'Geek Girl' Review: Emily Carey's phenomenal acting chops steal the show in Netflix's comedy-drama series
Contains spoilers for 'Geek Girl'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Netflix's adaptation of Holly Smale's 'Geek Girl' is the newest addition to the growing trend of book adaptations on screen this year.
The ten-episode series, directed by Declan O'Dwyer, immerses you in the world of Harriet Manners (Emily Carey), a socially awkward but relatable girl navigating the highs and lows of teenage life.
As Harriet continues on her path to become a model, she finds herself losing control as she strives to balance the complexities of the catwalk and discover the delicate dance of first love.
The premise of the series is not extraordinary, as we have seen similar plots in films such as 'Princess Diaries' and 'Maid In Manhattan' where an ugly duckling gets a makeover and transforms into a swoon-worthy beauty.
But what distinguishes 'Geek Girl' is its ability to deliver a feel-good and cozy viewing experience that keeps you entertained and works like a breath of fresh air amongst the hoards of action and drama releases.
Declan O'Dwyer's direction takes center stage in 'Geek Girl'
The screenplay of the show expertly weaves the story of a nerd who ends up in the fashion world, making Harriet's journey both fascinating and moving.
The story revolves around Harriet's metamorphosis from a nerdy outsider to a confident model. Her modeling career begins when she is spotted by talent agent Wilbur Evans (Emmanuel Imani) after making a funny mistake, forcing her into the competitive world of fashion.
While the script offers nothing new, as we have seen such premieres unfold before, the way the story is treated makes the difference, and all credit should go to Director, Declan O'Dwyer's direction for this.
O'Dwyer maintains a brisk pace, keeping viewers engaged with Harriet's adventures, and balances comedic moments with poignant scenes, highlighting the emotional depth of Harriet's journey.
His direction adds a dynamic and colorful touch to the series as he expertly conveys the contrast between Harriet's humdrum daily existence and the glitzy, high-stakes world of modelling.
The stellar cast brings Holly Smale's characters to life in 'Geek Girl'
Another aspect of the series is the cast's performance, which enriches the show by adding depth and realism to the adored characters from Holly Smale's book.
The cast, led by Emily Carey, who we saw in 'House of the Dragon', gives interesting and memorable performances as Harriet Manners, that capture the essence of the original material. She exudes confidence as she expertly navigates Harriet's shift from outsider to model, making her journey both captivating and touching.
Wilbur Evans, the talent agent who scouts Harriet, is played by Emmanuel Imani, who exudes charm. His portrayal of Wilbur is both vibrant and helpful, and adds an element of mentorship to the storyline.
Liam Woodrum's portrayal of Nick Park, Harriet's love interest and swoon-worthy fellow model, is engaging and a scene stealer. Woodrum's chemistry with Carey is evident, resulting in a genuine and uplifting relationship that audiences will pull for.
Overall, 'Geek Girl' is a predictable yet entertaining series, where the plot is based on known clichés, the relatable protagonist and romantic romance make it an enjoyable watch for genre enthusiasts.
However, fans looking for a show with deeper themes or a more nuanced picture of the modeling industry may be disappointed. Whether you're a fan of the books or new to Harriet's world, 'Geek Girl' is a pleasant getaway into the challenges and joys of adolescence.
'Geek Girl' is now streaming on Netflix