I wanted to like this, and it made me cry a lot, which is usually a sign of a good programme. However, the happy ending, which should have felt like redemption or relief after the exploration of so much grief, was thoroughly tainted by the fact that one of the main characters marries someone else hours before she gets together with the other main character for their happily ever after. I wanted to root for these two characters who have suffered so much and are helping each other overcome pain; however, how are you supposed to root for them when they are essentially cheating on a perfectly decent man who has done nothing wrong? It was such a misguided attempt to create drama when all it does is spoil any goodwill you have built up towards these characters. Cheating on someone, even if the person you are doing it with is the perfect person you are supposed to be with forever, is never romantic.
15 Reviews
This is not what you think it is
mellons-3365326 February 2023
There is no comedy here. There's not even a whole lot of romance.
This is a drama about humans and how they live with grief. As someone who lives with real debilitating grief it has some very well written parts and I enjoyed how it played out across multiple timelines. The storytelling is well done.
I just wanted it to be better. Each episode is like a punch to the stomach. I kept coming back for more because I quite liked the actors in it but it was tough in parts.
It's worth a watch once, I couldn't go through it again. Just be warned if you are going for something light and sweet because this is not it.
This is a drama about humans and how they live with grief. As someone who lives with real debilitating grief it has some very well written parts and I enjoyed how it played out across multiple timelines. The storytelling is well done.
I just wanted it to be better. Each episode is like a punch to the stomach. I kept coming back for more because I quite liked the actors in it but it was tough in parts.
It's worth a watch once, I couldn't go through it again. Just be warned if you are going for something light and sweet because this is not it.
Not a comedy
zccooper25 February 2023
Yes, this has been billed as something it wasn't. I went into it thinking light-hearted dramedy but soon realised that is not what it is. Should the rating be punished for this error? No. A bittersweet tale of lives connecting in the aftermath of grief? Yes. It is a well-written drama highlighting love and loss at an age where many of their peers have yet to experience, to their fortune, what that means. The 1* does not reflect the show, only what the reviewer's little expectation was based on a marketing tagline. I accidentally stumbled upon this and found a cleverly written contemporary human drama.
Enjoyable romantic drama with some dark twists
JRB-NorthernSoul23 February 2023
The strongest thing about 'You & Me' was the cast, with three very strong lead performances and good supporting actors throughout. This is a romantic drama rather than a Romcom, more 'Love Story' than 'When Harry Met Sally'.
The production values were good and it was well made all round, the only niggle was the synth soundtrack which felt a bit tacked on and added nothing.
I liked the story which had great twists and turns and was told in two timeframes, the present and flashbacks working up to the present. I think if the story had been told as it happened it might have worked even better.
The script was good, occasionally a bit theatrical but it worked and it was well-paced. If you enjoy romantic dramas give it a go, its a good watch, its upbeat and the three episodes fly by.
The production values were good and it was well made all round, the only niggle was the synth soundtrack which felt a bit tacked on and added nothing.
I liked the story which had great twists and turns and was told in two timeframes, the present and flashbacks working up to the present. I think if the story had been told as it happened it might have worked even better.
The script was good, occasionally a bit theatrical but it worked and it was well-paced. If you enjoy romantic dramas give it a go, its a good watch, its upbeat and the three episodes fly by.
NOT the stated category of "romantic comedy drama", but the end result is at least good enough for viewers to get something out of watching the miniseries
SceneByScene10 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
1. First, a quick comment re series category at the ITV player :
Yet another TV series/film that gets misclassified! :-(
This series is NOT in the "romantic comedy drama" niche that ITV claim, it's in fact a drama with a lot of sad moments. Why oh why do the TV channels do this?! If a viewer is in the mindset to watch a horror film, they won't want to watch a romcom, and - ditto - if wanting to watch a funny series then they won't want to watch a tragedy! I know I wasn't prepared to watch something so sad.
