Sneha Jaiswal's Blog, page 156

They Cloned Tyrone Movie Review

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

“We ain’t no goddamn detectives. Let’s be honest with each other. Yous a hoe, I am an entrepreneur and he is a goddamn drug dealer.” And despite that candid declaration by a protagonist in the 2023 Netflix movie “They Cloned Tyrone,” a hustler, a pimp and a prostitute go on a bizarre adventure to expose an underground cloning operation in their neighborhood.

Directed by Juel Taylor, who co-wrote the script with Tony Rettenmaier, “They Cloned Tyrone” stars John Boyega as Fontaine, a drug dealer who wakes up as if nothing happened, a night after he was shot to death with multiple bullets. Determined to uncover what transpired, Fontaine teams up with the local pimp Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx) and Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris), who saw him last. The trio finds themselves sucked into a larger-than-life government conspiracy.

If it weren’t for a small talk on cryptocurrency, one would think the film was set in the 1980s or 90s. The cinematography is deliberately retro in its aesthetic, accentuated further by synth-pop music, dimly lit shots, and the subtle use of neon lights whenever possible. Some elements were reminiscent of Netflix’s smash hit “Stranger Things”, while the overall cinematic work was akin to the style of auteur Panos Cosmatos.

With a 2 hour runtime, With a 2-hour runtime, “They Cloned Tyrone” might become a little tedious for viewers who lack the patience for pulpy slow-burn mysteries, but it remains quite entertaining, largely thanks to the lead trio. Jamie Foxx, recently seen in the Netflix horror-comedy “Day Shift” as a vampire hunter, is hilariously on point as the self-important and deceitful Slick Charles. However, Teyonha Parris steals the show as Yo-Yo, a woman of the street who adores Nancy Drew and once aspired to be an investigative journalist, but finds herself still trapped on the very streets she always aimed to escape from. While John Boyega’s portrayal of Fontaine might not leave a substantial impact, viewers are treated to a intriguing revelation about his origins in the second half of the film.

The central plot revolving around a government-backed organization cloning local Black individuals is deviously unveiled as an attempt to “control and maintain balance.” Can this odd trio effectively combat the powerful organization and restore free will in their neighborhood, where everyone is slowly becoming puppets due to the experiments conducted by a group of white scientists?

“They Cloned Tyrone” skillfully delves into the themes of racial oppression and cyclical violence through its whimsically satirical plot. Following a captivating first hour, replete with humorous moments and intriguing character development, the climax does leave a slightly underwhelming impression. However, all things considered, it makes for a worthwhile one-time viewing experience.

Rating: 7/10. Stream the film on Netflix.

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Zombieverse Review – Has Fun Bits But Drags On

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

A group of Korean celebrities finds themselves amidst a dating-themed reality show shoot when a contestant unexpectedly bites another individual. The realization hits like a chilling wave – a deadly virus outbreak has transformed into a full-blown zombie apocalypse.

The 2023 series, “Zombieverse,” adopts an unscripted survival show format, as a select group navigates the treacherous streets of Zombie-infested Seoul, tailed by unobtrusive cameras. Yet, it’s a carefully crafted script brought to life by the creative minds of Jordan Rubin, Jon Kaplan, and Al Kaplan. Familiar faces like Lee Si-young, Na Rae Park, DinDin, Hong-chul Noh, Tsuki Tsuki, and Hong-Chul Ro play themselves in this comedic yet mildly harrowing escapade to outlive the undead onslaught.

The artistic team responsible for the hit Netflix zombie sensation “All Of Us Are Dead” lends their expertise to “Zombieverse,” ensuring the ghastly undead appearances are on point. Occasionally, the extras portraying zombies inadvertently break character and gaze into the lens with human-like curiosity. Nevertheless, the debut episode establishes the premise well, kicking off with the calamitous aftermath of the “dating show gone awry,” compelling a bunch of celebrities to unite against the odds. Spanning eight gripping episodes, each installment centers on different quests, driving the narrative forward.

Also Read: ‘The Dead Don’t Die’ Review – Your Brain May Have Fun Or Need A Funera l

Episode 2 introduces fresh faces, including YouTubers and Congolese-Korean siblings Patricia and Jonathan, Urologist Hong Seong Woo, Baseball player Yoo Hee-Kwan, and the enigmatic Dex. They soon become part of core survival squad, who they meet at a supermarket during an attempt to secure survival supplies. Episode 3 delves into the group’s strategy to scavenge supplies while evading danger and plotting their escape from the infested supermarket. Following familiar zombie genre conventions akin to films like “Train to Busan” and “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead,” “Zombieverse” unveils the survivors’ realization that sound sensitivity can be exploited against the undead.

