User reviews

A different kind of show where two unfit kids go on an adult adventure. One of the few shows that was odd enough to keep my attention and making me watch episode after episode until I had realized I just spent the whole weekend finishing this series. For people looking for something more gritty and new, I'd recommend this as a watch.

James (Alex Lawther) and Alyssa (Jessica Barden) are 17 year old students. He's killing small animals and wonders if he's a psychopath. He decides to kill Alyssa. She's a moody rebel and decides to try having sex with the gawky James. She hates her stepfather and runs away. He punches his dad and steals his car. The two go on a search of her biological father.

I love these characters and I love these two actors playing these characters. I love their naive darkness and their weird connection. It's a charming relationship with all the murder and mayhem. I don't have much else to say other than truly loving these characters.

It came full circle. I had alot of burning questions from the first season and when i heard they renewed it i was ecstatic. This is the perfect ending so please don't ruin it with a third season.

Its not edgy, cliche, or funny really. It tackles real issues of attachment and abandonment in a world full of people that glorify narcissistic tendencies. The growth of the characters is gradual but real in just one season. It has comedic writing without being overall condescending to any one thing in particular.

Its romance without the sex, drugs, or cliche drama that is in most shows that cast teen actors. Its refreshing to watch something that doesn't paint a teenager as an idiot or some spoiled child. Instead as people with real thoughts that can cut deep. Well done and has you hoping for more, but ends satisfyingly with an almost tearful point.

I've just watched the whole series in one go and I wish there were more episodes. The writing is fabulous - witty but naive, cruel but touching.

As for the cast, there was not a single weak link, though the highest praise must go to Jessica Barden (Alyssa) and Alex Lawther (James) for perfectly balanced performances constantly moving between vulnerability and adult cynicism. If these two are not nominated for awards there is no justice.

As a show it certainly pushed a boundary or two but hopefully the title will deter those who will not appreciate this. Funny, shocking, poignant, gross and brutally honest - every aspect done with skill, style and credibility. Perfect TV.

Spectacular. I started watching on a whim when I saw the Netflix banner and got so caught up that it's suddenly 5:00 AM and I just finished the finale. This is a younger version of Bonnie and Clyde except PLOT TWIST the crime has a reason and one of the protagonists is a would-be sociopath who sets out to kill the other. The acting is brilliant, the characters are brilliant, there are lesbian police detectives whose lesbien-ness isn't the main focus of their characters. What more could I ask for? I'm sure that people are going to complain about the romanization of violence/crime/anarchy or whatever, but I would argue that this show does exactly the opposite. Everything has consequence in this tragic tale, from the young protagonists' actions to the adults whose mistakes have irreversibly damaged the lives of their children and the people around them. The performances are stunning. I've only ever seen Alex Lawther in Black Mirror, but I look forward to his future projects. That dude has a long career ahead of him, and so does Jessica Barden. A side note: As someone in their late teens, its refreshing to see actors who actually LOOK like teens playing teens. Every other piece of media shows airbrushed adults in their mid twenties as the "average teen" and it gets exhausting (I can confirm that almost all of us look like baby eggs with faces, even as a freshman in college). This is dark, this is real, this is relevant, and this is beautiful. P.S. This is not a rigged Netflix review. I am ACTUALLY giving this 5 stars and I am writing it of my own volition. Peace out

When I started watcing I was pretty sure that it will be cliched story about two rebel teenagers but no, it's cast is really great, esprcially Jessica Barden and Alex Lawther. Story is great because you can't understand what's going on in James's amd Alyssa's head. This series is really very toucking and it's dramatic ending helped developing characters. At the end of the story the were absolutley diferent prople from who the have been in 1st episode. And I also have to say that soundtrack is amazing especially Ricky Nelson's "Lonesome town"

I feel that people don't understand what 10/10 and 1/10 means, because all the reviews I saw seemed to be either one of those. It's not a bad show, actually it is quite entertaining. Is it shocking and brilliant? Is it thought provoking? Not really. I mean I guess it's bit of a criticism on the modern world: how we're all shallow and we don't connect and it's hard to find meaning in life etc. etc. but it's not really profound or anything. It's kind of just stating the obvious. And yes ofc love and 'true' and 'real' connection are the answers to all of that, but U know, everybody knows that too. However the actors are good and the characters are fun to watch and they definitely have some character development. Both of the main characters are quite unlikable in the beginning, but at the end of the season there really is a feeling that they're likable, almost lovable people. Also the couple do have a really nice chemistry, which is nice. And it also has the classic theme that for one to be good you have to first also do bad things and know your evil side, your shadow, although it doesn't necessarily convey that that well. Overall it's a good first season, not amazing, but I look forward to seeing what the next season will be like.

