We know what bittersweet is, but what is sweetbitter? A taste for seasoned palates, perhaps? I intend to find out as I watch beyond the first three episodes of this series starring Ella Purnell as a twenty-two-year-old who moves from rural Ohio to New York City on a journey of discovery.
In the first episode, she finds employment in a upscale restaurant. She is surrounded by people who seem to have the key to an exclusive club that is foreign to her. Everything seems to come easy to them, so she studies their every word and movement.
This is, obviously, a fish-out-of-water story melded with a coming-of-age story, and much of its success hangs on Purnell's believability and the viewer's desire to follow her down the rabbit hole. Fortunately, her character is likable and she portrays well the earnest innocence of "the new kid".
The show's attention to detail is apparent in every set, every action. The casting is near perfect, surrounding Purnell with characters you want to learn about.
The music deserves mention. It feels perfectly wedded to every scene.
The writing is nuanced and sparse (in the best way).
In one scene, the main character is walking across the Williamsburg Bridge and I felt I could smell the oily, human dirtiness of the city.
If you watch the first few episodes, notice how many times they mention the main character's name. It's a small item, but it informs the viewer in a subtle way.
In the first episode, she finds employment in a upscale restaurant. She is surrounded by people who seem to have the key to an exclusive club that is foreign to her. Everything seems to come easy to them, so she studies their every word and movement.
This is, obviously, a fish-out-of-water story melded with a coming-of-age story, and much of its success hangs on Purnell's believability and the viewer's desire to follow her down the rabbit hole. Fortunately, her character is likable and she portrays well the earnest innocence of "the new kid".
The show's attention to detail is apparent in every set, every action. The casting is near perfect, surrounding Purnell with characters you want to learn about.
The music deserves mention. It feels perfectly wedded to every scene.
The writing is nuanced and sparse (in the best way).
In one scene, the main character is walking across the Williamsburg Bridge and I felt I could smell the oily, human dirtiness of the city.
If you watch the first few episodes, notice how many times they mention the main character's name. It's a small item, but it informs the viewer in a subtle way.