Most of us have heard of The Summer I Turned Pretty, the bright and summery adaptation of Jenny Han’s novels. Set in the picturesque, fictional beach-town Cousins, Belly Conklin’s summer plans are the stuff of dreams. Who wouldn’t want to spend a summer at beach bonfires, ocean views and country club balls, away from the stress internships, work or camp would create? It turns out that summer without responsibilities can be just as stressful as a pre-college program, especially with more than two boys, an excess of drama and a heart-wrenching secret in the mix. As someone who always prefers books, I was skeptical going into the show. However, The Summer I Turned Pretty maintains the book’s spirit while creating a freshness leading to its immense popularity.
Every year, Belly, her mother Laurel and brother Steven spend the summer at Laurel’s best friend Susannah’s house. Susannah has two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah, the former being Belly’s childhood crush. Belly is used to being treated as a little sister, infantilized and left out by the older boys. However, this summer proves to be unlike every other. This is the summer Belly turned pretty. Despite what the title might imply, Belly’s “turning pretty” is not just the stereotypical summer makeover, the kind where the girl loses her glasses and braces, straightens her hair and is suddenly Cinderella after the fairy godmother waves her wand. Instead, turning pretty also means she finds her voice and confidence – this summer, she feels pretty, and it shows. Her summer is the summer everyone wants, where the guys she likes notice her as she spends time in the place she loves.
The Summer I Turned Pretty revolves around a love triangle between Conrad and Jeremiah, a concept that seems cliché at first glance. Saving the show from banality is the atmosphere, full of pop songs, ocean views, summer love, heartbreak, friendship and family. The show remains imperfect; it can be exasperating to watch Belly vacillate between two brothers with total disregard for their feelings. As Lucia M. (Form III) put it, “Belly means well and is just trying to figure herself out, but she breaks so many hearts.” But between the mesmerizing visuals, heartfelt friendship, romances and flawless soundtrack (who could forget Olivia Rodrigo’s “Brutal” playing as Belly face-plants onto the sand), it is easy to overlook the hearts that Belly breaks. The other saving grace is the side characters and their stories, specifically Susannah and Laurel’s friendship and Steven’s relationships. Additionally, in a world with limited representation, it is invigorating to witness an Asian American take the lead role in a beloved television series and experience the joy of falling in love.
While season one has a light tone, season two takes a darker turn, set in the next year after tragedy strikes. Belly is like a different person, grief-stricken over the death of someone she loves. The season is an emotional rollercoaster, adding depth and drama to the relationships and characters from the first season. Despite occasionally feeling confusing due to its heavy reliance on flashbacks, the season effectively maintains its original spirit through its heartwarming scenes and captivating music. While the first season explores Belly’s journey toward maturity and self-assurance as she grows older, the second season delves into the theme of resilience in the face of loss, all while retaining the enchantment that captivated audiences in the initial season. Despite all the additional drama, season two remains at its core a love triangle – romance still takes center stage, and Taylor Swift songs continue to feature in many episodes.
Throughout Fieldston, people have varying opinions on the show. Many want Belly to be with Jeremiah because of his thoughtfulness and kindness. Others prefer Conrad, like Charlotte (Form III), who said, “I like Jeremiah as a boyfriend for a couple years, he would be a good high school boyfriend. But her and Conrad’s relationship is a forever one.” Some hate Belly and think she deserves neither. Rebecca F. (Form III), declared, “Conrad for Belly, Jeremiah for me.”
No matter who you want Belly to be with, you can still enjoy the show. Strangely enough, those who said they hate the show have still watched both seasons. That’s because the vibe is irresistible, even during a boring episode or a cringe scene. Perhaps that is because the show is a fantasy; most can’t identify with the experience of every boy in the vicinity suddenly becoming interested in them. Maybe it is the side stories or friendships. Either way, The Summer I Turned Pretty has something for all of us, no matter your opinion on Belly or the boys she loves.
