An In-Depth Review of 'Never Have I Ever': A New Streaming Sensation
'Never Have I Ever,' a Netflix series featuring an NRI girl named Devi, captures the essence of a high school student's struggle to fit in while dealing with the challenges of growing up. This review aims to explore the various aspects of the series, ranging from its storyline and acting to the representation of Indian culture and its entertainment value.
Introduction and Overview
The series focuses on Devi, a nerdy Indian girl who attends a high school outside her home country. Struggling to fit in at school, she tries to embrace a more 'cool' persona, leading to a series of adventures and challenges that test her character. Although Devi's past brings with it its own set of emotions, the show primarily revolves around her efforts to navigate the social and emotional landscape of high school life.
Public Reactions and Reviews
Despite its unique premise, 'Never Have I Ever' has garnered mixed reactions from viewers. Some praise the show, while others criticize it for various reasons.
Positive Reviews
Sarah: 'Ive seen the first season and I love it. Im not usually into “romcoms”, but I do really like it. I definitely recommend. Id say the age group would be like mature 15s and up.'
John: 'Yes, I do liked this series. Its an amazing series which shows us about an Indian girl who deals with all the problems of hers. Its really an interesting series and is highly recommended.'
Ashley: 'A big Yes. I am not a series fan or binge watcher. I was randomly scrolling through Netflix and it popped on this series. I saw the title and thought it might be some teeny crap but it turned out to be a good entertainer. Its fresh with a good storyline and the character of Devi is the core of it. This series has potential to bring new essence to what we have been watching. Ill definitely suggest you to watch. By the way season 2 is confirmed.'
Negative Reviews
David: 'No, I didn’t like it at all. Started watching it with a lot of expectations but I couldn’t watch it after the 5th episode because I was so bored. I think they stereotyped India and Indians a lot to the point where it wasn’t funny at all just straight up annoying. And the story was predictable I figured in the first episode with whom the Devi is going to end up with. And I didn’t feel as if I was watching a series set up in the US it just felt as if I am watching another Indian webseries. Also the Devi’s cousin was annoying.'
Michael: 'I think it is good not excellent or amazing but not bad either. If you’re bored and just want something to binge, Never Have I Ever wouldn’t disappoint you but at the same time I would say it has a lot in common with other teen dramas on Netflix like Sex Education or Insatiable or the teen rom coms like To all the boys I Have Loved Before. So it doesn’t offer anything new. Also they have exaggerated about the Indian culture wayyyyy more than necessary. I mean not everyone has an arranged marriage in India and most of the NRIs I know aren’t even 40 as conservative as they have shown in the series. So yeah give it a try if you want to although there are better shows than this one on Netflix.'
Conclusion
In conclusion, 'Never Have I Ever' offers a glimpse into the life of an NRI girl navigating the challenges of high school, culture, and self-identity. While some find it engaging and fresh, others criticize it for its representation of Indian culture and predictability. Regardless, the show serves as a captivating entry point for audiences exploring diverse storytelling on streaming platforms.
Rating and Recommendations
I would rate it 7.9/10. For those looking for an entertaining series with a good storyline and a relatable protagonist, 'Never Have I Ever' is definitely worth a watch. However, potential viewers should be aware of the show’s reliance on stereotypes and cultural elements, which could be a turn-off for some.