The show maintains an upbeat tone throughout the initial four episodes, peppered with amusing character interactions. However, a shift towards darker themes occurs in episode 5, as the survivors seek refuge in a seemingly secure town rife with ominous secrets. The tone transforms to reflect elements from more serious zombie narratives like “The Walking Dead,” introducing malevolent leaders, grisly scenes, and acts of treachery. Despite this tonal shift, the plot and pacing subsequently waver, descending into monotony.

The creators might have better served the series by condensing it to six episodes, rather than elongating the storyline with multiple character-focused video-log segments that ultimately prove superfluous. The concluding episode offers moments of genuine amusement, unfolding within a vibrant seaside theme park. A Russian Roulette-inspired game adds intrigue as remaining survivors occupy a Ferris Wheel, haunted by an assailant below baying for their blood. The suspense is gripping, though its duration borders on tedium. The series culminates in a comical twist, even delivering two of them. One manages to engage, while the other disappoints.

Since the creators try to do something slightly new with “Zombieverse”, brownie points to them for the whole reality tv show like setting. But this series could’ve been shorter and better.

Rating – 6/10

You can stream “Zombieverse” on Netflix.

Read Next: Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Review

His Man Season 2 Review – Shakes Things Up

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

If ‘His Man’ season one was simple and vanilla, season two brings in a whole range of different flavors, with far more interesting contestants.

Just like its predecessor, ‘His Man 2’, the Korean dating reality show features eight gay contestants out to find love as they go on dates and live in the same house for a week. Spread over 14 episodes, the first episode introduces the men through blind dates, and they slowly learn a few things about each other, although they aren’t allowed to reveal their age and professions in the first encounter. Over the course of the next few episodes, the men perform daily tasks, cook together, go on dates, and are expected to cast their final vote on the last day on who they like. If the person they vote for also votes for them, it’s a match! And they become winners in the game of love.

Also Read: ‘His Man’ Season One Review – Vanilla And Nice

What made season one slightly bland was the fact that pretty much all the contestants were fighting for the attention of the same man. However, in a refreshing change, episode one of the second edition ends with everybody choosing different men. According to the show format, at the end of each day, contestants are allowed to make an anonymous call to the person they are interested in dating. Except for one contestant, everybody receives a call from someone who is curious about them. All the men get to go on picture-perfect dates, most of them involving fun couple-bonding activities, like making cups together, baking, or going fishing.

While season one was interesting due to its novelty, being the first gay dating reality show to emerge from Korea, ‘His Man’ season two is pretty entertaining due to the antics and interactions of its participants. David Kim, known as DABIT, a solo Korean singer, was surprisingly one of the most reserved, quiet, and likable persons on the show. Yoon Seon Woo, a businessman who runs a gelato shop, was popular with the guys due to his handsome face and sunny personality, but he was funnily the most gossip-girl type of character on the show. Strong sparks flew between Shin Sung Ho, a make-up artist, and Lee Jun Seoung, a luxury store employee, both of whom grew close due to being roommates during the first few dates. The two had the most endearing chemistry on the show and might make viewers feel like they are watching a romantic K-Drama and not a reality show. Oh Min Sung, a plastic surgery consultant, has a sort of triangle conundrum going on with contestants Yang Hyun Jin, a hair stylist, and Jang Hyeon Jun, who is a DJ and popular YouTuber.

“That fox has seduced two of them,” Seon Woo says to one contestant about Oh Min Sung, which was one of the most hilarious lines on the series. There are many moments that will make viewers feel like the show is scripted, and it really doesn’t matter because scripted or not, ‘His Man’ season two was an engaging romance reality show. Viewers get to see different shades of the participants and will definitely end up rooting for a few of them. Do the men find love at the end of the road? A few sure do!

Overall, “His Man” season two is an engaging follow-up, with pleasant settings and largely well-behaved contestants who are easy on the eyes and easy to like too.

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Also Read: ‘The Madman’s Library’ Book Review (audio version below)

Sushmita Claps Back At Naysayers in Taali Trailer

First she was Ganesh, and then Gauri.

