Introduction
“Normal People,” the critically acclaimed television adaptation of Sally Rooney’s 2018 novel, is a profound exploration of young love, vulnerability, identity, and the psychological impact of social class. Directed by Lenny Abrahamson and Hettie Macdonald, and released in 2020 on BBC Three and Hulu, the 12-part series stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne Sheridan and Paul Mescal as Connell Waldron. The show is not just a love story but a delicate, intricate portrait of two individuals trying to navigate their feelings, ambitions, and traumas in a world that constantly miscommunicates their intentions.
Plot Summary
Set initially in a small town in County Sligo, Ireland, “Normal People” charts the relationship between Marianne and Connell from their final year of school into their university years at Trinity College Dublin. Marianne is intelligent, wealthy, and socially isolated. Connell, on the other hand, is popular and well-liked but from a working-class background; his mother, Lorraine, works as a cleaner for Marianne’s family.
Despite their differences, the two form a complex, magnetic bond that leads to a secret relationship in high school. Connell, fearing judgment from his peers, refuses to publicly acknowledge their connection. This betrayal deeply wounds Marianne, and they drift apart. However, their paths continue to cross, and the story follows the ebb and flow of their relationship—through miscommunication, emotional growth, and personal setbacks—over several years.
Character Study
One of the greatest strengths of “Normal People” is its intimate character development. The camera lingers not just on faces but on silences, glances, and physical closeness. The series invites viewers to feel the emotional currents between Connell and Marianne, often without the need for dialogue.
Marianne Sheridan is an emotionally wounded young woman. Despite her intellect and strong opinions, she struggles with a lack of self-worth that stems from emotional neglect and abuse at home. Her father, now deceased, was violent, and her brother continues the cycle of cruelty. She believes she is unlovable and often enters into relationships that reinforce this belief. Over time, she begins to understand and challenge her self-perception, but the process is painful and non-linear.
Connell Waldron is introspective and intelligent but plagued by insecurity, particularly regarding his social status. While outwardly confident among his high school peers, he suffers from anxiety and struggles to express his feelings. He is respectful and kind, especially in comparison to some of Marianne’s other partners, but he makes significant mistakes—particularly in his inability to communicate or stand up for her when it matters most.
The emotional journeys of both characters are rendered with raw honesty, making them feel deeply real. Their conversations often circle around deeper truths that are difficult to name. It is in these gaps—what is left unsaid—that the show finds its emotional resonance.
Themes and Symbolism
1. Communication and Miscommunication
“Normal People” is a masterclass in portraying how poor communication can derail relationships. Again and again, Marianne and Connell fail to express their needs or feelings clearly, leading to unnecessary hurt. Their love is real and mutual, but they often misinterpret each other’s silences or intentions. The series powerfully illustrates how vulnerability is essential to intimacy—and how difficult it can be to be vulnerable when dealing with mental health issues, class differences, or past trauma.
2. Class and Social Mobility
Social class is a key undercurrent in the series. Connell’s working-class background makes him self-conscious at university, where most students come from wealthier families. Marianne, in contrast, fits in more easily, though she is emotionally isolated. The tension between Connell’s economic insecurity and Marianne’s privilege is not just about money—it impacts their entire worldview. Connell feels like an outsider at Trinity, and this feeling feeds into his depression. Class quietly shapes their decisions, their self-worth, and how they view each other.
3. Mental Health
The series is also a poignant portrayal of mental health. Connell’s struggle with depression is handled with sensitivity and nuance, particularly in the later episodes when he attends therapy. His sessions are depicted realistically, showing both the difficulty of seeking help and the potential for healing. Marianne’s own mental health issues manifest differently; she internalizes pain and often seeks out relationships where she is mistreated. These depictions avoid clichés and instead offer insight into how trauma and isolation can affect behavior.
4. Power and Consent
Throughout the series, issues of power dynamics and consent are subtly explored. Marianne, in particular, engages in relationships where she is degraded or disrespected, seemingly reinforcing her negative self-image. With Connell, however, the series presents a healthy contrast: their sexual relationship is rooted in mutual respect and open dialogue. One of the most talked-about aspects of the show is its realistic depiction of intimacy—not just physically but emotionally. The sex scenes are not gratuitous; they are integral to the storytelling and are often where the characters are most honest with each other.
Cinematography and Aesthetics
The visual storytelling in “Normal People” is integral to its emotional impact. Cinematographer Suzie Lavelle uses soft lighting, warm tones, and shallow focus to create a world that feels both intimate and fragile. The use of close-up shots—of faces, hands, subtle gestures—helps convey unspoken emotion. Long, lingering scenes often replace dialogue, allowing silence to speak volumes. The score, mostly composed of minimalist piano pieces, complements the mood without overwhelming it.
Performances
Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones deliver extraordinary performances that brought them international recognition. Mescal captures Connell’s internal struggles with such quiet intensity that even his smallest gestures feel significant. His portrayal of a panic attack in episode 10 is one of the most honest depictions of male mental health on television. Edgar-Jones, as Marianne, delivers a similarly layered performance—vulnerable yet defiant, fragile yet composed. Together, their chemistry feels both combustible and profoundly tender.
Cultural Impact and Reception
“Normal People” struck a chord with audiences during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolated and introspective themselves, many viewers connected with the show’s themes of longing, alienation, and emotional intimacy. The series received widespread acclaim for its performances, direction, and sensitivity. It was nominated for four Emmy Awards and won several BAFTAs, and Paul Mescal’s performance was particularly celebrated.
Beyond the awards, however, “Normal People” contributed to larger conversations about mental health, modern relationships, and the complexity of human emotion. It resonated particularly with millennials and Gen Z viewers who related to the characters’ uncertainties, anxieties, and formative experiences.
Conclusion
“Normal People” is more than just a story about two young lovers; it is a deeply introspective examination of what it means to grow up in an emotionally complex world. With its subtle storytelling, brilliant performances, and authentic portrayal of modern relationships, it offers no neat resolutions—just the honest truth that people are messy, emotions are difficult, and love, though powerful, is not always enough to keep two people together.
