You on Netflix
You is a 10-episode Netflix series that veers from millenial meet cute Rom Com to creepy cyber security stalker tale. The show is based on Caroline Kepnes’ novel. Aspiring writer Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail) meets mild-mannered bookstore manager Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley). Joe falls head-over-heels in love but struggles to get out of the “Friend Zone.”
Joe weasels his way into Beck’s private life. Her social-network settings are sloppy and easily opened. He follows her nights out, learns her plans, discovers her yearnings, knows her insecurities around her rich girl friends, and her troubles at the university. He is especially interested in the snarky comments made about him.
At the same time, Joe pursues a careful steady courtship of Beck. Her earns her trust and encourages her talent. Her snooty friends don’t stand a chance in the face of his charm offensive and sly skullduggery. Joe stops at nothing to remove the obstacles that keep Beck from loving him.
Joe is a toxic Power of Love character. He lavishs his attention and affection on Beck in order to exercise control, prevail, gain dominance and conquer her heart. These characters see their own value reflected in the eyes of their love object. Their philosophy might be stated: “You’re nothing without me. (And I feel I am nothing without you.)”
Joe is compelling Power of Love male lead. He is soft, gentle, and compliant on the outside—but made of strong, even steely, stuff on the inside, with a heavy dose of the psychopath.
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