After an ad popped up on TikTok, I decided to give FreeForm's new show, "Cruel Summer" a chance. Normally I'd steer clear, but the preview intrigued me. Available on Hulu as well, "Cruel Summer" is a dark thriller that occurs over the summers of 1993, 1994, and 1995. The "it" girl, Kate, goes missing in a town in Texas she's found alive a year later. Jeanette goes from the typical nerdy invisible girl to miss popular, and by the summer of 95' the most despised girl in the country.
1. It keeps you intrigued.
It's a little early to give an in-depth analysis of the show, since only two episodes are out. Despite that, the first two episodes keep you on your toes. The show is constantly switching between the summers of 1993, 1994', and 1995. In just the first few episodes, so many questions are being positive and no clear answers are given. If the show maintains this momentum, the remainder of the season will be great to watch.
2. The cast is perfect.
I have to give credit where credit is due. Chiara Aurelia, who plays Jeanette does a fantastic job. Each year, Jeanette has a seemingly different personality, and she effortless goes from playing an innocent 15 year old to a broken and bitter 17 year old. Olivia Holt also flawlessly captures her character, Kate. These two aren't the only ones showing out early on, as the whole cast manages to keep the plot realistic and entertaining.
3. The plot is excellent.
This may be a given, but it's an interesting take on a somewhat typical thriller type of show. Instead of focusing on who actually kidnapped Katie, the show centers around Jeanette and Katie after Katie reveals that Jeanette saw her while she was being held captive and said nothing. I haven't really seen that avenue explored before. Not to mention, since the whole thing deals with the parents and the teenagers, it gives me Riverdale vibes at its peak, meaning season 1. The only thing I know for certain after the first two episodes is that I want to know what happened.
