Let's talk about the latest romantic drama to hit our screens, Amazon's 'Every Year After'. This show, based on Carley Fortune's novel, promises a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, but does it deliver? Or is it just another case of romantic misery that leaves us feeling, well, miserable?
A Tale of Unrequited Love
'Every Year After' introduces us to Percy Fraser, a young woman who can't seem to move on from her ex, Sam Florek. Their breakup, which occurred years ago, has become the defining moment of Percy's life, and it's a narrative that quickly becomes exhausting for the audience.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the show's attempt to romanticize this toxic dynamic. We see Percy and Sam's relationship unfold over the years, from their innocent childhood bond to the messy, hormone-fueled adolescence. The show seems to suggest that this all-consuming love is something to aspire to, but personally, I think it raises a deeper question: is this really the kind of love we want to glorify?
The Problem with Toxic Romance
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Percy and Sam's relationship is a one-sided affair, with both characters carrying on this toxic behavior well into adulthood. They can't seem to decide whether they want to be together or apart, and their constant back-and-forth becomes a tiresome display of emotional manipulation. The show's attempt to make this behavior seem romantic through melancholy music and longing glances falls flat, leaving viewers exhausted rather than emotionally invested.
In my opinion, this is where 'Every Year After' misses the mark. It fails to recognize the toxicity of this relationship and, instead, tries to sell it as a romantic fantasy. This raises an important point about the representation of love in media and the potential impact it can have on viewers, especially younger audiences.
Beyond the Leads
One saving grace of the show is its supporting cast. Actors like Aurora Perrineau and Abigail Cowen bring a much-needed breath of fresh air to the story. Their characters, Chantal and Delilah, respectively, offer a welcome break from the toxic romance at the center of the show. Perrineau's Chantal, in particular, evolves from a thankless best friend role into a more complex and likable character, providing a much-needed dose of realism and kindness.
A Missed Opportunity
'Every Year After' had the potential to explore deeper themes and offer a more nuanced take on love and loss. However, it gets lost in its own romantic misery, failing to provide the self-awareness needed to make this story compelling. The show's focus on half-baked clichés and superficial attempts at profundity only serve to highlight its lack of substance.
In conclusion, 'Every Year After' is a missed opportunity. It fails to capture the magic of its predecessor, 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', and instead drowns in a sea of its own romantic misery. While the supporting cast offers some redeeming qualities, the show's overall lack of self-awareness and its glorification of toxic romance make it a difficult watch. Perhaps it's time for a new take on young adult romance, one that offers a more realistic and healthy portrayal of love.
