The show takes place in the seemingly idyllic suburban town of Skylin, Texas, which is reeling from the disappearance of popular high school student Kate Wallis. Initially, the town believes that Jeanette Turner, a seemingly outcast, was responsible for the disappearance of her former friend. The show delves deep into the lives of these two girls, as well as the life and family of another girl involved in their lives, Mallory Higgins.
The story is told in a non-linear fashion, using a three-year timeline with events from each year being shown in different episodes. This allows the viewer to get a better understanding of how and why the characters behave the way they do.
The psychological depth of the show is evident in its portrayal of the complex relationships between the characters. It paints a grim picture of teenage life, including the cruelty young women can inflict on each other in the face of societal expectations.
The series is similar to other psychological thrillers such as ‘Broadchurch’ and ‘Big Little Lies’. The character development in the show is fantastic, with each character’s personality and emotional arc being given enough time to develop properly. There are no one-dimensional characters, and each character has their own individual story to tell.
Near the beginning of the show, most of the attention is focused on Jeanette’s character. We see her go from socially awkward and friendless to the most popular girl in school in just one year. Her supposed involvement in Kate’s disappearance makes her the target of hate and bullying, and her life becomes a downward spiral of hate and isolation. On the other hand, we have Kate’s character, who goes from the most popular girl in school to an anonymous captive.
The show also tackles several societal issues, such as classism, sexism, and abuse. It shines a light on how people can be separated by their social status and how the class system in America can create unbridgeable gaps. Sexual abuse is also hinted at, with some characters revealing they have experienced it.
One thing that stands out about ‘Cruel Summer’ is the engaging soundtrack. The songs featured in the show, such as ‘Nuthin’ But a G Thang’ by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, perfectly suit the time and setting of the 1990s.
Overall, ‘Cruel Summer’ is a fantastic show that is worth watching. The story is gripping, the character development is amazing, and the way it tackles social issues is both honest and raw. The show is successful in providing us with a realistic picture of teenage life and how it shapes our personalities and behaviors.
The series has been a hit with audiences globally and has received positive reviews from critics. It is one of the most watched and streamed shows on Freeform, and renewed for a second season in May 2021. The cliffhanger it ends on suggests that things are going to get even darker in the future of the show.