Conversations with Friends (2022) User Reviews

Stop comparing it with Normal People

[Dragava · 8/10 · 18 May 2022]

Because it was never trying to be. Not really sure about the low ratings. This isn't a masterpiece by any stretch, but there's a lot here that people just aren't seeing, or aren't bothered to.

First off, the entire point of the story in the book is that Frances and Nick struggle desperately to express themselves properly. It's what makes their conversational interactions awkward whereas their physical interactions are where they feel more comfortable. I'm not sure how people are claiming this is "unrealistic" or "bland". I mean sure, real people can be bland at times but if you don't dare to look beyond the surface, why are you even bothering with this? Either way, they are certainly not unrealistic. The way the show depicts Frances and Nick's frustrations in expressing themselves is how it was in the book and how it is for many people in reality. In that sense then I completely disagree with the criticism that they were miscast. Both actors did entirely what was required of them as characters. If you find that boring then okay, you're entitled to your opinion but again I'm not sure how you can call it a fault on the writer's part.

I think the performances are delicate and detailed, and just like Normal People it feels real. Although that's the only comparison I'd dare to make between the two shows, because as I said one was never trying to be the other. If you believe CWF was true to its novel then the criticism makes no sense anyway, seeing as though the book of CWF was written before NP. So wouldn't that make NP the copycat?

I agree 12 episodes can feel a bit exhausting after a while but that's the problem these days with streaming especially - everyone watching this show is probably trying to binge it in a day - when it's obviously going to be far more impactful if you take your time with it.

Relax, watch a few episodes at a time, and don't be thinking about Normal People when you watch because thematically, this is not that.

Book's better

[mezzaitaliana-89131 · 6/10 · 16 May 2022]

I read the book in lockdown and absolutely loved it, and was eager to see this adaptation. Three episodes in I'm finding it quite excruciating to watch. Francis one of the main protagonist is so lacking in personality you feel like shaking her. I know she's young and naive, but there's no sexual chemistry between her and Nick her married lover. I can't help compare it to Normal People unfortunately, which had such amazingly charismatic actors. A real shame.

I loved it

[sally-w · 8/10 · 20 May 2022]

It is a wonderful love story with some very clever dialogue and fantastic juxtaposition.

It shows ordinary people in ordinary families doing ordinary things with the usual spectacular failure to communicate well resulting in a bunch of things that don't go well.

Sally Rooney has the ability to portray the introverts amongst us with hugely human hearts and desires resulting in endings we support with all our being because we wish they happened to us.

I love the way no-one in these shows is your traditionally beautiful wonder however they are fantastically human, loving and lovable (apart from the bad ones..)

Give it a go - I loved Normal People and Heartstopper give me a love story any time especially one with life-like people.

LOVED

[rouselleisla · 7/10 · 18 May 2022]

Don't mind the reviews. I couldn't stop watching it and really enjoyed the glorious messy lives of Frqnces, Nick, Melissa, and Bobbi. Killer soundtrack too!

self-absorbed people attempting depth

[aristotle7575 · 6/10 · 15 May 2022]

I binged this whole series so that I could give an honest review. I wish I could get some of that time back. The story drags on and quite honestly after 12 episodes it is still not clear to me why the plot line even exists - I mean does anyone truly care for anyone else in this story? I kept waiting for these self-absorbed characters to have some level of depth as to why it made their choices and decisions worth it. The only reason I am giving it 6 stars is because the acting was good and it's not the actor's fault that they had to play self-absorbed people.

who should review introverted films/series?

[sundancer-50980 · 9/10 · 18 May 2022]

After reading some of the reviews, I'm wondering why most Americans bother watching European films/series in which most of the focus is on the dialogue. No one is murdered, there are no frantic car chases. But what there is happening appears to be very beautiful, a look inside two young women, very different, who react in different ways to a charismatic couple who they get into a complicated relationship with at the beginning of the first series. For me its been absorbing, thoughtful, and therefore making me think too.

Painful but insightful

[nataliapazio · 7/10 · 18 January 2023]

This is interesting that so many ppl can't stand watching awkwardness and shame! Which this series don't spare us from.

The protagonist is shy, introverted and has problems with understanding and sharing her emotions. This makes her confused and overwhelmed by events she found herself taking very first part. At the same time, she tries to feel more confident by degrading others and feeling superior intellectually. She is also envy of her bff's eloquence. Openness and charm.

Tbh i think her bff is very mature for her age, and I don't know how it is possible. In so young age she seems to read everyones minds, communicating her feelings perfectly and is very opinionated. I would give her 30. Mentally.

