Normal People has been one of the most talked-about shows of lockdown and a hype I was happy to jump on. The success it’s had whilst streaming on BBC iPlayer is second to none and definitely lives up to its expectations.
Others have called it “slow and boring” which I can understand due to the nature of the genre; but I was hooked from the first episode and instantly felt the spark between the two leads.
I (stupidly) started the series before realising it was a book, so stopped mid-way to hit the pages. I’d heard the series was just as good (if not better) than the book, so I wanted to read the story before I finished watching… and I’m so glad I did!
The screenplay runs almost parallel to the novel, with a few sentences and scenes standing out as rememberable. I’m not the fastest reader and get confused easily by a plot, so to notice similarities so early on was a new feeling for me.
Sally Rooney’s book adds a deeper layer of emotion than the show, explaining in depth the emotional trains of thought for both Marianne and Connell as their relationship develops. Some scenes such as the “seeing other people” made much more sense in writing, hearing the characters thought process and body language explained.
The cast suit the characters personalities to a T, except for Daisy Edgar-Jones beauty definitely outshines the dull description of Marianne in the novel. The characters’ journeys together, and alone, are a story worth reading; with many chapters / scenes leaving me with the lump in my throat or breath-holding sensation, eagerly awaiting more.
After reading the book and loving every page, the series really does bring it to life with costume, cinematography and soundtrack, each being hidden gems used to make the story even more lovable.
Edgar-Jones (Mariane) and Paul Mescal (Connell) dramatise a match made in heaven, despite their rocky relationship with each other and their own minds.
My favourite quotes along the way:
The ending wasn’t quite what I expected but I’m not sure exactly what my expectations were. The last page of the book left me shouting for more.
But, on reflection, I appreciate that it was intentional. It’s real love: the back-and-forth and emotional journey between two souls. Not every ending is a happy ending, nor are they sad endings. The whole series is a work of art expressing a statement I have always believed in: if it’s meant to be, it will be.
Normal People - 🌟🌟🌟🌟
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