Review: You

The first bingeable show of 2019 is You, on Netflix. You've probably seen some discussion online, and the associated memes about how Beck should get some damn curtains, and how people are strangely attracted to Joe (Penn Badgley's character).
Based on Caroline Kepnes' novel of the same name, You follows Joe Goldberg, a bookshop manager, as he pursues (read: stalks) Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail), an aspiring writer. Beck, as her friends call her, is unaware of the methods that Joe employs to get to know her, and winds up dating him.
It's very hard to talk about this show without giving away any spoilers, there are so many beautifully played out details that are too interesting not to discuss. So I'll just say that this is a must-see, and leave the spoilers until the end (don't worry, I'll tell you when to stop reading if you don't want spoilers!)

You is set in the New York City of your favourite TV shows and movies; the idealised version, without the grimy underbelly, the piles of garbage stinking up the streets and the run-down stores. This isn't a criticism of the show at all, they have created a beautiful backdrop for a story which is quite the opposite. You will lust after Beck's beautiful apartment, a place that in reality you could never afford. Even Joe's apartment, which is set in a shady building, is obviously supposed to be undesirable, although it is actually very cool in a hipster kind of way, and in real life would probably cost a small fortune.
This is in contrast to Beck's friend Peach, who as a member of a wealthy, prestigious family, lives somewhere that even if everybody I know chipped in, we could never afford. This, plus the quaint setting of the bookshop in which Joe works, the pleasant scenery of Central Park, and the cool cafes and trendy bars that Beck and her friends frequent, makes for a picture perfect version of the city.

The acting is great, I really enjoyed all of the cast, from Penn Badgley as Joe (who, if you're a Gossip Girl fan, will give you strong Dan Humphrey vibes, but with a dark side), to Shay Mitchell as Peach, and the young Luca Padovan as Paco. Not forgetting Elizabeth Lail as Beck, who does an excellent job throughout the series.

I usually like to read the book before I see the adaptation , but I didn't realise this was based on a book until I started watching. Honestly, it wouldn't have mattered in this case, as I really wanted to get into it after hearing all the hype. However I did read afterwards that the ending has been slightly changed from the book, to make room for season two. So it will be interesting to see where they take it, with that new development. There are still questions that need answering, as well as pasts that can be delved into in greater depth, so I'm looking forward to season two, which at this stage has no release date (but looks like it's being filmed already). Now, people who haven't watched it yet, please excuse me while I get into some details. Go watch the series though! Go, now. Go on!

Watch if you like:

• The book You by Caroline Kepnes
• Mystery
• Shows with a dark side/twist
• Gossip Girl (for Penn Badgley, but also for the rich people living in NYC with drama)

                                  *******SPOILER ALERT! SPOILERS BELOW!***********


Ok, SO. Firstly, obviously, there are two big questions. One, why does Beck have no curtains?? Her apartment is right on the street for one thing, also wouldn't the sun wake you up super early? And just, why? Oh well, good for Joe I guess. Secondly, and this is the question on everyone's minds because I just read that Google searches of this have spiked since the show was released, is there DNA in urine? Is that jar at Peach's house going to be Joe's downfall? Apparently it is very unlikely, though possible, to get someone's DNA from their urine. So we'll see I guess. However, he is a messy killer and was really not careful in some regards, so he will definitely get caught somehow.

I was surprised that Joe left it so late to kill Ron. Here you have Paco, poor little Paco with his abused mother, practically begging Joe to help him out (not necessarily kill the guy, but you know, something), and sure I guess Joe's busy with his own messy life, but damn.
I was also surprised when we finally met Mr. Mooney. I thought for sure that Joe had killed him and gotten himself a nice little bookshop. I'm keen to see more of Joe's backstory in season two though.
And of course, that ending surprised us all, Candace is alive?? And somehow not terrified of Joe. Will we see more of the ending/aftermath of their relationship in season two? Where has she been? And what does she want from Joe now? Does she know he's a killer?

Look at this creep

Can we also just talk about how people were saying how hot the character of Joe is? HE IS A MURDERER. God damn. How bad is it out there single people? I've heard some horror stories about Tinder, but seriously. He's also super creepy. Like, not all the time, but definitely creepy. He's not even nice a lot of the time. He will say nice things about Beck in his head, but to her face he doesn't apologise when he upsets her, and is quite harsh sometimes. Honestly, the love of books and the complete and utter devotion isn't worth the stalking and the murdering, so maybe find a better  fictional love interest?

That's all I have for now, looking forward to season two! Will Joe get caught? Why is he going to California? (Apparently that's what he's doing in season two). What's Candace's deal? I'm quite tempted to read Caroline Kepnes' sequel Hidden Bodies, but I don't want to ruin it, even though I think the show will take a different path, especially after they changed the ending of season one from the book. Anyway, time will tell!