What i like in this series is that it shows so much vulnerability, shame, confusion and on the other hand, passion, love and friendship. Sometimes i felt this is so intimate, that i shouldn't watch it (and i skipped). At the same time maybe it is good for some young ppl to see what is real sex and intimacy (although i would put more attention on protection :).

Also I liked that polyamory was not idealized here. I do know some poly ppl, who thinks it is just superior to monogamy. It isn't, it is very difficult, painful and trigger alot of wounds. But also it can be beautiful probably.

Male protagonist is really sympathetic, although pretty one-dimensional. He is so mellow and kind, that i find this character unrealistic.

Still, I took sth from this series: that u can learn communicating your feelings, that it can spare u from a lot of suffering and harm; your acts have consequences that should be talked trough. And the most important: we are so subjective in our perspectives and (self)judgements. And it is so refreshing and freeing to share these perspectives, as we can see their utmost subjectivity. And thus, we can stop being our own priosoners.

Really enjoyed it

[susantos-84789 · 10/10 · 2 July 2022]

I understand why some people say the show is too slow but, in my opinion this is pure art and develops at such an interesting pace. They portrayed it so beautifully that when I finished it I wanted more. I loved it. I think was beautifully done and such an interesting romance.

BORING!

[Justme987 · 21 May 2022]

Full disclosure (and spoilers): I have only watched three episodes. The two most boring people on the planet have an affair. No character development. Why are they attracted to each other? No clue. So many unanswered questions. So boring. No plot other than the most boring affair ever imagined.

Good adaptation

[jkb2012 · 7/10 · 24 December 2022]

Wow this is a extremely well And good TV series It's very real and very relatable The cast were perfect for they're characters And it's also very faithful faithful to the source material I would recommend this TV series to anyone who has read the novel or if You did not I would just recommend this series To anyone who wants a Very good and funny TV Series I also thought that this show at times can get real and Makes you question your own love life I thought the ending Was very touching and and emotional They did a very good job adapting the novel into A TV series And I hope maybe it will get season 2.

Boring with surface level characters.

[rlbala · 3/10 · 27 May 2022]

I haven't read the book and I haven't seen Normal people but I decided to watch this one night because nothing else was on and I feel like I would have gained more from watching a turned off television set.

Nothing really happens in these episodes. Obviously, there is the affair, but I felt nothing from the act: I didn't feel bad for the wife, i didn't hate the cheating couple and I wasn't worried about them getting caught- why? Because I don't care about these characters. The show doesn't do a good job of making them intresting or even likable.

They're surface level characters and you can't delve into the depths of their being because they're too shallow.

The tedious scenes of a character making a cup of tea, of sleeping, walking, etc. It feels like they didn't have enough material from the book and needed to make up time for the episode count and just put in tedious amounts of a couple of second shots that hold literally no importance.

I didn't like any character, the love between Frances and Nick ( what love? What chemistry? When they were first on screen it felt awkward and I'm not believing the whole 'this is how two socially awkward outcasts fall in love' this was poor.)

And the friendship and romance between Frances and Bobbi I did not get. She came across as a non fun judgmental sjw who would tear anyone down who didn't share her opinion or didn't tell her how smart and progressive she is and then she would make Frances feel bad all the time- this is a horrible relationship.

Ugh. 12 episodes for this? Nah that's ridiculous and I honestly can't believe someone would watch this show and root for these characters. Nothing happens. And when something actually does happen it doesn't have impact.

I liked Jemima Kirk & the actress who played Frances but apart from that I didn't get anything from this show except wild annoyance at these 'progressive artsy dumdums' and boredom.

Perfect.

[clairelouise5 · 10/10 · 6 June 2022]

These are the kind of shows I love that don't come around often. The actors were so interesting, different, and artistic. The backdrop of Dublin with its slightly melancholic and gritty feel captured me straight away. I read the book some while ago, which I really enjoyed but the storyline didn't overly stay with me. The show brought the story to life with it's intelligent conversation, character flaws and nuances. I found the filming to be sparing and gorgeous- it created this nostalgic feeling. Such a simple storyline with no in-your-face twist or shocking reveal. It's more human, subtle and visceral. I haven't watched Normal People yet but this has made me look forward to watching it.

You will need patience

[smwrhxrdk · 7/10 · 15 May 2022]

I tried to read the book first and got about halfway through but the pace was just not engaging enough for me to keep reading. Now I find myself feeling the same thing with the series. If you are someone who likes slow build up and slow pace then you'll probably like this. I also would have rated this higher if I felt the slow pace contributed to deeper character development (like happened with Sally Rooney's Normal People), but honestly I'm not entirely sure I even want to wait to get to know the characters better because they carelessly hurt decent people in their lives and it's not clear why. I wish we understood more from the getgo why these characters choose the path they go down. Didn't finish the book, and not entirely sure I'll finish the series. One good thing worth mentioning is the acting is good! Everyone did a great job in their roles! Best thing about this thus far is the casting!

