The newest binge-worthy series has been released; Never Have I Ever. All I can say is, never have I ever binged a Netflix series as fast as this one.
While laughing, crying, laugh-crying, I had my Lowrey’s Microwavable Pork Rinds by my side. Ready in just two minutes, this is the perfect TV binge snack. Available in Original, and Hot & Spicy – this unique and quick snack is keto-friendly and packed with flavour. With one carb per serving, there’s no excuse not to try them.
Before we get onto the actual review, we’d like to say a big thank you to Lowrey’s for sponsoring this post!
With engaging 20-minute-ish episodes, Never Have I Ever follows the complicated and entertaining life of a first-generation Indian-American teenager, Devi Vishwakumar. Indian representation on mainstream Hollywood media has never been prominent. Therefore, Never Have I Ever follows the lead of Asian-American films such as Crazy Rich Asians or more similarly, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, to highlight particular issues for minority groups living within Westernised cities.
Tapping into Devi’s life and getting a glimpse of cultural celebrations, arranged marriages and the ever-so-familiar feeling of “not being Indian enough to be Indian” and “not being white enough to be white”, we are made aware of the bigger societal issues we may have today.
The talented director Mindy Kaling showcases these issues in a straightforward yet light manner through comedy in this series.
Devi is your stereotypical A-grade loving nerd. She ticks all the boxes of being in every extra-curricular and getting A+ grades and nothing else. However, as she announces to her group of ‘outcast’ friends, Fabiola and Eleanor, that every one of them will have a boyfriend in their sophomore year – this is where we realise, this isn’t your normal “nerd turns popular” film.
This quirky and very modern comedy teen drama has references to Riverdale, Tik Toks, and everything a 15-year-old right now would be in to. Kaling successfully taps into her target audience through these references, making this film even more relatable to the teenage viewer now.
However, this does not mean to say, if you’re older than 15 this isn’t one for you. Without exposing my age, I would just say I am well over 15 but found myself immersed in Devi’s overdramatic and complicated world. All my childhood traumas of growing up in a predominantly westernised country were resurfaced in this series. Although I’m not Indian-American, the experiences of being Asian and growing up in New Zealand are pretty much the same.
I am all here for the increase representation of Asians and Asian-Americans in Western media. We are SO over the stereotypes that have been thrown around like nobody’s business prior to the entertainment industry’s delayed ‘awakening’ that not everyone on this globe has blonde hair and blue eyes AND, that not every Asian person loves math and knows Kung Fu. HOORAY!
So, here’s the bottom line: Great story, great actors, and great execution. We’re a fan.
OUR RATING: 5/5