If it's a good & moving drama - as it was in this case - the TV production/admin department might think that any errors re classification of film is OK. But no, it isn't. As I chose this series because I wanted to laugh. Instead I was brought 'down' to quite a sad & sombre mindset, because that is what the series is - a serious story.
. . . All these online players supplied by TV channels/Amazon/etc really do need to research their classifications system, as it just isn't working!
Ah well, ITV, at least it was a GOOD series.
2. As for the programme itself :
Fortunately the drama series works, and is enjoyable viewing. Well acted, by fresh faces (for me at least) in the three lead roles. The target audience seems a bit younger than me - but the production team & writers knew what they were doing with this one. Yes, it a bit predictable in style - so does not reach a star-score of 8/10, for example - but it puts the series' point across well. And that is the first thing any TV series/film must do: tell its tale & clearly.
It is worthwhile noting that a few of the events in the drama are unlikely in real life. This naivety clearly gears the film to romcom fans aged under 23. However, the dark point to the lack of reality is that these features/events can be a bit misleading for observers. So I hope no young viewers head off to London thinking any of the following lovely events will/might actually occur in the Big Smoke!:-
(a) In huge cities like London you never have the good fortune to meet the love of your life in a farcical & hugely romantic encounter while running at a bus stop and chasing a disappearing bus.
(b) You NEVER then meet the 2nd love of your life in another farcical but endearing encounter, this time at a café. (In a fun case of mistaken identity, straight out of a Shakespeare comedy!)
(c) You also never find that the 2nd love of your life lives in exactly the same borough as you - in other words just around the corner. It would be convenient if they did, but normally you were lucky if they lived on the same side of the city's river as you did! ,-)
(d) As for meeting a gorgeous someone at the local lido; don't be daft!
(e) You never meet lovely people at a pool who already - by pure chance - turn out to know your sister or friend, let alone have dated several people you know. (Big cities are NOT friendly little villages!!)
Through the above 5-plus features, the TV drama is written rather like a junior Richard Curtis romcom! So all in all, quite unbelievable in some aspects. Sadly, this could be perceived as a misleading representation of big city life. Adult viewers will 'get' that this plot is indulgent nonsense, and so is not something to set your hopes on; but teenagers may well not.
The good news: the miniseries is short enough to invest your time in, even if at the end the viewer is still frustrated at the wrong classification. At only 3 episodes, most viewers won't - hopefully - end up thinking they've wasted their time (or too much of it), even if they find that the series is not to their taste.
Yes, it's a right old weepie. And yes it seems targeted at 15-to-17-year-old young women. But, if you take it as just what it is, it does the job well. And as it has some nifty surprises in the plot, these unexpected turns make the drama less saccharine and more respectable.
The main thing for me, as I shall never watch such a youth-oriented drama again - if I can help it! ,-) - is that it was well made. Congrats, ITV. Let's see more such well-spun dramas on your TV channels.
Yet another TV series/film that gets misclassified! :-(
This series is NOT in the "romantic comedy drama" niche that ITV claim, it's in fact a drama with a lot of sad moments. Why oh why do the TV channels do this?! If a viewer is in the mindset to watch a horror film, they won't want to watch a romcom, and - ditto - if wanting to watch a funny series then they won't want to watch a tragedy! I know I wasn't prepared to watch something so sad.
If it's a good & moving drama - as it was in this case - the TV production/admin department might think that any errors re classification of film is OK. But no, it isn't. As I chose this series because I wanted to laugh. Instead I was brought 'down' to quite a sad & sombre mindset, because that is what the series is - a serious story.
. . . All these online players supplied by TV channels/Amazon/etc really do need to research their classifications system, as it just isn't working!
Ah well, ITV, at least it was a GOOD series.
2. As for the programme itself :
Fortunately the drama series works, and is enjoyable viewing. Well acted, by fresh faces (for me at least) in the three lead roles. The target audience seems a bit younger than me - but the production team & writers knew what they were doing with this one. Yes, it a bit predictable in style - so does not reach a star-score of 8/10, for example - but it puts the series' point across well. And that is the first thing any TV series/film must do: tell its tale & clearly.