Dull as dishwater

[bosporan · 3/10 · 15 May 2022]

Dull and uninteresting characters doing dull and uninteresting things in dull and uninteresting ways.

A pretentious and derivative story that is neither as creative nor as sophisticated as it would like to be!

Dublin down on Rooney.

[southdavid · 7/10 · 29 January 2023]

I eventually got around to watching "Normal People", like everyone else, a year to two ago and I enjoyed it. Conventional wisdom is, I think, that this adaptation of Sally Rooney's debut novel, from the same production team isn't quite as good - but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Frances (Alison Oliver) and Bobbi (Sasha Lane) are best friends, formally a couple, who are studying in Dublin. They meet Melissa (Jemima Kirke) a published author and are drawn into her social circle. Melissa introduces them to Nick (Joe Alwyn), her husband, and Frances begins an affair with him. The relationships between all four are complicated and are worsened when Bobbi learns about the relationship.

I don't think I can defend the show from the accusation that it's pretty slow going. Not an awful lot actually happens over its 12 thirty-minute episodes, but there's lots of quiet longing, passive aggressiveness and people not explaining themselves. That lack of talking is what drives the plot, as you might imagine, as it a couple of reveals across the shows length that threaten to drive wedges between the relationships involved. I didn't mind it, but I can understand if the lack of momentum shook people off.

The performances are unquestionable good though. I've seen three of the central quartet before, but this is Alison Oliver's debut, and she does really well in a role that requires quite a bit of her. There are sex scenes, but I mean more in the sense that she has to keep an emotionally taut character on the right side of likeable and he manages it perfectly. All three of the other leads also manage to bring a level of human complexity to their otherwise disagreeable characters.

I'm not sure if the lukewarm response to this one means that Rooney-Mania is over, and we're not likely to see the same creative team do "Beautiful World, Where Are You", but I thought this follow up was an enjoyable enough watch.

Delving into the daily lives of Irish folks

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 15 May 2022]

As Episode 1 of "Conversations With Friends" (2022 release; from Ireland; 12 episodes of about 30 min each) opens, We get to meet Frances and her roommate Bobbi, and American living in Dublin. Frances is finishing up her university exams for the summer. By happenstance, Frances and Bobbi get to know Melissa, a writer and married to Nick, an actor, whom Frances describes as a "trophy husband"... At this point we are 10 min into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from Irish writer/director (and executive producer) Lenny Abrahamson ("Frank", "Normal People"), working from the 2017 novel of the same name by Irish author Sally Rooney. Here we are invited into the daily lives of these characters, and the question is whether (a) their stories are believable stories and (b) whether the performances are authentic to the extent that you accept their invite to seeing their daily lives. The answer is an emphatic YES and YES to both questions. It didn't take me long to totally embrace these characters. There are no wild moments or head-scratching moments. Just well written and well acted scenes of say-to-day lives of people in Ireland. Newcomer Alison Oliver is outstanding as Frances. Sasha Lane holds her own as Bobbi. I can't say that was familiar before this with either Jemima Kirke (as Melissa) or Joey Alwyn (as Nick). The series being set in Ireland is of course a plus on top of that. I've just seen the initial two episodes and I can't wait to spend more time with these characters.

"Conversations With Friends" premiered on Hulu today, and all 12 episodes are now available for binging. If you are interested in human stories and great writing and acting, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

*UPDATE* I've now seen 6 episodes. Episodes 4 and 5 take place in Croatia, where the gang goes on vacation, and more drama continues. Loving this series, and will look forward how it all plays out in the remaining episodes.

Awkward and Beautiful

[cc0077 · 8/10 · 21 May 2022]

There wasn't a massive storyline that kept me interested but I think it's the relationship between characters that kept me intrigued. I honestly don't know how I feel about the ending, but this was a good slow paced and calm show to watch.

Brilliant, boring and compelling

[johntaymac · 7/10 · 25 May 2022]

What a difficult show to review. Slow in part, some annoying acting but counteracted by a compelling story, the main female part stunningly acted by Alison Oliver and whilst the show irked me, I kept watching. Would recommend it and pleased I stuck with it.

I felt like I was immersed in my favourite book

[PerfectlyElle · 10/10 · 15 May 2022]

I loved everything about this TV show. The Actors were all perfectly cast and the way they brought this book to life is a real testament to their skills. I have seen reviews saying Frances and Nick are awkwardly portrayed and they have no chemistry. This makes me wonder if these individuals have read the book? Frances and Nick ARE awkward so the fact that this has come across on the screen is incredibly well done. I don't think they come across as having no chemistry, I mean those steamy scenes don't come across badly at all.

