Something ‘You’ Must Watch

The much-anticipated Netflix Original series ‘You’, based off the Caroline Kepnes novel of the same name, has been released. The series has drawn lots of attention with actor Penn Badgley, from the hit series Gossip Girl, starring as the main character.

The 10 episode thriller series centres around bookshop manager Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), who becomes instantly obsessed with aspiring writer, Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail) after she takes book advice from him.

Very quickly, Joe’s love for Guinevere, or ‘Beck’ as she’s known in the series, intensifies, as he becomes obsessed with following her every movement. His actions escalate as he tries to eliminate everything in his path, in an attempt to get closer to Beck.

The series is predominantly focused on Joe and his intentions. The writers have him narrate the story so viewers are able to constantly hear his thoughts. This ultimately gives great insight into his motives. By using this tool, viewers are able to watch how his thinking gradually evolves and why he decides to carry out his actions. Without Joe’s thoughts there wouldn’t be any context to his actions but, by using this narration, viewers are given some rationale to the deranged man’s behaviour.

Initially you believe Joe is a caring, misunderstood man who appreciates great literature. However, as the series develops, you learn that his brain encompasses many layers and his thought process could be hindered by his troubled upbringing.

Beck is the other half of Joe Goldberg’s love fantasy. You quickly learn of her struggles regarding her career as an aspiring writer as well as underlying issues with her close friends and family. The problems in her life become unearthed as Joe attempts to use them as paths to make this unassuming girl fall in love with him.

As the plot progresses, viewers learn that Beck has dilemmas in her career and personal life like many other young people. She is trying to find a respectable partner while simultaneously attempting to appease her entitled “friends”, who can’t don’t appreciate her for who she is. As the story develops, she begins to believe that Joe is a saving grace and her ticket to the relationship and life she has always wanted, unaware of the measures he has taken to create this idea.

The writers do an incredible job of making the viewer second guess whether Beck is actually the right match for Joe, even though his methods can’t be justified. This coupled with the fast paced story and character development means you start the series knowing nothing and finishing it knowing too much. Moving quickly through events, the series keeps viewer constantly guessing what Joe’s next move will be, almost like you are in his mind and figuring out the storyline with him.

‘You‘ is set in New York which works perfectly into the themes of being young with big aspirations. Given the number of people, the vastness of the city and Beck’s unassuming personality, it makes Joe’s pursuit of her and the lengths he goes to even harder to comprehend.

You don’t have to be a fan of this genre to enjoy this thoroughly moving series which entangles viewers in the life of a twisted individual in the pursuit for love – no matter the avenue taken. The speed of the plot keeps your eyes glued to the screen making you remember every detail and wondering what will happen next. It asks the ultimate question – when one’s desire overrides their judgment, how far would you go for love?