Watch this show if you want a frivolous, light crazy comic story that you can watch in one session. This is what I want. This offer deserves to be included in the imdb list. It is my favorite show in 2017.

Again I thought it started quite slow but it definitely got really good just like the last season. I personally thought the first season was better but the second season was very good. I also thought Alyssa wasn't as funny as she was in the first season and quite annoying at times.

Loved it. Was kind of skeptical in the beginning of season one but quickly it grew on me. Season two I binged watch in one afternoon, and now I'm sad I didn't save some of it for later! I love how this show is dark without being overly creepy. I love how the dialogue is sparse and the silence really speaks to me. No grand gestures needed in the acting, which is very held back and understated in an honest but still kind of funny way. You can feel a lot of things happening under the blank and quiet surfaces of the main characters faces while the bizarre plot is developing. Great storytelling.

Season 2 isn't as interesting as the season 1 The second season was redundant

Plot

James is 17 and is pretty sure he is a psychopath. Alyssa, also 17, is the cool and moody new girl at school. The pair make a connection and she persuades him to embark on a road trip in search of her real father.

Cast

Jessica Barden is always excellent, Steve Oram is likeable as always and we've also got Gemma "Game of Thrones" Whelan along for the ride as well.

Verdict

This was a pick from my other half, I'd likely had never given it a chance otherwise. From the little I'd seen advertised it looked like a British teen melodrama, I'm certainly not the demographic though I've been proven wrong before! Just look at 13 Reasons Why.

First episode, here we go I thought only to feel my face dropping as the extent of our lead characters twisted side came out and that's where it all went wrong. You see I have this problem where if I can't care about the protagonist it's going to cause problems, so if we have a kid who I'm supposed to root for and he's THIS bad of a human being! No chance. Then we meet the other and she's honestly just a stroppy attitude filled teenager and therefore more bearable but still borderline detestable.

From here my mind was pretty much made up, this character was irredeemable and what I was witnessing was pretty much irrelevant. The trouble is, putting that aside the show wasn't bad and this really was a "Me" problem. It's well acted, it's well written, it's stylish, it flows exceptionally well, and it ends on a high note (Yes it actually gets one of those elusive ending things!).

The trouble is the animal related stuff stuck with me, if they hadn't done that, if they hadn't grabbed the lowest hanging fruit to shock the audience and create this cretin of a character who is beyond any hope of redemption then this could have actually been a decent show. What a shame.

Rants

Cannot fathom what was going through the writers heads, why do they think this character can convincingly "Change" and be rooted for. What future heroes can we expect? A former child abuser? A former rapist? Seriously, for shame even trying that and further shame on those who go along with it.

The Good

Very well made Stylish Solid leads Great finale Some memorable moments

The Bad

Characters can get a bit much sometimes Second season has certain moments that defy realism The animal elements, killed the show outright for me.

I honestly don't know what it is about this show that utterly captivated me. I binged the first season in one go earlier this year and I often think about it. I had no idea there was a second season coming (it really had a "stand alone" feel) so got such a surprise when I opened Netflix earlier!! Queue second binge (and I'm not a binge watcher at all) and no chores done. Really enjoyed it! I was so worried they'd ruin it somehow, but I was transfixed yet again. Alyssa and James are played so amazingly, fantastic acting. I can appreciate it may be a love/hate kind of show for people. But for me it's one of the best things I've watched in ages. I think if you loved the first season you will love the second one too.

(Updated after Season 2).

17-year old James is not your average teenager. He is convinced he is a psychopath and, as such, plans to go on a murder spree. At school he meets Alyssa, who is also far from average: intense, unpredictable, volatile and cynical. A friendship forms and, due to their unhappy home lives, they run away together. However, what started as a harmless act of rebellion soon has dark consequences, leaving them on the run.

Superb. From the outset the series is great: the characters are dark yet funny and engaging and there is a quirkiness that balances the humour and darkness. Solid plot, with clever developments and sub-plots and great character depth and development. Emotional ending.

One of the main reasons for the engagement and entertainment of the series are the lead performances. Jessica Barden is superb as Alyssa: over-the-top and intense with spot-on mannerisms and superb comedic timing. Alex Lawther plays the straight character to Alyssa's kookiness and does it with aplomb. The chemistry between them is great too.

Rounding it all off is brilliant soundtrack, one of the best you'll hear in a TV series. A great selection of tracks, all of which fit in perfectly with the series.

Season 1 ended so emotionally and poetically I sort of wished there wasn't going to be a Season 2. There is a Season 2, and it doesn't disappoint. Not quite as riveting as Season 1: we already know the main characters now and the plot development in Season 2 is a bit stop-start. Season 1 seemed to have better momentum.

Season 2 is still great though, and possibly even funnier than S1. Plus, we have a new character that will have a profound impact on the story...

