Seriously, the storytelling and character work in Off Campus is so far beyond anything I expected going into it. The way that every point of conflict stems from established traumas or fears getting triggered rather than lies and miscommunication? The dismantling of toxic masculinity (especially within male friendships + their treatment of women)? The portrayal of women's tendency to feel guilty once they start enjoying themselves? THE GIRLBESTIES, HELLO? The early theme of "how can two things be true at once" resonating with Garrett's confusion over Hannah's feelings, and then the show taking that a step further by introducing all these nuanced conversations across the entire cast where neither party is in the wrong? The fact that we actually spend time with the main couple in a healthy relationship, facing issues together, rather than spending it all on dramatized buildup just to prolong tension?
This really feels like a group of flawed people who are so supportive of one another in their time of need. Everyone has moments of gold. Yet, when they do something that hurts someone else, the narrative doesn't reward nor punish them for it, rather it asks the audience to consider: why do you think they've done this? Does it define them? Can you see both sides? The writing trusts you as the audience to look inside these people and draw your own conclusions, while onscreen the characters themselves respond to hiccups with maturity and emotional honesty. It's incredibly refreshing.
Also, just, the framing of all this is outstanding. There are times you'll enter into a confrontation with an idea whose side you're on, but then you listen to what the other person has to say, and suddenly you understand that this isn't black and white. They're adding context, or they're missing context, or you simply hadn't thought of it that way. But it never feels like pulling the rug, either. Based on what you know about this character, their perspective on this situation makes PERFECT sense as soon as they've shared it. And you know what? They're valid for thinking that way.
Speaking of framing don't even get me STARTED ON EPISODE 6. Recontextualizing moments you've already seen, "deleted" scenes, hidden storylines my beloved!
I have to give flowers to all the actors and the editing team as well- acting performances are super naturalistic and believable, plus cast chemistry is out of this world! Such fun choices with the occasional use of split screen, quick cutting parallels, details in the background that come up later, it's just so engaging to watch and follow along with. Music choices, too! One of those shows that is actually elevated by its soundtrack.
Anyway, none of my friends have watched this yet and I have soooo much to say. I'm so impressed with what I thought would be just a silly porny YA romantic drama. This shit is REAL, including the topics it covers. Immaculate season of television in my humble opinion.
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