The official trailer for “Taali”, the 2023 web series, unveils generous glimpses of Sushmita Sen playing protagonist Shreegauri Sawant, a leading transgender activist from India.

Prior to the release of the actor’s first look, there were whispers of discontent among some members of the LGBTQ+ community, who expressed a desire to witness a transgender individual embodying the character. However, Shreegauri Sawant herself silenced these naysayers with her grace and poise, expressing her genuine delight in having the former Miss Universe bring life to this challenging role.

As the trailer unfolds, we are treated to the spectacle of Sushmita Sen exuding elegance while adorned in resplendent saris, accentuated by a striking and audacious red bindi, perfectly capturing the essence of her character. Her performance leaves a lasting impression, as she adeptly modulates her voice to match the persona of Shreegauri Sawant, showcasing her dedication to authenticity and depth in her portrayal.

“Taali” promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, chronicling Gauri’s transformation from a young boy who dreams of embracing motherhood to an indomitable and self-assured activist, fiercely fighting for the rights and dignity of transgender individuals. Mark your calendars for August 15, as “Taali” will be available for streaming exclusively on JioCinema.

The Hunt for Veerappan Docu Series Review

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

“Who is Veerappan?”

And with that question, begins the four-part Netflix documentary ‘The Hunt for Veerappan’ on the notorious forest brigand, bandit, activist, poacher, smuggler, and murderer.

Investigative journalist Sunaad serves in large parts as the narrator of this documentary, created by Selvamani Selvaraj. “There has never been a man, a criminal like Veerappan,” Sunaad’s heavy assertive voice says over an engaging introductory montage, accompanied by a catchy gangster-like song that sounds like it is out of a crime-thriller blockbuster.

Interestingly, the documentary opens with a crucial interviewee, Veerappan’s wife Muthulakhsmi, who spent significant time with him in the forest while he was on the run from the police. Her side of the story establishes the kind of charisma and hold the bandit had over those close to him. Selvamani Selvaraj and the team provide her with a disparate amount of screentime to tell her version of the tale, and Muthulakhmi seizes the opportunity to romanticize the already larger-than-life personality her husband was.

Source: Netflix

Titled “The Forest King,” chapter one begins with a hauntingly beautiful shot of the dense mountainous forests Veerappan once called home. Soon, we are taken back to 1989, and file footage of the bandit’s hometown appears on the screen, accompanied by accounts dwelling on what set him apart from the average criminal. The creators skillfully blend present-day shots of South-Indian forests with archival footage, including Veerappan’s voice recordings, delivering a riveting and factual account of his life. To balance out the gruesome details of his life, the creators pepper the docu-series with stunning shots of thick jungles and mountains. Some part were slightly reminiscent of “The Elephant Whisperers”, which was also set in Tamil Nadu and is about rescuing elephants, while Veerappan was all about killing them for their ivory.

The creators line up a string of interesting interviews to chronologically graph the rise and fall of the man who held two states at ransom with his antics. On one hand, there are Muthulakshmi and some of Veerappan’s former associates who portray him as a fearless leader, a sort of messiah for lower income families from in and around his village. On the other hand, there are interviews of forest officials and police officers who played a crucial role in the hunt for Veerappan. His story plays out like a movie, where he is the dual faced protagonist, hero for some, villain for others.  

Interviewees reveal details that the average viewer would not know unless they have extensively researched the man. The hunt for Veerappan spanned years, and his case perplexed the system, pushing officers to desperate measures, including running an alleged camp where suspects were detained, beaten, and tortured. Muthulakshmi claims she was administered electric shocks in custody while she was pregnant, painting a vivid picture of a wife who voluntarily suffered due to her husband’s actions. However, for discerning viewers, she also lets her mask slip when she simply smirks at the camera in response to a question about whether her husband could’ve avoided the brutal beheading of a forest officer.

Chapter Three, titled “The Revolutionary,” delves into Veerappan’s growing proximity to the LTTE and his attempts to re-brand himself as a political revolutionary. It also sheds light on one of the most sensational kidnappings in the country’s history – that of legendary Kannada actor and icon, Dr. Rajkumar, in July 2000, along with three other men. Dr. Rajkumar’s kidnapping sparked massive unrest and reignited animosity between the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Veerappan, a Tamil man, had dared to abduct a man who symbolized Kannadiga pride and culture. The chapter features an interview with Nagesh, a relative of Dr. Rajkumar who was also abducted, and he recalls his terrifying ordeal. However, the interview doesn’t provide much insight into the mystery surrounding the nearly 4-month long hostage situation the actor endured.

