I just finished watching this show, and I am absolutely blown away.
As someone that was a fan of the books when they were coming out, I have been anxiously waiting for this show since it was announced. And it somehow met all of my Wildest Dreams (because I, like the show, will shamelessly waste no opportunity to bring Taylor Swift into this discussion).
This show has so much heart. Every episode is absolutely brimming with it, and there is not one instance where you believe that this core group of characters doesn't really care for one another. That they aren't family.
Laurel and Susannah's friendship had such a spotlight. The families they chose to nurture together are always center stage. You know exactly who they are, and exactly how difficult this next chapter of their lives is going to be.
The relationships between the mothers and their children is beautiful. The relationships each woman has fostered with her best friend's children is equally amazing to witness.
Belly Conklin is full of sunshine. She herself is so full of life and love, and the actress who embodied her did the most remarkable job. She took the Belly I met in my childhood and brought her to life with finesse and buoyant energy. The show revolved around her and she was able to sustain it all, effortlessly becoming the beating heart of the summer we've all dreamed of having.
Between our amazing actors and the phenomenal writing, there is so much about this show to find joy in. First love? Explained flawlessly. The deep, unending love of Your Person? Shown with so much emotion that you will absolutely cry. That not-quite-explainable feeling of tripping into young adulthood when you least expect it? Portrayed with all the grace, mishaps, and butterflies we've all experienced.
It is absolutely gorgeous; a piece of art so true to its time, and yet completely shining through with a timeless quality.
I genuinely cannot wait for season 2 and am eagerly waiting to see how Jenny Han (and the rest of the amazing talent involved in this show) bring It's Not Summer Without You to life.