All in all, for what my opinion is worth, Conversations With Friends the TV adaptation is a phenomenal success and I loved every moment of it. I may even re-watch.

Interesting but not compelling

[jamiesonrendall · 6/10 · 24 May 2022]

Both the novel and the series never really gripped me in terms of narrative. The adaptation is not at fault for this I just found neither the novel or the show created characters that were compelling to watch. Francis despite all her emotional turmoil feels boring and when she calls herself plain I feel my self nodding. She just doesn't compel me and the adaptation rang true to that. Nick and their relationship is another flat point it feels meh. Like I can't fathom why either of them wants to be in that relationship they offer very little to each other. It's only the last scene that really pulls them together. Bobbi makes some interesting points but the whole time I just wished they had been said by someone else as it all seems so self-serving. In the end the narrative plot points and characters are underwhelming.

However, some really interesting takes on society which makes this novel and series worth engaging in. It proposes challenges to traditional relationships and simply asks it audience to consider what works best for them. It also highlights the plights of endometriosis in a way that feels more authentic. It's something that Francis continues to live with, with little to no recourse. It's apart of her story but it's not the entirety. Lastly I felt interested in the series contemplation of moral superiority- characters frequently profess high moral philosophy that they themselves can't live up to. They denegrate others in an effort to prop themselves up, despite their own failings.

Overall I would recommend watching this series if you are looking for a thought provoking text but don't watch this if you're looking for a grand romance or compelling narrative it's neither of those.

Good advert for monogamy.

[samratchford · 2/10 · 30 May 2022]

I watched Normal People and read both that book and this one. I was well aware of some of the short coming of this book so feel my expectations were well managed. That said I was not prepared for the dullness that followed. The force of personalility of both Bobbi and Melissa was totally absent, the passion of the affair was lacklustre.

So dull, so dull. Passionless people living dull lives. Nick was totally miscast and came across as a flop rather than caged. Frances was just wet.

The source material was pretentious but at least had something to say about power dynamics in relationships and secret passion. This was totally missing in the show. Whole scenes of nothing. The tension of the holiday scenes were missing. Awful.

Slow but realistic and good.

[mccabe-shannon · 9/10 · 3 October 2022]

Slow. Yes. Awkward. Yes. Good. Yes.

I can see why people say these things, but it's not bad. The ones they say these aren't interesting people but they're trying to be interesting. I don't really see that. I see real people. Real people aren't always interesting. They aren't always beyond beautiful and glamorous with huge interesting plot lines of ups and downs.

For those that say they have no chemistry, I just don't agree. It's just not the "chemistry" we are used to seeing in movies. But it's definitely more realistic. Ok minus the whole he is a beautiful actor thing. Her mom recognized him and yet he is not recognized when they're out at all?!

I want more.

You won't be able to stop watching because of its Normal People stylistic nostalgia, and the fact that its so innocent But ultimately it is extremely immature and goes noweher

[mickman91-1 · 7/10 · 13 July 2022]

I must admit that I couldn't stop watching probably like most other people. Because it reminds you of Normal People in the production value and the style. So it really rides on the back of NP. But the whole time my eyes were rolling and I knew it just was not going to come to anything. It's a relationship story for teenagers/children. No self respecting woman would allow a man to go on for so long without expressing any opinions or taking any stance or showing any kind of commitment or activeness or explanation as to his interest or agenda or ANYTHING. She apparently just somehow has fallen in love with him, for reason we don't know so just have to assume its because of how he looks (shallow), and then she spends ages and ages crying about it without demanding anything from him. It's a very immature story. I imagine there is more clarification in the book. I watched Scenes from a Marriage immediately after this and that was so refreshing to watch a real story about real people that have passed puberty. And it really put into perspective just how pathetic this was really. Nevertheless, it was very easy to watch, especially as it reminds you of Normal People in style. But it has none of the excellence of that.

Absolute cringefest

[deehee19 · 24 May 2022]

Made it through one episode just about. Pretentious cringy mess. The cast is unattractive with very poor acting skills. They shouldve just made a second season of "Normal People" instead of this garbage.

Not good as Normal People

[crimsen_cinema · 7/10 · 19 May 2022]

Frances is cute. Charming when she smiles. Maybe the fact that the relationship is an affair is the reason why normal people is a better show.

After all, it is a show about friendship, I can understand that Frances keep her relationship secret, I mean in reality, who tells friends everything? Sorry I don't have that kind of important friendship. But it is cool Bobbi are judgemental and nurturing.

Moral of the story, everyone is going through something. It is just life. Also, be honest at the right time before others found out later and getting angry. But I know things are complicated, sometimes it is difficult to articulate and say it out loud.