Trinkets

Trinkets is a compelling Netflix original teen drama series, broadcasted from 2019 to 2020. The show explores the many complexities of growing up, not shying away from addressing darker aspects such as grappling with personal loss, dysfunctional families, and addiction. Trinkets stars rising talents Brianna Hildebrand, Kiana Madeira, Quintessa Swindell, Henrique Zaga, and Odiseas Georgiadis, among others. The show's unique serialized narrative interweaves threads of depth and sensitivity with teen angst, making for a riveting watch.

The series orbits around three teenage girls from the same school, yet their distinct social circles make it seems as if they traverse different universe altogether. The unlikely trio of Elodie (played by Brianna Hildebrand), Moe (Kiana Madeira), and Tabitha (Quintessa Swindell) find themselves thrust into an unconventional friendship when they all end up at the same Shoplifters Anonymous meeting. Each one grappling with their personal issues, they find a common bond in their shared secret - a seemingly uncontrollable urge to shoplift. This bond acts as a conduit for them to support each other through the tumultuous turfs of their teenage years.

Brianna Hildebrand portrays Elodie, the new girl in town, with an impressive measure of complexity and nuance. She is introverted, burdened by a recent personal loss and her kleptomania serves as her attempt at regaining control over her life – adding layered dimensions to her character. Kiana Madeira as Moe brings to the screen an energy that is ferocious yet vulnerable. She has a tough exterior having grown up under challenging circumstances, yet inside, Moe harbors a softer, more emotional side. Quintessa Swindell, meanwhile, takes on the role of Tabitha, a popular girl who seems to have it all but is trapped in an abusive relationship. Her kleptomania offers her an escape from her seemingly "perfect" life.

Supportive roles from Odiseas Georgiadis as Noah, Henrique Zaga as Luca, and Larisa Oleynik as Shawn, amongst others, enrich the series, with their characters intertwining with the girls' lives in their individual ways. From being love interests to mentors, each character adds a unique flavor to the narrative.

Drawing deeply from Kirsten Smith's original Young Adult novel of the same name, Trinkets manages to retain the essence of the book while offering an invigorating visual experience. The series leans into the harder side of growing up, paving the way for narratives that are raw and real, yet relatable.

The setting of Portland, Oregon, serves as a backdrop that inflects a unique character to the show. Seen everywhere, from cool thrift stores to the girls' high school to the landscape they navigate, the city breathes life into the tale, almost as if it were a character unto itself.

Epitomising the show's strength is its emotional exploration into the lives of these three teenagers struggling with their kleptomania, intertwining it with turbulent adolescence, peer pressure, relationship troubles, family complexities, and the quest for identity amidst all chaos. It's an adolescent drama that goes beyond typical high-school cliches, braving the territory of character depth and continuity, providing a platform for conversations about addiction, mental health, and the pressure to conform to societal norms.

Staying true to its spirit, Trinkets boasts an inclusive cast, breaking free from the conventional Hollywood stereotypes. It introduces a diverse spectrum of characters who straddle various ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds, adding another feather of credibility to its cap.

Trinkets also boasts a lively and eclectic soundtrack that frames the mood of the narrative, often underscoring key plot developments and reflecting the inner psyche of its characters. It adds a fresh vibe and modern outlook to this uprising series.

While categorized as a 'teen drama,' Trinkets transcends its genre. It fosters empathy in the audience, urging them to perceive the world through the characters' perspectives, their trials, triumphs, and dilemmas. By intertwining their stories with themes of friendship, loss, love, fear and courage, the series tactfully voices the teenage angst that often remains unheard.

In conclusion, Trinkets pitches a perfect blend of depth, complexity, teen angst, humor, and tenderness, all wrapped in a shiny package of appealing visuals, high-school charm, and spot-on performances by its cast. For every episode during its two-season run, Trinkets ensures that your attention will not waver, making it a captivating addition to Netflix's roster of teen dramas.