Synopsis: This is a story of an openly gay high school student named Charlie Spring, who found a new source of happiness after being neglected by true love.
Genre / Themes: Romance, Drama, School
Country: United Kingdom
Released Date: April 22, 2022
Note: This review contains some spoilers.
Review Start!
STORY
Charlie was a student who has been a target of heavy bullying in his past. Thankfully it has alleviated, and he's now more comfortable, especially since he's surrounded by his loving and supportive friends.
Though, of course, there will always be a troublemaker. He has joined the school's rugby team, and he was welcomed, but there were a quite few who still like to pick on him. Thankfully, the love of his life was also a part of the team, and he was there to be his guardian.
However, that guardian was still unsure of his sexuality. So, we have here a story of someone who's out and proud, and the other who's yet, to be honest with himself.
As the series progresses, the viewers will get to see how everything will be developed, and conclude on a positive note. Well, not for everyone, but there are still two more seasons (yay!). So, let's wait and hope for the best.
CAST
Joe Locke as Charlie Spring
The main protagonist... Honestly, I can relate to him in regards to dealing with bullies. Back in school if someone tries to bully me I'll just totally ignore them. I was also open about my sexuality, and just like Charlie, I became mentally tougher.
So yeah, I do think LGBT+ people who were out at a young age can totally relate to his character.
Kit Connor as Nick Nelson
He will melt your heart (lol). Like seriously, the way he tried to express his love for Charlie, from baby to giant steps. And just slowly opening up to people -- his character development was really worth watching.
William Gao as Tao Xu
My bias. Yes, he's my favorite character. He loves to protect his friends. And him trying to maintain their group activities was something that I really admire about him. Plus, his hairdo was iconic.
Yasmin Finney as Elle Argent
I need to be honest here, I was scared for her character, especially since she moved to a new school. Transferees were the favorite targets of bullies, thankfully nothing tragic happened.
Setting aside my worry, I love her strong and mature personality. Every time Tao checks on her, even though not everything is okay, she'll try her best to stay positive and spread good vibes.
Kizzy Edgell as Darcy Olsson and Corinna Brown as Tara Jones
These two lovebirds were the ones who gave courage to Nick. They represent LGBT+ couples in real life who want to show how they love each other, just like any other straight couple.
Jenny Walser as Tori Spring
She gives me Wednesday vibes from The Addams Family. On the outside, it might seem she's emotionless because she has a poker face. But deep inside she loves Charlie, and deeply cares for him.
Fisayo Akinade as Mr. Ajayi
His character I believe was something that each school needs to have -- a guardian that every young LGBT+ student can rely on.
Sebastian Croft as Ben Hope
He's the closeted guy who hangs out with "the gang," but when nobody's present he likes to have a good time with Charlie. Thankfully Charlie has escaped from their cycle, however, it's obvious Ben still has strong feelings for him.
I'm actually looking forward to his character development in future installations. He sure has A LOT to improve.
Olivia Colman as Sarah Nelson
Her appearance at the end of episode one shocked me. Like "WOW!," the show sure did know how to surprise us with their cast. She's actually very fitting for her role. Her last scene at the finale will make you love her even more.
WRITING
We have eight episodes for this show, and each one was written excellently. My favorite would be the finale, the last quarter of that episode was just really romantic and replay-worthy.
But, for my favorite scene... It has to be all the parts where the characters were chatting and there were numerous times when they will delete what they really wanted to say, just because they were unsure if the person they were talking to was on the same boat as them. I think a lot of people will relate to that.
Another one will be the last scene between Nick and his mom. The dialogues there were simply perfect.
TECHNICALITIES
There were a lot of alternative rock songs here, and I love all of them. I just can't pick a favorite, to be honest, the chosen tracks were all ridiculously amazing.
They also added some simple and cute animations, which made the scenes more engaging.
Production-wise, I love the designs of their bedrooms, here's an example:
WATCH OR SKIP?
VERDICT: 101% recommendable, Nuff said.
Notable Quotes
Tao: We are a group. No, a trio of borderline outcasts.
Mr. Ajayi: I can't solve your problems for you, Charlie. What about your friends, have you talked to them about it?
Charlie: They wouldn't get it.
Mr. Ajayi: Why not?
Charlie: Because they're not gay.
Charlie: I don't just fall for any guy who's nice to me.
Ben: You're clearly just scared of getting caught.
Charlie: Why would I be scared of getting caught? Everyone in school already knows I'm gay. You're the one who's scared of getting caught.
Ben: Don't be angry at me for not wanting to come out yet.
Charlie: I'm not angry about that. If you're figuring stuff out, fine. Take your time. I would have been there for you. Don't you think I of all people would understand you're figuring out your sexuality?
Ben: Then why are you angry at me?
Charlie: I'm angry because you never even slightly cared about my feelings.
Sarah Nelson: You shouldn't go out with someone because you feel sorry for them.
Charlie: Do you really think he's messing me around?
Tao: I mean, that's what it looks like.
Charlie: But... He's... He's... my friend.
Tao: Fine. But if he is even slightly mean to you...
Charlie: Yeah. You'll murder him. I know.
Tao: I was going to say I'd send him a strongly worded DM, but murder's fine too.
Nick: Do you ever feel like you're only doing things because everyone else is? And you're scared to change? Or do something that might confuse or surprise people? Your real personality has been, like... buried inside you for a really long time. I guess, um, that's how I've been feeling recently. Sorry, that probably makes no sense.
Imogen: No, I think I get it. Thanks, for being honest.
Nick: Are you, like... definitely gay? Or do you think you're bi, or... I mean, when we were 13, I think I did like you. I mean, I think I have liked girls before, so I wondered if you felt the same.
Tara: I'm definitely gay. Kissing you was actually one of the things that made me realize I don't like kissing guys.
Nick: Okay... Um... Happy to help.
Harry: You all right, mate? You want to fight too?
Tao: You clearly didn't get hugged much as a child, but if you're craving human contact that badly, you could just say so.
Tori: Did something happen?
Charlie: Didn't you hear about Harry Green's fight with Nick and Tao? Both my fault, by the way.
Tori: Yeah. I'm like 95% sure they were both Harry's fault, and I wasn't even there.
Charlie: You don't get to have an opinion about anything I do.
Ben: You want me to go around telling people about you and Nick?
Charlie: Do you want me to go around telling people about me and you? That's what I thought. Except, I wouldn't do that because I'm a decent person.
Sarah Nelson: You don't have to say you like girls if you don't.
Nick: No, I, um... It's definitely not just guys. I, um... It's called bisexuality. If you've heard of that?
Sarah Nelson: I have heard of that. I wasn't born in the 18th century.
Favorite Shots
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