NTWON: The End of the Fucking World

This month's Netflix spotlight is all about the ministries based on a graphic novel, The End of the Fucking World. 

This isn't your usual boy meets girl tale. Come join teenage outsiders James and Alyssa on a road trip like no other. Based upon the graphic novel by Charles Forsman. Cast: James (Alex Lawther - Black Mirror, The Imitation Game) Alyssa (Jessica Barden - The Lobster, Ellen, Penny Dreadful) Wunmi Mosaku (Damilola Our Loved Boy) and Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones, The Moorside).

The End of the Fucking World is about a boy named James and a girl named Alyssa.  Alyssa is a mean and rebellious girl who doesn't really care about much of anything and decides that James would make a decent boyfriend. James considers himself a psychopath and decides that Alyssa would make a good first victim. From there begins a bloody and weirdly romantic tale.

The End of the Fucking World is very tightly written. The writers made sure to include a balance of foreshadowing and red herrings in order to keep viewers guessing until the very end. More impressively, the writers also worked hard to completely characterize both James and Alyssa as they adventure through the English countryside. As things fly further off the rails, James and Alyssa adapt accordingly in realistic and sometimes touching ways. 

Visually, this show takes risks. One of the most interesting decisions was the inclusion of quick cuts to future scenes with little context to create a certain implication. However, when the audience finally sees this scene unfold in context, we realize that it's something very different from what we initially understood it to be. These stunning, often bloody, visuals are routinely paired with upbeat throwbacks to increase the tension and absurdity of what audiences see in addition to reminding them that yes, this is a love story.

Overall, The End of the Fucking World is a phenomenal weekend binge that rewards multiple viewings. Check it out!