'The Girls on the Bus' Review: Max's political drama banks on Melissa Benoist's acting prowess
Contains spoilers for 'The Girls on the Bus'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Max's political drama series, 'The Girls on the Bus', is inspired by Amy Chozick’s 2018 memoir 'Chasing Hillary', which recounts her experiences aboard Hillary Clinton’s campaign bus during the 2008 and 2016 presidential races.
Starring Melissa Benoist, Natasha Behnam, Christina Elmore, Brandon Scott, and Carla Gugino in pivotal roles, the series follows the journey of a group of female journalists covering a presidential campaign.
However, the series falls short in providing substantial insights into the realms of politics and media. It struggles to offer a fresh perspective or a compelling narrative that diverges significantly from our own reality, making it challenging for viewers seeking an escape from real-world issues.
It's the exceptional performances of Melissa Benoist, Carla Gugino, and Christina Elmore that elevate the entire drama. Their acting prowess brings depth and authenticity to their characters, making them relatable and engaging.
Melissa Benoist's performance as Sadie McCarthy shines bright in 'The Girls on the Bus'
Melissa Benoist's performance as Sadie McCarthy in 'The Girls on the Bus' is nothing short of exceptional. Her portrayal of the determined journalist feels so real and authentic that it's easy to forget she's acting.
Melissa effortlessly embodies the nuances of Sadie's character, from her passion for journalism to her vulnerabilities in her personal life.
Watching Melissa on screen, you can't help but feel like you're watching a real-life journalist navigate the complexities of the campaign trail.
Melissa's portrayal as Sadie strikes a balance between being silly and fun while also acknowledging the seriousness with which political journalists approach their work.
Melissa deftly navigates between Sadie's playful, witty side and her deeply dedicated, serious approach to journalism. In moments of levity, Melissa shines, infusing Sadie with a charming charisma that draws viewers in. Yet, it's in the portrayal of Sadie's dedication to her craft where Melissa truly excels.
Overall, Melissa's chemistry with Brandon Scott, who plays Malcolm, Sadie's love interest in 'The Girls on the Bus', is a standout aspect of the series. Their scenes together are filled with tension, longing, and emotion, portraying a relationship that is both compelling and relatable.
Whether portraying intimate moments of connection or engaging in heated exchanges, Melissa and Brandon deliver exceptional performances.
'The Girls on the Bus' fails to deliver meaningful political insights
While the series is based on Chozick’s memoir 'Chasing Hillary', which offers a behind-the-scenes look at Clinton’s presidential campaigns, the series struggles to provide a deeper understanding of the political landscape.
The series focuses more on personal relationships and drama rather than on the intricacies of political strategy, campaign dynamics, or the role of media in shaping public opinion.
While the characters are engaging and the storyline is compelling, there is a lack of depth when it comes to exploring the complexities of political campaigns.
It fails to deliver meaningful insights into the realm of politics. Instead, it relies on familiar tropes and clichés, such as the portrayal of a black woman facing racism and the storyline of two lovers falling in love again.
However, Christina Elmore shines in her role as Kimberlyn Kendrick, a black woman journalist in 'The Girls on the Bus'. Her portrayal effectively conveys the sentiments of a black woman who faces racism and illustrates how she copes with these challenges.
Carla Gugino's portrayal of Grace Gordon Greene is also remarkably authentic, making her character feel like a real-life journalist. Through subtle nuances in her acting, Carla portrays Grace as a journalist who is dedicated to her work, always striving for the truth and unafraid to ask tough questions.
Through its engaging storyline and strong performances, it is a must-watch series for those interested in the dynamics of journalism.
'The Girls on the Bus' is now streaming on Max.