One of the unique elements of HBO's House of the Dragon was the depiction of younger versions of central characters Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower. The roles played by actors Milly Alcock and Emily Carey added depth and tension to the series. Alcock gained significant recognition, paving the way for her future role as Supergirl. Carey has now taken on a different kind of role in Netflix's adaptation of Holly Smale's Geek Girl series.
Geek Girl provides a relatable, low-pressure young adult fairy tale that explores the challenges and triumphs of adolescence. It may even appeal to a younger target audience unfamiliar with previous young adult demographics, such as Euphoria. Despite its familiar territory, the series captivates with its swift storyline, appealing warmth, and Carey's confident performance.
Emily Carey portrays Harriet Manners, a self-proclaimed "geek" with socially awkward tendencies and intriguing passions. Despite the blow of being ostracized by her peers, Harriet possesses a loving support system, with a loyal best friend and encouraging family members. Her character grabs the attention of a famous modeling agent following an unexpected win by her fashion class at a London fashion event.
The show maintains its calm pace and light tension even as it touches on issues such as friendship betrayals, teenage crushes, and school bullying. The world portrayed in Geek Girl is remarkably clean, without the usual references to drugs, alcohol, or explicit sexual encounters - a rare find in shows about adolescence.
A significant feature of the series lies in Harriet's character development. The character is shown to struggle with recognizing social cues and various other stimuli, displaying behaviors attributed to neurodivergent individuals. Yet, the creators took a cautious approach in addressing Harriet's condition, opting not to define her by a label.
In handling similar issues, the creators of Geek Girl hoped to create an environment where discomfort, as experienced by most teenagers, is normalized. Diagnosing Harriet could serve a purpose, but the show aimed to reflect a universal adolescent unease instead.
Emily Carey's portrayal of Harriet paints an authentic picture of her character's struggles, coping mechanisms, and accomplishments, which culminates in an emotional climax toward the end of the series. Carey successfully navigates the stereotypical genre tropes, making Harriet's transformations believable without overdoing them.
Despite a few repetitive elements in the series' visual language, director Declan O'Dwyer maintains a steady series rhythm. The blend of comedy, light drama, and romance never tips off balance.
Netflix's Geek Girl, in its best moments, can be compared to the short-lived but much-loved adaptation of The Baby-Sitter's Club, serving as a reminder of the transient nature of quality content on the platform.
