Warning: spoilers ahead.
Ah, first love. There’s nothing quite like it. Do you remember yours and how dramatic it was? If you think you and your beau have been through some tough sh*t, it’s nothing compared to the relationship woes depicted in this new Netflix series.
Netflix’ upcoming British thriller, The Innocents, follows the story of two teenagers—June (played by Sorcha Groundsell), and Harry (played by Percelle Ascott)—who decides to run away together to escape their messed-up family lives; June from her restrictive father, while Harry, from a somewhat broken home. Sounds familiar? Well, if you think it sounds suspiciously like that other hit, The End of the F*cking World, you can’t be more wrong. Two teenagers out on a you-and-me-against-the-world adventure is where the resemblance between the shows end. The overall tone and cinematography of this new show is more eerie and serious. As for the supernatural aspect, there are some similarities with Sense 8. Yep, that’s right, The Innocents could be your average young adult story, except it’s actually a sci-fi romantic coming-of-age.
Unlike other young lovers who take off with no concrete plans except hit the open road, the two soon found themselves in a situation much, much bigger than themselves, and certainly more complicated than looking for shelter or money, or surviving the streets—June’s shape-shifting abilities, which either of them were previously unaware of. Immediately, the young couple’s newfound freedom was put to a halt when a mysterious man tried to kidnap June for her “gift.” We then discover that the man was sent by a Professor (played by Guy Pierce) to retrieve and bring June to Norway, where he runs a home for the few women with similar abilities—including June’s mom—to “cure” them of their “illness.” Guy Pierce’s performance shone, as we’re left questioning the professor’s true intent for the rest of the series.
Though I think the lengthy eight episodes, almost an hour each, could be considerably reduced to exclude unnecessary moments, overall, The Innocents is a must-see for aficionados of the romantic sci-fi trope. And though it might center on young love, its themes are certainly not limited to young adults. Oh, and that cliffhanger in the last episode should be enough reason for you to stick it out until the end.
Watch the trailer below and make sure to catch it on Netflix on Aug. 24.
Art by Marian Hukom
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