As Episode 1 of "Conversations With Friends" (2022 release; from Ireland; 12 episodes of about 30 min each) opens, We get to meet Frances and her roommate Bobbi, and American living in Dublin. Frances is finishing up her university exams for the summer. By happenstance, Frances and Bobbi get to know Melissa, a writer and married to Nick, an actor, whom Frances describes as a "trophy husband"... At this point we are 10 min into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from Irish writer/director (and executive producer) Lenny Abrahamson ("Frank", "Normal People"), working from the 2017 novel of the same name by Irish author Sally Rooney. Here we are invited into the daily lives of these characters, and the question is whether (a) their stories are believable stories and (b) whether the performances are authentic to the extent that you accept their invite to seeing their daily lives. The answer is an emphatic YES and YES to both questions. It didn't take me long to totally embrace these characters. There are no wild moments or head-scratching moments. Just well written and well acted scenes of say-to-day lives of people in Ireland. Newcomer Alison Oliver is outstanding as Frances. Sasha Lane holds her own as Bobbi. I can't say that was familiar before this with either Jemima Kirke (as Melissa) or Joey Alwyn (as Nick). The series being set in Ireland is of course a plus on top of that. I've just seen the initial two episodes and I can't wait to spend more time with these characters.
"Conversations With Friends" premiered on Hulu today, and all 12 episodes are now available for binging. If you are interested in human stories and great writing and acting, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
*UPDATE* I've now seen 6 episodes. Episodes 4 and 5 take place in Croatia, where the gang goes on vacation, and more drama continues. Loving this series, and will look forward how it all plays out in the remaining episodes.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from Irish writer/director (and executive producer) Lenny Abrahamson ("Frank", "Normal People"), working from the 2017 novel of the same name by Irish author Sally Rooney. Here we are invited into the daily lives of these characters, and the question is whether (a) their stories are believable stories and (b) whether the performances are authentic to the extent that you accept their invite to seeing their daily lives. The answer is an emphatic YES and YES to both questions. It didn't take me long to totally embrace these characters. There are no wild moments or head-scratching moments. Just well written and well acted scenes of say-to-day lives of people in Ireland. Newcomer Alison Oliver is outstanding as Frances. Sasha Lane holds her own as Bobbi. I can't say that was familiar before this with either Jemima Kirke (as Melissa) or Joey Alwyn (as Nick). The series being set in Ireland is of course a plus on top of that. I've just seen the initial two episodes and I can't wait to spend more time with these characters.
"Conversations With Friends" premiered on Hulu today, and all 12 episodes are now available for binging. If you are interested in human stories and great writing and acting, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
*UPDATE* I've now seen 6 episodes. Episodes 4 and 5 take place in Croatia, where the gang goes on vacation, and more drama continues. Loving this series, and will look forward how it all plays out in the remaining episodes.