Well people, it didn’t take me long to knock out the television adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel Normal People, and for that I am proud! This will be a somewhat short review because honestly, this might have been one of the most pure adaptations I have ever seen. Having twelve episodes to tell the story definitely had a lot to do with that. No small nuance within the book was overlooked and I think that is a true achievement. I imagine Rooney is very happy with how this adaptation played out.
With that being said, you almost don’t even need to read the novel. Sure, there were a lot internalized thoughts running through Connell and Marianne’s heads, but the camera work and slight looks on their faces almost gave that all away without making it hokey. The performances were stilted and awkward as described in the novels, and Marianne’s other love interests were even worse than I recalled in the book. And that is a testament to the acting. I truly hated Jamie and Lukas, so kudos to those two.
Also, the show wouldn’t be the show if the casting for Connell and Marianne was off even an iota. Thankfully, they nailed it! Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones were dynamite! Their chemistry was off the charts and they played the gambit of emotions each of their characters experienced with so much gusto and nuance. Rightfully so, Paul Mescal earned himself an Emmy nomination, though it is a shame Daisy didn’t. Both shared the billing and screen-time half and half throughout the series, while all the rest were just minuscule side pieces in their lives throughout the years.
I read the book quite quickly, so the somber pace of the show became a bit boring at times, but it was the necessary direction the show needed to take (I just suck). Really though, the show was very moving and true to the source material. I’m very curious how a second season will go, and how much they will consult with Sally Rooney and her intellectual property. Give it a watch!