Four Things I Love About Hulu’s “Normal People”
Article by Ryder Gamrath
Image courtesy of Element Pictures “Normal People” on Hulu
“Normal People” is a 2018 novel written by Sally Rooney. It is critically acclaimed and just so happens to be my favorite book. In 2020 “Normal People” was adapted as a Hulu original series, with the same name. It is incredibly good.
“Normal People” follows the story of Connell Waldron and Marianne Sheridan and showcases their relationship with each other as it changes over around five years going from Senior year in high school to after college.
The beauty of Rooney’s writing is captured by her attention to detail in the physical world and the minds of these two extremely compelling, realistic characters. Go read the book or watch the show right now, because I’m about to spoil it.
I want to go over what I noticed from the series. While watching it, curled up under my blanket, my mind kept coming back to four qualities that I felt made this show special. So without further ado, here are four things I love about Hulu’s “Normal People”.
- The Inbetween
One thing I’d like to point out is how realistically this show portrays relationships. In most romance media, the two lovers are always in the right place at the right time and in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, in real life, that is never the case. It makes you think, “What about the stuff in between?”
A significant other, or ex-significant other, is always going to be in your life no matter how big or small their significance is. You can still be friends and talk with people who used to have a big role in your life. This is where I think “Normal People” rocks. The show does this so well, it’s like you’re watching footage of a real-life relationship over the years. There are full episodes where Marianne and Connell are living their respective lives but they’re still talking with each other, having normal conversations as friends.
I respect that this show takes time to delve in the in-between instead of just pointing out the seemingly most exciting points in their relationship. Really paying attention to how their bond grows more complex over time.
- A Long Gentle Pause
The only word I can describe the filming in this show is patient. From the landscapes of Italy, to the calming waves of Dublin beaches, these shots take their time. Whether it’s tranquil stills of landscapes to the most intense intimate scenes, the cinematography handles everything with care. Like a gentle deep breath for every shot.
There are many close-ups of the characters’ faces, portraying their raw emotion and their thoughts. Sometimes the camera lingers on one shot for a long time, so you can take it all in. The show makers allow you to look at it for a long time, so you can study it like a painting and appreciate its composition.
How I see it, you can really put yourself in a character’s shoes by just sitting with them.
- Two Humans
Remember when I said that this show felt like you were just watching a real-life relationship play out? That is mostly due to the performances. Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones both take on these characters in such a raw and brilliant way. They have incredibly good chemistry together but I found their performances and characters even more compelling when they were away from each other, their characters conquering personal demons by themselves.
Connell and Marrianne are some of television’s most captivating, well-written and well-performed characters ever. They just feel like humans in this, from their subtle facial expressions to their way of moving, thanks to Mescal and Edgar-Jones, you’re able to feel like you truly know these people.
- What Do I Say?
People don’t always say the most perfect thing in relationships. Except in movies where characters do say the right things. However, “Normal People’s” script includes those imperfect conversations and responses.
When heavy subjects were being addressed by the main characters, they often took long pauses to figure out the right response only to say, “I’m sorry,” or, “I don’t know what you mean?” The script carries dialogue that comes from raw emotions, thinking, processing, and reactions.
The whole point of “Normal People” is the communication challenges between two incredibly compelling, emotionally rich people. The script brings this full circle whether through monologues of emails they penpal back and forth with each other, or through short spurts of them unleashing their feelings during trying times. The script of this show is truly the cherry on top to making these characters feel real.
All in all, Hulu’s “Normal People” is a masterclass in how you write characters and stories on television. If you haven’t watched or read “Normal People” before reading this, I’m not gonna apologize for spoiling it but, maybe this piece will convince you to watch it! If you do decide to check it out, I’d recommend keeping an eye on these four aspects, my favorite parts of the whole show.