The last chapter on how the hunt for Veerappan finally came to an end marks the most interesting part of the series. It features interviews with the informant who betrayed the bandit and N. K. Senthamarai Kannan, the officer who led “Operation Cocoon” alongside K. Vijay Kumar, which culminated in Veerappan’s encounter. N. K. Senthamarai Kannan reveals how the new STF team worked meticulously to collect all possible information on the elusive and aging criminal (Veerappan was 52 at the time of his death).  However, the eventual circumstances of the encounter remain shrouded in question marks, raising doubts about how Veerappan was really killed. But Senthamarai gleefully responds that he doesn’t care what stories are spun around the manner of his death; the bottom line remains – he and his men ended Veerappan’s reign of terror and had the body to prove it.

Despite its flaws, the documentary remains a compelling watch, giving viewers a glimpse into the enigmatic world of Veerappan and the events that shaped his infamous legacy. Whether he was a hero, or a villain remains a subject for further exploration in a different documentary.

You can stream “The Hunt for Veerappan” on Netflix.

Read Next: Rahman’s Music Elevates ‘Maamannan,’ Tedious Drama Pulls It Down

Also Read: ‘The Madman’s Library’ Book Review (audio version below)

Happiness for Beginners – Movie Review

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

If you are discontent with your life and need a reboot – travel. That seems to be the easiest answer for a lot of people and tonnes of online ‘influencers’ will have you believe the same. Pinning her hopes in the power of nature and travel, Helen, a 37-year-old teacher in the 2023 Netflix film “Happiness for Beginners,” signs up for a week-long hike along the Appalachian Mountains. She believes it might be the fresh start she needs to get over her divorce and past life.

Directed by Vicky Wight and based on Katherine Center’s book, “Happiness for Beginners” presents straightforward romantic tale set in the wilderness. Playing the lead role of Helen is Ellie Kemper, who excitedly prepares for her days-long adventure in nature, only to be taken aback when she discovers her brother’s best-friend, Jake (Luke Grimes), is also part of her hiking group. Questions arise – is Jake’s presence a mere coincidence, a scheme by the family to keep an eye on her, or does it hint at a hidden romantic interest?

The film’s scenic Appalachian trail backdrop offers beautiful cinematography with a diverse color palette, ranging from the splendid autumn hues of yellow and green to a fleeting encounter with snow. Most of the story unfolds in the great outdoors, featuring lot of hiking, heartfelt conversations, camping and complications that may arise when you are out in the wild. Helen’s hiking group consists of eight individuals, each introduced in a fun and engaging manner before they embark on their mountain adventure.

Ben Cook portrays the serious leader Beckett, who is strict with rules and has no time for slackers. He appears to be quite young to be in such a guiding role, making it amusing when Helen asks him, “How old are you?” while he inquires participants if they have any questions. Because as a viewer, you are pretty much wondering the same thing! Nico Santos has the most fun character, he plays the chatty Hugh, who immediately befriends Helen and tries to bond over the fact that they are probably the only participants over 30.

Ellie Kemper is goofy and cute as Helen and might reminded me of Renée Zellweger, who became a rom-com sweetheart with the Bridget Jones movies. Luke Grimes as Jake, doctor turned animal enthusiast, is a grounded character who wins over most of the hiking group immediately with his charisma. Shayvawn Webster plays the gorgeous Windy, Helen’s tent-mate, who develops a huge crush on Jake, giving us a slightly cliched love triangle, but minus drama and negativity.

While the supporting cast adds an entertaining dynamic to the group, there isn’t enough time in the film to fully explore their characters. Despite this, “Happiness for Beginners” serves as a feel-good reminder for those who have experienced hiking trips and treks, highlighting the joy of meeting new people and exploring nature. The film also showcases the familiar archetypes encountered during such adventures, from the over-confident hiker leading the pack to the one struggling to keep up, and the responsible caretaker looking after others.

“Happiness for Beginners” could have been even more enjoyable if it had focused solely on the camaraderie and comedic interactions between a group of strangers attempting to conquer a challenging hiking trail. But the romance is sweet, almost like a Christmas themed Hallmark movie. An endearing exchange in the climax between Helen and her younger brother about vowing to be better siblings warmly ties up the tale.

It’s a 7 on 10 from me. Stream the film on Netflix.