It is worthwhile noting that a few of the events in the drama are unlikely in real life. This naivety clearly gears the film to romcom fans aged under 23. However, the dark point to the lack of reality is that these features/events can be a bit misleading for observers. So I hope no young viewers head off to London thinking any of the following lovely events will/might actually occur in the Big Smoke!:-
(a) In huge cities like London you never have the good fortune to meet the love of your life in a farcical & hugely romantic encounter while running at a bus stop and chasing a disappearing bus.
(b) You NEVER then meet the 2nd love of your life in another farcical but endearing encounter, this time at a café. (In a fun case of mistaken identity, straight out of a Shakespeare comedy!)
(c) You also never find that the 2nd love of your life lives in exactly the same borough as you - in other words just around the corner. It would be convenient if they did, but normally you were lucky if they lived on the same side of the city's river as you did! ,-)
(d) As for meeting a gorgeous someone at the local lido; don't be daft!
(e) You never meet lovely people at a pool who already - by pure chance - turn out to know your sister or friend, let alone have dated several people you know. (Big cities are NOT friendly little villages!!)
Through the above 5-plus features, the TV drama is written rather like a junior Richard Curtis romcom! So all in all, quite unbelievable in some aspects. Sadly, this could be perceived as a misleading representation of big city life. Adult viewers will 'get' that this plot is indulgent nonsense, and so is not something to set your hopes on; but teenagers may well not.
The good news: the miniseries is short enough to invest your time in, even if at the end the viewer is still frustrated at the wrong classification. At only 3 episodes, most viewers won't - hopefully - end up thinking they've wasted their time (or too much of it), even if they find that the series is not to their taste.
Yes, it's a right old weepie. And yes it seems targeted at 15-to-17-year-old young women. But, if you take it as just what it is, it does the job well. And as it has some nifty surprises in the plot, these unexpected turns make the drama less saccharine and more respectable.
The main thing for me, as I shall never watch such a youth-oriented drama again - if I can help it! ,-) - is that it was well made. Congrats, ITV. Let's see more such well-spun dramas on your TV channels.
Good grief this character is annoying
davek287 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I liked the first episode, even though it was so obviously a weepie. But as the series went on, I began to dislike Ben more and more. He really is the most irritating character. He never lets anyone else get a word in edgeways.
I really don't have a problem with Jessica Barden, even though some reviewers seem to think she looks and acts like a teenager. She's not. But her character obviously has doubts about the wedding so, regardless of how she feels about Ben, she obviously shouldn't be committing to marriage.
Now I'm halfway into episode three and I've basically lost any sympathy I once had for any of the characters. So it's no longer a weepie.
I have more practical issues with You And Me such as the initial "accident" which kills Jess. I just don't believe that any vehicle would be speeding enough to collide that severely with another outside a hospital entrance.
I initially gave this procuction 7 out of 10 but I've reduced this to 6 as I dislike the Ben character so much. I've already read a spoiler about episode three and if it's true, I might subtract another point.
I really don't have a problem with Jessica Barden, even though some reviewers seem to think she looks and acts like a teenager. She's not. But her character obviously has doubts about the wedding so, regardless of how she feels about Ben, she obviously shouldn't be committing to marriage.
Now I'm halfway into episode three and I've basically lost any sympathy I once had for any of the characters. So it's no longer a weepie.
I have more practical issues with You And Me such as the initial "accident" which kills Jess. I just don't believe that any vehicle would be speeding enough to collide that severely with another outside a hospital entrance.
I initially gave this procuction 7 out of 10 but I've reduced this to 6 as I dislike the Ben character so much. I've already read a spoiler about episode three and if it's true, I might subtract another point.