So much of today's TV is puerile and childish. This most certainly is among the Best of British TV. I fear that it's title will prevent it from awards though. After a good 53 years of watching screens, this stands proud as an example of what you can do if you have true talent. I look forward to seeing what all involved have to come...

It is an ok show, but lets face it it is not the best. I feel like its the '13 reasons why' level. Interesting plot, some scenes were pretty intense, loved the ending (well hated it cause it makes me want to see whats next).

The series start to be good-ish after maybe 4th episode. Before that everybody i talked to about this show hated the characters. They are annoying and silly and act like spoiled brats who don't care about the consequences. The problem is - it only has 8 episodes. So how good can it be if only 4 out of them are watchable? I feel like its a bit overrated. It suddenly became a craze overnight. Would i watch it again? Not a chance. Would i rate it higher than Stranger things, AHS or other shows i watch? Absolutely not. Would i recommend it to anyone? - Probably not If went back in time would i decide to watch it? - I would definitely watch it. Am i going to watch the 2nd season if it comes out? - Hell yes.

Anyway, if i could rate first half of the season id give it maybe 3 stars for the rest maybe 8 at most.

How ever the cast was wonderful. Alyssa and James did a terrific job i think and if i was to give rating for the cast alone id probably give around 9.

//

Ps. Alyssas father is a total DILF though so for him id give 15 stars alone if he didnt end up as a total douche and a careless prick.

From the first five minutes, I was hooked. And I was hook line and sinkered into thinking it was going to be a teenage angst road movie! Not so! The entirely Adult theme, off kilter storyline and the entirely believable yet totally surreal characters draw you inwards and downwards on an inescapable maelstrom of a tale that forces you to care about the protagonists and their all too tragically inevitable fate.

8 episodes of 20 minutes each are just right for a full evening's viewing. I DARE you to try and stop watching half way through.

I too thought: what! Season 2? No WAY . . . just leave the perfection that season 1 was, as is. Let it be. I read the reviews here, and despite a hint or two, was unprepared for the NEW perfection of season 2. Wow.

The same EXCELLENT timing, writing, camera work, direction is picking its delectable and splendid way through another aspect of the same world and I am amazed and grateful to be so wonderfully surprised by the gift of this.

Deeply, truly, moved, entertained, fulfilled. It's a marvelous work. What a job EVERYBODY involved did.

This is a review up to season 2.

When I watched the trailer for the first season, back in 2017, I was immediately hooked: you could understand something about the plot, but at the same time, it kept that little mystery that pushed me to watch the show. The unique storytelling, different than the average show, made me binge watch the first series. When the second one was announced, it is useless to say that I watch it in just a couple of days. It is a story about abandonment, really bad parenting and teenagers with serious psychological issues, but with a black humor taste. So even if topics are pretty serious, you never feel depressed or anxious, but sad and at the same time amused for some improbable situations showed. It is a pretty strange feeling.

I love when creators try to experiment different ways to tell a story. For the whole series you can listen to what character are thinking in every moment: what they say, and what they really want, what they are feeling and what they are trying to hide from one another. The character development from season 1, to season 2 is outstanding, Jessica Barden and Alex Lawther are two talented actors that gave a lot of personality to their characters. The choice to have a limited number of people in the cast, is another good choice and the 20 minute (on average) per episode length, is just perfect to deepen in a proper way every single character. Everyone has the right amount of time on the screen.

This is not a show for everyone, if you don't like the genre, maybe you would find it boring and you might press the stop button after just a few minutes. I think that creators never expected to have a big audience in terms of numbers, but if you want to watch something unusual, I highly recommend it.

Well, frankly it is easy to binge, short 8 episodes put online altogether. It feels a little bit weird kind of a "chumscrubber" or "thumbsucker" movie (if you're familiar with it) but a bit longer, with different story arcs of course.

Actors are fantastic, story is simple and beautiful. This is definitely something refreshing, quick and beautiful to watch. I like the vibe, I like dialogues, the episodes flow so easily it's just a pure joy to watch.

This is really done in the best tradition of some cynical teen drama movies, it has more elaborate scenes and more twisted story because its not a film format. Well I'm not going to talk about the plot, will just say 2 crazy 17 years old embark on the road trip to escape their everyday setting and things happen, very road trippy things.

Enjoy

I watched the whole 2. season of the series and i am surprised how good it is in many ways. First season was ok, i really enjoyed it but was more like an enjyable one.. I can say second season is solid and the pace is on it can go like this forever.. Keep the good work going.. Congraculations on whoever participated in this series, i can say you guys did a great job!

We binged this one. We just couldn't stop watching. There is so much that is wonderful about this drama. Excellent writing and acting. The locations and sets are uniquely fabulous. It doesn't feel like a British TV drama, more like an American road movie. Great pacing. A wonderful mix of humour, darkness and pathos. Truly fantastic.