As if you didn’t have enough series on your Netflix watch list. Here’s another one. You is based on the series that shares the same name, by Caroline Kepnes. It follows Joe (Penn Badgley) a bookstore owner who quickly becomes obsessed with Beck (Elizabeth Lail). A grad student who happens to wander into his shop. Now if you haven’t watched the series yet. I warn you there are spoilers.
The first episode starts off with a charming introduction worthy of a romantic movie. Its sweet, genuine, and feels like the start of a budding relationship. As there is clearly chemistry between the two. But there’s a huge kicker: Joe is a stalker. After Beck leaves, he is does everything in his power to learn more about her. Through his narration we learn of a previous romantic relationship that didn’t end so well. As the girl wasn’t who Joe thought she was. Since he fears having his heart broken again. He spies on Beck to find out who she really is.
Over the course of two episodes, Joe’s obsession progresses. He finds out where she lives. Watches her through windows as she sleeps with other men. Which isn’t very hard since Beck is allergic to curtains. Goes as far as following her to school. Steals Beck’s cellphone after saving her life. Beck of course gets a new phone. However, he is logged onto her cloud. So, he is still able to read all her texts, notifications, purchases, and tweets. He also tries to eliminate competition. Such as Beck’s on again off again boyfriend, Benji. Now all this is terrifying. But I admire how the writers still find a way to make Joe an intricate, charismatic character. Coupled with Penn Badgley acting, you can’t help but get heavily invested in Joe’s character. Helps that Joe is a master manipulator but that is another post.
The writers make him a little more likeable in his relationship with Paco, the neighbors’ son. A troubled boy whose parents are constantly at eachothers throats. His father is a verbally, emotionally, abusive bully. Driving Paco to seek solace in literature. Of course, being a bookstore owner, Joe supplies Paco with books, kind words, and advice. Shows him nothing but gentleness and respect. Even slips Paco a meatball sub when he’s hungry. Apologizes for the one time he yells at him in the second episode. Although said boyfriend, threatens Joe to stay away because he suspects there’s something wrong with him (Irony, anyone?). Joe doesn’t let it stop him from being the only friend Paco has. He truly does care for him. It’s endearing.
The writers of the shows also uses his growing relationship with Beck to continue making him likeable. In the second episode, we see Beck test the waters. She takes Joe to a social event at her rich, best friend Peach’s house played by Shay Mitchell. Of course, Peach doesn’t take a liking to him. At first it comes off as Joe being out of Beck’s league in her eyes, and lower class. Yet, Peach has no problem throwing money at Beck. Especially once Beck is at risk of losing her apartment after a sour encounter with her handsy English Major advisor.
When Beck confides in Joe at the party about everything including the check Peach wrote her. Joe encourages her to “show some teeth”. It inspires her to stand up to her advisor, and blackmail him into giving her a transfer. Allowing her to keep her apartment, future, and sanity, without Peach’s money. It was a touching moment. Made all the more impactful by Beck finally entering a relationship with Joe because of it. He was supportive, listened to her, and encouraged her to stand up for herself. The same way he is attentive to Paco. You almost forget that he is a stalker. Almost. Then of course we are reminded of Joe’s true nature at the end when he finishes off Benji.
Overall: I love this series so far and everyone needs to watch it.
The Melo Bookworm 