Tragedy and romance. Loved it!
cslossy16 March 2023
It gets going straight away and brings so much emotion in the highs and lows of the story. There is nothing worse than drama that is slow to get going and only gets interesting in the last episode but this isn't one of them. In the first episode you get to experience so much of the characters happiness, struggles and turmoil. The actors were all very good and a pleasure to watch. I had to watch all 3 episodes one after another as I was so interested in the story and what would happen next. I'd say the only downside was I wish there was at least 1 more episode as I was so invested in the story but I'd probably of said the if there was 4 episodes as you never want something that good to end.
All in all it the best thing I've watched in a long time, the actors were good and well cast, and the drama itself is well produced, that's why it's a 10/10 review from me.
All in all it the best thing I've watched in a long time, the actors were good and well cast, and the drama itself is well produced, that's why it's a 10/10 review from me.
Sweet story and well written.
hpholly7 September 2023
As others, I have lost a close family member at a young age and I think the writing captures the feeling of grief & loss accurately.
Overall the acting was ok with all parents and Jess giving the best performance.
I also like the characters of all parents.
I did want to shake the Ben character out of his hole of self pity & martyrdom so the kids had some happiness surrounding them. Loved the Jess character as vibrant & full of energy but found the Emma.character too childlike in both appearance & manner. Possibly a casting issue but may have worked with more suitable make up, wardrobe and direction .
Overall the acting was ok with all parents and Jess giving the best performance.
I also like the characters of all parents.
I did want to shake the Ben character out of his hole of self pity & martyrdom so the kids had some happiness surrounding them. Loved the Jess character as vibrant & full of energy but found the Emma.character too childlike in both appearance & manner. Possibly a casting issue but may have worked with more suitable make up, wardrobe and direction .
Engaging, tragic and heartwarming
iamchrisallan21 March 2023
Loved it. It's a beautifully written drama that manages to really draw the user into the lives of the central characters. We had no idea what to expect we just let it wash over us and we were gripped by the plight of the central characters.
The cast turn in really strong performances and the settings are nicely captured. The whole thing was skilfully directed but a huge nod has to go to the writer for the sensitive handling of a tragic story. Also, we enjoyed the twists. I hope the writer does more.
I heard that the script was picked up by Russel T. Davis and that was enough of a recommendation to make me want to watch it.
The cast turn in really strong performances and the settings are nicely captured. The whole thing was skilfully directed but a huge nod has to go to the writer for the sensitive handling of a tragic story. Also, we enjoyed the twists. I hope the writer does more.
I heard that the script was picked up by Russel T. Davis and that was enough of a recommendation to make me want to watch it.
Lacklustre story of grief
bellapeligrosa2 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is.a heart-twanging story of 2 people coming together after both experiencing the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately it is more of a tick in the box exercise. It's a six parter that could have easily been a 3 parter. I don't believe.in Ben and Emma's love story, although. Harry Lawley's performance is standout. I usually love Jessica Barden in anything but here I feel she seems confused about how to portray Emma's grief. It was impassionate and felt flat. In fact this could have easily been a story about a young father's struggle without the additional Emma sub-plot. It's still a tear jerker, but the first episode is the strongest out of all 6.
Wanted to love this...
OrlaJacko9 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I wanted to love this, but it is so bad! It's like some 6th form school drama. It's really badly acted and the characters are one dimensional and the plot is just rubbish!
The way they speak to each other is just so unbelievable!
Lots of wooden and unbelievable acting.
Emma looks about 12 and not someone old enough to get married!
The plot re the sister falling off a roof and then finding an incurable brain tumour just like that! No biopsies, no more tests, incurable..*rolls eyes* Even the kids were terrible actors!
The only thing I liked about this was the park that they hung out at. It made London look really nice.
Don't bother, unless you want a 3hr mopefest!
The way they speak to each other is just so unbelievable!
Lots of wooden and unbelievable acting.
Emma looks about 12 and not someone old enough to get married!
The plot re the sister falling off a roof and then finding an incurable brain tumour just like that! No biopsies, no more tests, incurable..*rolls eyes* Even the kids were terrible actors!
