You
Introduction
Though this American psychological thriller television series was in my watch list for more than 2 years, recently I completed both seasons of “You”. The first season is based on the novel by Caroline Kepnes that shows life journey of Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager in New York. “Things you do for love” is literally a scary phrase here as they story progresses, you will be shocked how he becomes serial killer for his love Guinevere Beck, an aspiring writer and customer of his bookshop.
The first step to create a good serial killer TV series is to make the audience sympathize with the killer and despite of knowing protagonist Joe is not a god human being, you will feel sad for him and also eventually like him in season 2 more.
The season 2 follows the similar pattern of Joe’s journey to Los Angles and hiding as Will Bettelheim and works as a bookstore clerk at Anavrin where he again falls in love with chef Love Quinn. It beautifully shows his troublesome childhood and how it affects his mental state. As the story unfolds, Joe begins falling into his old patterns of toxic obsession; you will be shocked in the climax scene for sure.
Story and screenplay
The storyline is unique and creepy and of course it binds you till the very end. Kudos to the script how well it actually shows his toxic behavior and craves for love.
It’s not easy to show problematic Joe’s journey as it’s so complicated, every character he meets in his life, adds more darkness in his spirit. The script is very carefully written so that viewers can link everything and finds “Gossip girl” actor more desirable. Trust me you will definitely fall for his charm. The ways he treats his girlfriends are very delicate and systematic. Entire screenplay is effortlessly presented and specially in season 2 last two episodes, the way karmic setbacks are shown and how Joe reflects his own action into someone else’s psyche is fascinating.
Performance & Direction
Developed by Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble and produced by Warner Horizon Television, “YOU” is a perfect thriller series. Every character plays significant roles to carry on the entire shows and it surely reaches high to another level.
Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg perfectly justifies the innocent serial killer character. His silent justification to himself for each action he takes is surely a treat to my eyes. Though he murmurs countless times that he searches for love actually in reality he wants someone who accepts him and loves him, he wants unconditional love yet he himself struggles with his own toxic obsessions and expectations. He perfectly portraits this pathetic soul and I am looking forward to watch his next encounter in season 3 soon.
Joe’s love interests Beck (Played by Elizabeth Lail), Candace (Played by Ambyr Childers) and Love (Played by Victoria Pedretti) all are realistic and they played their parts well. Elizabeth is beautiful in playing her sensuality, Ambyr as Candace is confident in showcasing her desperateness to reveal Joe’s true nature and Victoria as Love is extreme in her own ways. I must say She is the perfect soul for Joe :D.
Conclusion
It’s definitely a binge watch from my end. Both seasons are truly brilliant and I am waiting for next season to be aired soon in later half of 2021.
It’s available in Netflix.
Disclaimer: The above review solely illustrates the views of the writer.