne are with new people, then broke up with those people and hooked up, got into fighting …. repeat. Cut 12 half-hour episodes into a 2-hour movie and you won’t miss absolutely anything from the plot.
Heartfelt, warm, realistic and possibly very true to life if it were captured in just 12 episodes… an unexpected, but excellently executed piece of televisual drama.
Connell and Marianne are worse than Ross and Rachel :rolling_eyes:
This show got me horny and depressed
I went into the book and the show thinking they would be better than they actually are. I liked the show more because Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal are truly wonderful, but however charming they are as actors, they can't make the characters more likable or interesting than they are on paper. They're interesting enough, but something's missing for me. The actors did really well, and it's sometimes a good character and relationship study, but it's not always super engaging and I wish the characters had more growth. I also wish the material was better and made me feel... something more.
The most infuriating thing, which is not romantic, is the cycle of their relationship. It would be quickly undone if thEY WERE BRAVE AND HAD AN ACTUAL CONVERSATION WHEN IT MATTERS, beyond the chats where they never seem to say what they really think or feel. The way that they seamlessly get together for a while and then something stupid happens gets old after a while. I love a good "life keeps pulling them apart but their love always brings them back to each other", but that's not what this was. The ending is unsatisfying to me because I can see them stuck in that cycle forever and I wish the story didn't leave me feeling that way.
a beautiful portrayal of lonesome emotions
indeed, they are normal people and i can't help but relate to some, if not most, of what marianne and connell experienced as they grew up. connell's therapy scene was definitely one of my favorites; his pain was performed beautifully by paul mescal. their love's not perfect and it was even toxic at some point, but it is true and genuine - and hopefully i'll get that too someday.
This was an incredibly moving drama. One of the most tender and sad love stories I’ve watched (warning: nudity and sexual situations). The two primary characters are so complicated and vulnerable, I couldn’t help loving and suffering with them, myself. This is beautifully performed, written and directed. Based on a book, of the same title (which I just downloaded on Audible), nominated for 44 media awards (Emmys, BAFTAs, etc.) and winner of 17. I give this limited series a 9 (superb) out of 10. [Drama, Love Story]
The emotional self-destruction of two characters who feel isolated and isolate themselves. Better the first part directed by Lenny Abrahamson than the last six episodes directed by Hettie MacDonald. Some stereotypes (Italy as an explosion of passion, Sweden as a scene of submission ...) break the effectiveness of the narrative. It is so repetitive that it ends up being predictable.
Excellent characters, so honestly portrayed for most of this 12 part series. There were some character and plot developments that I didn’t like, and I think it is because I felt for these characters so much rather than a criticism. On reflection of this I think thats amazing writing!
I’ve read some comments that the story was boring and didn’t go anywhere, this is a love story set around school kids and into graduating university. Its about life, mundanity and the cringe-worthiness and beauty therein.
The characters are interesting but the story doesn't go anywhere interesting with them, it keeps going around and around in the same circle. I suppose the show is aimed at the hopeless romantics who don't need a decent narrative, just two people who are drawn towards one another and then the universe conspires to break them apart.
I didn't dislike it but I wish the writing was better.
Normal People? More like dull, mind numbingly boring people. There's a reason everything is heightened in storytelling. It makes for a far better watching or reading experience.
Show and season rated a 9
In need of therapy after this show yet it also was my therapy. Phenomenal. That's all there's left to say. I feel empty but in a good way.
I adored this series. I read the book years ago but didn’t remember the story. The casting was brilliant, especially because of the incredible chemistry between Marianne and Connell. But also, the way they were able to portray their unsaid feelings visually. This is a love story fraught by insecurity and a resulting inability to communicate true feelings and needs. The tension is indescribable. And the sex scenes are tantalizing. The whole thing is messy, as is life, but love shines through all the damage.
Something about this show is so real and raw that it kept me engaged in it throughout, and I loved watching it. I love the characters in the show and the realism it portrays, and the ending just makes perfect sense and doesn't rely on cheap emotions.
I really liked it but it would have been nice to have season 2 as well.
I honestly start writing this not knowing where I'm going exactly. I've read the book before watching this and, to be honest, I was ready to look for details which I could compare to the original story and look down on the show, but I am glad to admit it (nearly) didn't happen. This show is a true gift for those who've read the book and loved it. It is great. Seeing Marianne and Connell in flesh and bones and mostly facial expression and body language was a blessing - the actors were flawless, especially Diasy Edgar-Jones. And, ugh, the final scene got me devastaded. Forever.
It reminds me a lot of the Before trilogy in the way they weave in and out of each others lives over an extended period of time. If you enjoyed this series you should check out those movies as well.
https://trakt.tv/movies/before-sunrise-1995
https://trakt.tv/movies/before-sunset-2004
https://trakt.tv/movies/before-midnight-2013
Big thumbs up... That's what we want...thats what we need... Life & Love with serious young people... Showing proof of its existence in here
I guess we’ll maybe get another series in ten years like Before Sunset?
Far from perfect, but the ending, fuck...
Review by notaldaVIP 2BlockedParent2020-05-06T22:50:45Z
Why tell stuff, when you can just show it?
The most intimate, best-written and memorable moments of this masterpiece hardly use any words. The story presents itself with its characters, the brillant acting and just the ability to resonate with the viewer. So many moments are just real, they don't feel real, they are real because everyone of us has felt the same many many times in their lives.
It's not just being able to see yourself in one or some of the characters, it's also the moments where you feel completely alienated by their actions, just as how sometimes everyone feels detached from themselves. Sometimes it's as if you look into a mirror that is steadily moving away from you - seeing yourself out of reach of yourself, but somehow it's still you.
This show hurts in the right places and still is enjoyable. It shows you that everyone is surrounded by people that love them, that are affectionate. It shows you that when you're down and alone, you're in fact not alone in your feeling at least - albeit you might be lonely physically, loads of people feel the same way, all the time.
It's awesome that they don't show the protagonists as perfect human beings, instead just as human beings - with their mistakes, intricacies, quirks, imperfections - frankly, just all the stuff that makes them, and us, human and relatable.
This show is fuckign brillant. And I hate the fact that I can't watch it again for the first time.
This show has made me miss the feeling of first being in love with someone.
This show has made me miss the happy life when I lived every day carelessly in school with my friends, while also making me realise and acknowledge that life is fucking awesome and that I'm surrounded by amazing people.
This show is definitely tailored to young adults that are doing their studies like me, but still. I think everyone might not regret giving it a fair chance. Really. I love it so much.