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Rahman’s Music Elevates ‘Maamannan,’ Tedious Drama Pulls It Down

The 2023 Tamil movie “Maamannan” opens with a sleek shot of the state assembly, emblematic of its plot’s primary theme – power politics. Next, we see a pack of dogs leaving a house, juxtaposed by pigs in a pen somewhere else. Experts say it’s best to not leave a pig and dog unsupervised alone, or you might be left with a mauled pig. Director Mari Selvaraj uses these pigs and dogs’ symbolism throughout the film to tell a tale of caste clash and power politics.

In an interesting casting choice, actor Vadivelu, whom viewers are used to seeing in comedic roles, plays the titular character in “Maamannan”, a Dalit MLA whose son Veeran, portrayed by Udhayanidhi Stalin, refuses to see him in the eye. In a tragic flashback, viewers are told how a brutal case of caste violence leads to estrangement between father and son, as Maamannan chooses to cover up the case in return for political favors. Fahadh Faasil plays antagonist Rathinavelu, a hot-headed cold-blooded generational politician, whose older brother ransacks Veeran’s building, where his friends were running a free tuition center for underprivileged students. Rathinavelu tries to play mediator but ends up antagonizing Veeran further; his high-handedness leads to a surprise reconciliation between the father and son. But can the duo stand up against the man whose family wields significant power and clout through the region?

Despite a solid story about caste equations and family bonds, Mari Selvaraj spends too much time on theatrics, extended shots, and repetitive dialogues. The 2-hour-40 minutes runtime becomes too overbearing because of needless drama that’s stretched beyond its need. You constantly feel the urge to hit the fast-forward button, and it’s not the elongated runtime, but rather the poor writing to blame. The director should’ve taken notes from the 2021 hit “Jai Bhim” on how to keep the viewers engaged until the end, as both movies are almost the same in length and have caste oppression as their primary themes.

The cinematography is vivid and engaging but is weakened by overstretched shots to over-explain situations. However, there’s a black-and-white flashback of caste violence, where a group of boys is stoned for swimming in a well by upper-caste men, and that sequence was gut-wrenching. Unfortunately, as the plot progresses, the story becomes more about the egos of the protagonist and the antagonist, instead of a larger narrative. The pride of these men overshadows any issues the film tries to delve into. It’s all about heroics, villainy, and drama. Vadivelu gets to shine towards the climax, where he delivers a speech, and the build-up to that moment makes you expect a rousing address. But his address to the common man was mediocre at best; the poor writing scuttles any chance “Maamannan” had to recover and win over viewers.

Fahadh Faasil is evil incarnate as the arrogant Rathinavelu; there’s this spark of madness in his eyes through the performance, which makes it easier to hate the character. Udhayanidhi Stalin, on the other hand, delivers an extremely lackluster performance as the “angry young man,” and it doesn’t help that his character is inconsistently written. For example, he is portrayed as a stubborn yet kind man who hasn’t spoken a word to his father in over a decade, but one incident is all it takes for the father and son to become best friends. It’s ironic how he doesn’t regard his own father in positive light for years and expects strangers to extend respect to the man. Keerthy Suresh as Leela, an ambitious young woman who runs a free tuition center for poor students, is practically forgotten for large chunks of the movie, even though her character serves as a catalyst for the primary action in the story.

What sets up higher expectations for “Maamannan” is the fact that the music is by maestro A. R. Rahman, and the film does have some great tracks. The song “Kodi Parakura Kaalam,” which plays as Leela’s introductory number in the first half, is an incredible feminist anthem, with energetic folk beats and beautiful lyrics that celebrate women. “Nenjame Nenjame” is a sweet soft romantic number, which isn’t done justice to in the film, since the chemistry between Keerthy and Udhayanidhi is awkward at best.

The sub-plot about the free-tuition center is reminiscent of the 2023 Tamil film “Vaathi,” which also has long runtime and theatrics but was at least made entertaining by Dhanush’s performance as a talented math teacher who helps students from poor economic backgrounds. The same cannot be said about “Maamannan,” which does have a gripping first half but becomes extremely tedious after setting up its primary premise.

It’s a 4 on 10 from me. You can stream the film on Netflix.

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6 Horror Manga Series To Read

If you like reading horror mangas, here are six popular and completed series to check out, without living with the anxiety of waiting for the next issue!