The only thing I liked about this was the park that they hung out at. It made London look really nice.
Don't bother, unless you want a 3hr mopefest!
Sad but happy.
ladeofshade-707641 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I must admit I didn't have high hopes for this, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was saddened by the death of Jess, but loved the ending. I thought it was pleasantly wholesome in the scheme of things. We need more storylines like this. Not necessarily the death, but the happy ending. Real life is too full of misery and sadness, it's nice to have a happy ending that can make you feel good and come away feeling lifted. I was pleased there wasn't any swearing (which makes a massive change) I thought the actors were great and I really recommend this to people who don't mind a bit of sadness that ends happy.
Love will slightly separate us
frukuk25 February 2023
This is described as a "romantic comedy drama" and that's the first problem: how can you make a "romantic comedy drama" in which there is the sort of tragedy that occurs in the first episode?
The second problem is that, given the tragedy, this feels very light. As if it's afraid to take the audience down too far because what it really wants to do -- eventually -- is to lift the audience up. So, although Harry appears to experience a tragedy, it doesn't seem like he is really feeling it. Perhaps part of this is that Harry Lawtey is miscast as Ben? But I think the shallow script is really the source of the problem. And the way this is antiseptically shot, feels like the intention is to push the audience out rather than draw the audience in.
By the end of the first episode, I still really didn't care about Ben and so decided not to watch the final two episodes. Not even the introduction of Jessica Barden's character, Emma, could entice me.
The second problem is that, given the tragedy, this feels very light. As if it's afraid to take the audience down too far because what it really wants to do -- eventually -- is to lift the audience up. So, although Harry appears to experience a tragedy, it doesn't seem like he is really feeling it. Perhaps part of this is that Harry Lawtey is miscast as Ben? But I think the shallow script is really the source of the problem. And the way this is antiseptically shot, feels like the intention is to push the audience out rather than draw the audience in.
By the end of the first episode, I still really didn't care about Ben and so decided not to watch the final two episodes. Not even the introduction of Jessica Barden's character, Emma, could entice me.
Great acting
AdrianaAry1 October 2023
I almost stopped watching it because of the tragedy at the beginning and how depressing it seemed,but I am glad I stuck with it.
The acting is so good it was hard to take your eyes off of it. Then I recognized the actress from "The end of the f..cking world". And the chemistry between the characters is very good . It gave me Normal People vibes. Well written story, very good acting, great choice in casting.
It's the kind of story that shocks you in the beginning and then you expect it to be tragic and depressing all the way to the end, but then it gets you hooked and hope arises and you can't stop watching because you need to see how it ends now.
I highly recommend watching.
The acting is so good it was hard to take your eyes off of it. Then I recognized the actress from "The end of the f..cking world". And the chemistry between the characters is very good . It gave me Normal People vibes. Well written story, very good acting, great choice in casting.
It's the kind of story that shocks you in the beginning and then you expect it to be tragic and depressing all the way to the end, but then it gets you hooked and hope arises and you can't stop watching because you need to see how it ends now.
I highly recommend watching.
Three hours you'll never get back.
julesagoldsmith4 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Complete trite rubbish. The girl who plays Emma looks and acts about 13 so her story is odd. Every word out of her mouth seems insincere. The actor who plays Ben is horribly wooden. It's very hard to care about any of the characters.
Even Julie Hesmondhalgh, who is usually brilliant, looks like she can't really be bothered.
Watching Emma get married to a bloke who looked old enough to be her dad was slightly uncomfortable.
It was one of those shows where you think it might improve but it doesn't. I only watched all of the episodes under the "I've started so I'll finish" principle.
Really, don't waste your time.
Even Julie Hesmondhalgh, who is usually brilliant, looks like she can't really be bothered.
Watching Emma get married to a bloke who looked old enough to be her dad was slightly uncomfortable.
It was one of those shows where you think it might improve but it doesn't. I only watched all of the episodes under the "I've started so I'll finish" principle.
Really, don't waste your time.
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