The show truly captures the essence of friendship, love, vulnerability, and complexity of relationships. As a viewer, you are introduced to Frances and Bobbi, two college students living in Dublin. They are both poets and perform spoken word poetry together. The show takes you on a journey of self-discovery and exploration through these characters as they navigate their way through love, life, and their changing relationships.
One of the significant themes explored in the show is sexuality. While watching the series, one can’t help but appreciate how the show portrays sexuality in an incredibly open and honest way. Frances, the protagonist, is openly bisexual, and the show is a display of how beautifully it can be depicted without being fetishized or stereotyped. Furthermore, the show also portrays a married couple going through a rough patch when one partner realizes they are bisexual, emphasizing that sexuality is an ongoing journey.
Another aspect that the show does exceptionally well is the portrayal of female friendships. It can be challenging to depict female friendships authentically as popular media often romanticizes them. However, “Conversations with Friends” showcases that female friendships go beyond brunch dates and shopping sprees, pushing aside these tropes in favor of a more nuanced and realistic portrayal. Frances and Bobbies’ rollercoaster friendship is incredibly relatable, from “I love you forever” moments to disagreements and falling outs.
The show also delves into themes of mental health and anxiety. Frances grapples with depression and self-harm, and her struggle with mental health further adds an emotional layer to the characters, making it possible for audiences to empathize with them fully. The series also touches on the pressure that young adults face, including pressure to perform well, figuring out who they are, and the pressure of adulting, all of which can bring significant anxiety.
In conclusion, “Conversations with Friends” is an incredibly refreshing TV series that showcases how complex and nuanced relationships can be. The show is well written, and the characters are expertly crafted, making the show a must-watch. Whether artistic or not, the characters are relatable, and their struggles with mental health, relationships, and personal growth are sure to resonate with viewers. The show’s portrayal of female friendships and sexuality is remarkable, and it challenges the outdated and regressive depictions often seen in popular media. Sally Rooney has created a masterpiece, and fans eagerly anticipate its second season.
Overall, I highly recommend this show to anyone looking for an intelligent, heartfelt, and emotional TV series that captures the human experience.