“Uzumaki” by Junji Ito – The series focusses on an obscure weird little town in Japan that is haunted by spirals. The spiral shape consumes, grotesquely distorts and kills people of the town. Junji Ito is an absolute master of the horror form. “Tokyo Ghoul” by Sui Ishida – This series blends elements of horror with action and drama. However most fans love “Tokyo Ghoul” for its dark themes and gruesome imagery.“Parasyte” by Hitoshi Iwaaki – Originally serialized in the late ’80s and early ’90s, this classic horror manga tells the story of an alien invasion through parasites that take over human hosts.“Higurashi When They Cry” (“Higurashi no Naku Koro ni”) by Ryukishi07 – This series is known for its intense psychological horror and mystery. It follows a group of friends in a rural village, where strange and violent events start to occur.“Another” by Yukito Ayatsuji – Based on the novel of the same name, “Another” revolves around a cursed classroom and a series of mysterious deaths. The manga offers a chilling atmosphere and a compelling story.“Tomie” by Junji Ito – How can you have only one Ito title in a horror manga list? Not as bizarre as Uzumaki, but definitely just as grotesque, “Tomie” is about a femme fatale who can seduce any man she wants, but they always end up murdering her. But she always comes back from the dead.

Read Next: Ooku Series Review – Fascinating Retelling of Edo Era (audio version below)

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 5 Review

“No one knows the taste of cursed spirits.

It’s like swallowing a cloth that has wiped vomit.”

Suguru Geto once again ruminates on what it’s like to chase and swallow cursed spirits, wondering if there’s really any point to it all. As he voices his thoughts, it sounds like he is reciting a string of sad Haikus. With Satoru Gojo sealing his position as one of the most powerful Jujutsu sorcerers and going on missions alone, Geto faces an existential crisis.

Titled “Premature Death,” episode 5 of season 2 is set in August 2007, a year after the Star Plasma Vessel debacle. The focus is on how Geto gets influenced by the ideas of an unconventional special grade sorcerer and begins to unravel completely. It’s a profound slow-burn edition, which leaves no holes in explaining how Suguru and Satoru become estranged after a radical shift in the former’s worldview.

The animation is simple, stark and fantastic. But like the rest of the series, the animators continue to keep long shots devoid of details. For example, look at the image below; it’s a scene where Satoru demands an explanation from Suguru over his change of heart.

The animation appears like hurriedly scribbled rough sketches for a storyboard. But as I’ve said before, “Jujutsu Kaisen” is a story-heavy anime series, with enough action going on, affording the animators to go easy on the art, since you are too busy paying attention to the dialogues. The imagery in this scene, however, was great, the duo talk to each other from a distance, symbolic of the wedge that’s driven between them. They will never be close again, at least not as friends.

One scene that really stood out was a creepy close shot of Suguru in a public shower as he contemplates his role as a sorcerer. While he looks friendly and approachable in his academy uniform, that scene shows him naked in the shower, his face contorted, as if he is possessed himself. It was a fantastic setting to show lay bare his soul and indicate his slow metamorphosis into the evil side. In a surprise ending, the climax ends with Satoru scouting a young boy as his mentee, someone who goes on to become an important character in the series.

Overall, it was a great edition. You can stream “Jujutsu Kaisen” on Netflix or Crunchyroll.

Heartstopper Season 2 – Brings Back Butterflies!

Nick and Charlie are back with their adorable little “hi” exchanges in the second season of Heartstopper, the live-action Netflix series based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novels of the same name. The season remains faithful to the original comics but expands its scope with a Paris trip and delves into the romantic lives of multiple other characters, even though Joe Locke and Kit Connor continue to be the heartstoppers of the series as leads Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson.

Also Read: Heartstopper Season 1 Review – Warm And Fuzzy Like The Books

While season one brought in a breezy, cute summer romance aesthetic despite being set in winter, season two is a lot brighter and prettier, with its vibrant color palette and stylish costumes. A delightful autumn palette, featuring soft pastel shades, pervades the show, creating a charming and pleasant moodboard. However, the show doesn’t shy away from tackling serious themes such as insecurities, bullying, and family feuds. Amidst the summer romance and sweet moments, the teens face the challenges of exam season, struggling to balance their current romances with their future dreams. It’s a conundrum familiar to anyone on the cusp of adulthood, where first love can feel like the end of the world. Charlie and Nick feel the weight of being out to their families, adding an extra layer of scrutiny and pressure. However, they do have a cushion of fabulous friends who always have their back.

