There's lots to like in Normal People the series, but I feel as with most other adaptations except a select few (eg: Gone Girl, Devil wears Prada), the movie ended up ruining the book. I remember reading the book in a single setting. Tbh, in my late twenties, it did have a YA, immature vibe to it, but it was still great writing and had an addictive, unputdownable quality to it. The series though got exhausting pretty quickly.

3 things I liked 1. The casting was bang on - both characters were excellent choices although more standalone than anything else. the chemistry didnt feel real as such. 2. Music was great. 3. the aesthetic of the show - the design, costumes, cinematography, landscapes,art direction etc was on point.

3 things I disliked 1. The sex scenes - majorly overdone - dafuq? Really unwanted. Why was it needed? Perhaps to show "passion"; flop attempt. if anything, all of it felt mechanical 2. Made the story feel choppy - I mean its adapted from the book so cant blame the writing as such but didnt feel choppy in the book but here feels irritating and leaves you with questions. Why didnt she just ask him to stay at her place? Why didnt she just go with him to NYC? Why didnt he just ask her to the Debs? It feels freaking unnecessarily complicated for the heck of it. Fkn simplify it and move on with your life. 3. Painfully slow often - the expressions..elongated.. long scenes with just expressions.. just feels unwanted and painful.. hated it. Not that I am against it whatsoever. Finished watching Amour last week where the same elongated moments felt beautiful and was what made it amazing, but here does the opposite job.

All in all : 6ish. Stick to the book. Avoid this.