“I’m not a religious person but I do sometimes think God made you for me.” Now would you look at that brilliant penmanship? Sally Rooney and Normal People’s chokehold on us warrants an Ivy League intervention. The show premiered 4 years ago and we’re still reeling from our Connell and Marianne hangover that refuses to subside. Raw intimacy, an intense portrayal of young love and complexities battle it out to win the title of why this show is as loved as it is, to this day.
Now that speculations have been put to rest regarding a probable season 2 (sucks, I know), all we can do, is re-watch Normal People and pretend the two of them live a happily ever after. What we could also do is put our faith in shows that tackle the subject of love in a similar light, where the coming-of-age tale is laden with tragic undertones and specks of hope. Keep reading for more:
One Day
There was a book, then a movie, and then came this bundle of heartbreak packaged as a 14-episode-long Netflix special. This love story spans decades, similar to Normal People’s gradual trajectory, only to unite lovers for a tragic end. Sorry for the spoiler. Both are tearjerkers, laced with representations of love in its purest form (or the journey towards it). A must-watch if you’re yearning for a good cry. It was wailing in my case, though.
Modern Love
Modern Love is an anthology series chronicling a collection of true stories from the New York Times’s famous column. Each episode uses stories that are as varied as they are powerful to examine various aspects of love.
The show’s ensemble cast, which includes A-listers like Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey and Dev Patel contribute their special touch to the story of modern-day love and relationships akin to the various ways in which relationships are explored in Normal People.
Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag is not merely a love drama, but a complex psychological analysis of the show’s lead character. The plot of Fleabag’s story develops as she negotiates family dynamics, emotional trauma, and alluring love interests and most notably the ‘Hot Priest.’
The show’s subtle depiction of women has left a lasting impression on pop culture and has been praised for its dark humour. Similar to the profundity of Normal People, Fleabag skilfully handles the heartache of an unattainable romance.
The End of the F***ing World
This absurdist comedy may not have a lot of things similar to Normal People on the surface but warrants a place on this list because of the unlikely and compelling aspect of the relationship. It masterfully captures teenage angst and their responses to a conformist society whilst blossoming a relationship which is weirdly tender in its own way. You’re in for a treat with this one.
Scenes from a Marriage
My personal favourite. Scenes From A Marriage is an adaptation that offers a detailed analysis of married life and stars Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac as Marianne and Johan, respectively. It delves into the psychological complexities that can arise in seemingly ideal marriages and provides insightful perspectives on love’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Scenes From A Marriage is a perfect fit for Normal People’s patient, yet explosive storyline because both films feature outstanding acting and depth.
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