Elle Argent (Yasmin Finney) is torn between confessing her feelings for best-friend Tao Xu (William Gao) and applying to her dream art school which would mean moving away, while a clueless Tao too crushes on Elle but thinks asking her out might ruin their friendship. Isaac (Tobie Donovan) is too caricature like as the shy/quiet bibliophile always with a book in hand; but is one of the sweetest characters, one may not say much but is always there for his friends. Bad guy Ben Hope (Sebastian Croft) sets his eyes on Nick’s friend Imogen (Rhea Norwood) and the two begin dating, making Nick worry if Ben’s only playing with her feelings. Then there’s the near perfect couple Darcy (Kizzy Edgel) and Tara Jones (Corinna Brown), who get awkward as one of them begins to hide things from the other.

Titled “Out,” the first episode sets the perfect pace for this teen romance series, with plenty of heartwarming moments between the lead couple. Nick and Charlie exist in their happy bubble when they are together, but Nick grapples with the reality that coming out is much harder than he anticipated, following his poignant heart-to-heart with his mother Sarah (played by the fantastic Olivia Colman) about his bisexuality in the first season. Nick is burdened with a lot of anxiety and internal stress/pressure to come out to others he is close to. But all the dark clouds disappear whenever he is with his sweetheart. Charlie constantly assures Nick that he “does not owe it to anybody” to share details about his private life.

Episode two, “Family,” presents a reality check for Charlie, as his grades slip, and his mom bans him from seeing Nick until he finishes his coursework. The whole “parents versus teen relationships” theme will be relatable to anybody who’ve had their family ban them from doing things over poor grades. There’s a generous sprinkling of exam stress, coursework, and rugby, to keep a healthy check on the romantic lives of the characters. Just like season one, Jenny Walser is still the weird one in the cast as Charlie’s older sister Tori, who is constantly sipping something. She is like Wednesday Addam’s long-lost sister, always glum and in emo clothes, and is fiercely protective of her younger brother, threatening people with their lives if they cause him any harm.

Yasmin Finney is stunning as the talented Elle, and she goes to visit an art school to explore her future options and makes some great new friends.  Tao begins to feel left out and decides to take a leap of faith by asking her out. So, episode three features a first date between these two characters. There’s this shot of Tao in a new haircut, holding flowers for Elle and that scene looked straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. As I was thinking that, few minutes later, he goes to watch “Moonrise Kingdom”, one of Wes’ films. So, guess the Anderson aesthetic was deliberate and it looked fantastic on screen. To add to the mood, the creators also slip in a small snippet of the song “Le temps de l’amour” by Françoise Hardy.

Which brings us to the music featured in the series – from tracks by American pop-star Taylor Swift to British Experimental pop band “Let’s Eat Grandma”, there are some fine songs that serve to enhance the mood of the tale. For example, “You Wouldn’t Like Me” by Tegan and Sara plays when a character is engulfed in self-doubt, and it was just the apt number to accompany the scene.

Episodes 4, 5 & 6 take the school’s 5-day trip to Paris, providing viewers with stunning shots of Charlie and his friends exploring the Louvre Museum. However, some unnecessary sub-plots involving the teachers could have been better utilized to showcase the parents of primary or secondary characters, especially Olivia Colman’s delightful portrayal of Charlie’s mom. Momo Yeun who plays Tao’s widowed mother Yan is an incredibly likable character, she is perceptive and understands her son better than he does himself. Though the show does have its fair share of “too good to be true” parents, the focus truly lies on the friendships portrayed in Heartstopper. Nick and Tao’s friendship sees the most growth, even though Tao basically hates Nick at the beginning of the show, the two become closer as they realize they both want the best for Charlie. There’s a wholesome sequence towards the end, where Charlie and gang just ditch prom and go hang out at Nick’s place, chatting away, listening to music, playing hide-and-seek, and laughing. It a refreshing change from other hypersexualized shows, where you’d most likely see the protagonist ditch prom to either do drugs or have sex.

Heartstopper season two continues to charm with its endearing characters, beautiful aesthetics, and exploration of young love and friendship. The series successfully captures the essence of the graphic novels while expanding its narrative to keep fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this heartwarming story. The song “Ur So Pretty” from William Gao’s Wasia Project plays in the end, where Charlie finally opens to Nick about his personal struggles. As the leads vow to be by each other’s side, season two ends with a promise of another season.

It’s a 9 on 10 from me. Stream Heartstopper on Netflix.