Overview

A small town in the middle of nowhere. A raging teenage dirtbag with a secret crush on her best friend, who also happens to be dating the school’s most popular jock. I bet you can guess where this is going. Well, I’m here to tell you that this series brings you much more than just cheesy romance and typical high school stereotypes. It brings a new perspective of the teenage mind.

Sydney Novak, or Syd, our 17-year-old protagonist, struggles with an uncontrollable temper due to the unanswered questions left by her deceased father and the overwhelming responsibility of taking care of her little brother when her mother works late. On top of that, her best friend just started dating the one boy she despises the most, and Syd can only deny the feelings and jealousy boiling inside of her. In a world full of angst, Syd doesn’t know who or where to turn to, until she befriends her quirky next-door neighbor, Stanley Barber, who is played by none other than heartthrob Wyatt Oleff. Throughout the story, Syd slowly discovers a strange force generating from her emotions, specifically anger and sadness, and seeks to know where it comes from and how to control it. This sends her into a spiral of complications with her friends, family, and life as she knows it. It only seems that this new power of hers is a curse, but also an awakening.

Personal Opinion

I began watching this series because I was just looking for something new, and didn’t really know what to expect with this one, but it immediately got me hooked from the first episode. One thing I love the most about this show is that the characters are all unique and atypical, and I feel like all of them represent someone in our lives, if not parts of ourselves. They each have their own secret lives outside of school, and it really shines light on the different situations high schoolers face while trying to cope with themselves as well. Yes, it may be another ‘coming-of-age rom-com” deal, but it’s not the average “outcast-turns-hero” stuff that has swept every streaming service. It’s realistic in a way that viewers can connect with it rather than fantasize about it.

Following Syd on her journey through life, while also trying to uncover the origin of her mysterious powers, really makes you think about how everyone around us is struggling with their own issues, whether they are seen or unseen. Syd’s powers are a great representation of how our emotions look in our heads, and I think it gives young viewers an experience that’s heartfelt yet thrilling. Keep in mind that this series is rated MA since episodes include constant language, drug use and some blood, but I don’t think it’s a disturbing amount. Overall, this show doesn’t fail to keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation, and every turn of events holds you close.

If you’re looking for something new to watch while you’re in quarantine, I would definitely take a look at “I Am Not Okay With This” on Netflix.