From the genius that gave us the To All the Boys novels and tv adaptation, Jenny Han gifts us by brining to life The Summer I Turned Pretty. Known as being one of the few to actively produce material with Asian leads, Han of course did what she does best. The series is adapted from the novel with noticeable changes to cater to current times however it’s still effective and one for the Wattpad lovers.
Plot.
The pilot began with an introduction to Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) and her best friend Taylor (Rain Spencer), discussing Belly’s family’s annual summer tradition of taking a trip to the summer home. We’re immediately aware of her life long crush on family friend Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Belly’s belief that this summer will be different. Taylor points out how puberty took over and Belly had gone from little sister to the hot girl next door.
The summer home belongs to the Fishers, the other side of the family duo made up of Susannah (Rachel Blanchard), Jeremiah (Gavin Casalego), Conrad and their father (Tom Everett Scott). Upon the Conklinks’ arrival it’s clear that Belly’s change in appearance is quite noticeable amongst the brothers but it’s brushed off very early. It’s brought to our attention that there is a change in Conrad’s demeanour. Over the seven part series we witness how different this summer really will be. With a first boyfriend, awakened flames and family secrets. Han also does a good job in creating parallels between the parents relationships and the kids ones.
The Screenplay.
The series has faced a few harsh comments from critics who are concerned that it’s stepped too far away from the original novel however it seemed to good a reflection of the original piece with up to date changes.
Changes such as Jeremiah's sexuality was added in to cater to a more open audience than at the original time of the books publication. The change in sexuality was also about representation. Steven Conklin (Sean Kaufman) is no longer a tertiary character, he is given a strong enough storyline. Which further emphasised how much both genders experience when it comes down to puberty and love. Susannah and Laurel maintained the strong bond originally written by Han, perhaps in this case they’re more “hip”. Going out drinking and having cheeky nights in whilst smoking blunts.
The characters were written and portrayed well enough. Viewers were sold on Taylor’s attititude, Jeremiahs free soul, Conrad’s brute like behaviour and Susannah’s love for family. If any further comments could be made I would suggest that there be more stress on race in further seasons. A show about Asian leads should make you feel as though it’s exactly that. It should never be a case of “just anyone” being able to play that role. Of course the Conklins children are said to only be half but references to their culture should be a more little apparent. However, there was a clear attempt at the dinner. Loral points out to Cameron that it’s a traditional Korean meal. If a little more homage is paid to the culture in the next season, it’s unlikely that anyone will be a critic.
The series takes us on a journey of lost interest, platonic love and heartbreaks. Viewers are given the positive sides as well as the gritty unseen bits. With that being said, the relationships seemed a little brief. Which could have left some viewers not connecting as quickly and therefore not feeling the aftermath of said situations.
The Cast.
The cast of The summer I Turned Pretty is filled with young adults that are all likely to have a very promising future career in acting. Almost all of the main casts characters experienced and issue this summer in some form or another. As an actor their role is to get that across to the audience effectively which for the most part was completed.
The most convincing actor award goes to Christopher Briney (Conrad). Brinny effortlessly gave us the “boy who’s clearly in love but fighting his own demons”! He embodied the pain, stubbornness as well as, the normal softie caved in below it all.
Chemistry.
The foundation of the romance genre is chemistry. Every movie needs it and all the characters need to ooze it. Two out of three of the most important relationships in the series had noticeable chemistry with one missing the mark. Conrad and Bailey alongside Laurel and Susannah definitely passed the chemistry read in pre-production. Jeremiah’s interest in Belly felt sudden, the audience weren’t eased into noticing the signs. His side eyes to her kisses with Cam or off guard stares came across as more brotherly protection that jealousy. Which made the fireworks scene seem almost laughable.
Yes.
In any series or movie mistakes are made and there will always be things to work on. Han is a patron of the young adult and coming of age categories, with the sound feedback and advice she’s received there is no doubt that season two will be anything less than a ten out of ten.
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