Entertainment
Hulu’s 91% RT Romance Is Quietly One of the Best Shows on Streaming
It’s often hard for television to get the romance genre quite right. Most series tend to be cheesy and predictable, which can sometimes make them feel unrealistic. However, when a romance depicts love in all its messy glory, it becomes so much more watchable. One romantic drama limited series, which aired six years ago, is actually a gorgeous representation of love and the heartaches that go along with it.
What Is ‘Normal People’ About?
Normal People first premiered on Hulu back in April 2020, while the world was in the thick of a pandemic, so it’s possible you missed checking it out. If that’s the case, the 12-episode drama makes for a perfect binge-watch. Adapted from the 2018 Sally Rooney novel of the same name, Normal People follows the complicated relationship between Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal). The two first meet in high school in County Sligo, Ireland, but they couldn’t be more different.
Marianne comes from a wealthy family, yet totally lacks love and support. She’s a complete outcast and seems too shy to connect with anyone. Connell was raised by his single mother, Lorraine (Sarah Greene), and is basically the king of the school. He’s a fantastic student and athlete, and contrasts sharply with Marianne’s isolated world. The two cross paths while Lorraine is working as the Sheridan family’s cleaner, but what unfolds is a twisty, pain-fueled relationship. Throughout the series, Marianne and Connell come together and drift apart as they experience mental health struggles and a world that seems destined to keep them apart.
‘Normal People’s Incredible Cast Makes It a Must-Watch Romantic Drama
Normal People becomes a must-watch show because of the many elements that set it apart from other romantic dramas. The setting in Ireland (and Sweden later on) provides the series with a unique backdrop that instantly makes the storytelling feel far from commonplace. As Marianne and Connell’s relationship progresses, there is a quiet intensity and intimacy that permeates each scene. Whether they’re sharing affection, getting into screaming fights, or going their separate ways, Normal People effectively illustrates all the heartache that comes with young love. The series also highlights class struggles and mental health stigma, while always portraying how hard it can be to be human. With a thread of violence and heartbreak, Normal People isn’t always a breeze to watch, but it never fails to take your breath away with its brutal honesty.
It’s easy to see how Normal People could have fallen apart in the hands of less talented leads. The material is complex and intense, but Edgar-Jones and Mescal only elevate it with their performances. Edgar-Jones has starred in several projects, including Under the Banner of Heaven, Where the Crawdads Sing, and Twisters, but in Normal People, her true breakout role, she brings a broken vulnerability to Marianne that feels painful and real. Mescal has since been nominated for an Oscar for his role in 2022’s Aftersun and stole the spotlight in last year’s Hamnet, but Normal People still remains one of the best showcases for his immense talent. Unsurprisingly, he was nominated for an Emmy for his work in Normal People, and his crackling chemistry with Edgar-Jones is undeniable. Greene, who is also one of the best parts of Apple TV’s Bad Sisters, effectively portrays a mother fighting to raise her child with a conscience, and her performance helps give the series even more gravitas.
Normal People earned a total of four Emmy nominations for its narrative that emphasizes the desperation, longing, and frustration of love. With an impressive 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating, this romance is heart-wrenching but completely compelling from start to finish. Add the series to your must-watch list, but be prepared to shed some tears for these complex yet beautiful characters.
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