Conversations with friends (No spoilers) - BBC

[SpoonOnTheMoon]

I can't see another thread.
I've watched 3 episodes, very enjoyable, quite slow, love the music.

I thought the sex scenes in NP were ok. Some of them went on a bit longer than necessary, but weren't 'disturbing'. Unless referring to the weird stuff in Sweden but that was intentional.

I've done 8 episodes so came to see whether it was worth continuing. I'm thinking it probably isn't but I might just finish it anyway. Its so drab and nothing really happens. It's not clear what nick and Frances see in each other at all. It's frustrating how much money would have been spent on this when other more exciting stories haven't been told. Hmph!

What does LIRC stand for? You’re referring to NP sex scenes and liked them?
The ones with the two leads were fine. There were some where she clearly has no self worth and is kinda using sex to hurt herself which I couldn’t stand watching. But NP was a while ago and perhaps I remembering it wrong.

I imagine it's a typo of IIRC, 'if I remember correctly'.

I thought the sex scenes in NP were largely appropriate to the plot and the feelings of the characters.

Thanks for clarifying IIRC.
Regarding NP sex scenes - I understand they were integral to the storyline. I just couldn’t stomach them.

I absolutely loved Normal People - I thought it captured the intensity of a ‘first love’ relationship perfectly and the dynamics of that age, the awkwardness and self-doubt and uncertainty, the transition from a teen to early adulthood. The chemistry between the two leads was amazing and I was absolutely invested in their characters.

I’m 3 episodes in the CWF and I’m getting none of that. The characters seem completely flat. I have no sense at all of what drives the attraction between any of the characters, or getting any sense that they are meaningfully attracted to each other at all. It just seems like people going through the motions. And it’s not just because Frances and the actor are supposed to be withdrawn/introverted - Bobbi and the author are just as one dimensional.

Will stick with it but so far a huge disappointment as NP was one of the best series I’ve watched.

IIRC- if I recall correctly, sorry it was a typo in my earlier post.

Oh yes the Swedish scenes, I thought that was all relevant so didn't find it disturbing but again iirc it made more sense in the book.

The thing that didn't work at all was how bobbi and Frances were on stage compared to the rest of the time. They were quick, witty, enigmatic at times, the rest they spoke with a flat monosyllabic "OK", etc. Frances hardly ever smiled!

That’s a good point Mrs Jamin.

I said upthread that I liked it, and I did, but Frances’ personality (and Bobbi’s) needed some work!

I thought the parts with the alcoholic father were well done. Trying to think of positives.

I preferred Normal People. Though if people thought this was banal and introspective (I thought it was, to be fair) then I look forward to the discussion of Beautiful World if that is ever adapted for TV!

I really liked Normal People, it was more believable than this. I just didn't see what Frances and nick saw in each other.

I’ve read some reviews. All agree with us!

Yes I thought this review was very similar to my thoughts about the characters being “flat”

amp.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/may/24/conversations-with-friends-the-frustrating-awkwardness-of-a-much-hyped-series

It also makes some sense of what’s gone wrong in the translation between book and screen. I’ve not read the book but it makes sense that there is a lot of digital communication and inner monologue in the book which hasn’t carried over to the adaptation.

It was so poor. 0 chemistry between Nick and Frances.

In the middle of watching. I'm so bored, and I can't find any redeeming qualities in the naval-gazing, irritatingly bland characters.

Finally got to the end of it. I actually enjoyed it (more than normal people which just seemed to want to look pretty). I liked the character of Frances and thought the chemistry between her and Nick got better. I thought it was a decent commentary on love and the massive mess that can be created in pursuit of it.

I’m trying but it’s slow and I’ve just discovered killing Eve (I know I know, I’ve rediscovered BBC) so much prefer that.

When does it get more interesting?

When does it get more interesting?

I am 10 episodes in and if anything it becomes less interesting.

Yes it doesn’t get more interesting at all. Then the ending 🙄

loved NP. This is so so boring - literally watching paint dry slowly

Frances had no personality and can’t see the attraction. Everyone spoke at 1 mile an hour and there were so many awkward silences without any actual story

but tbh Frances is actually really stylish in real life: www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a39670253/alison-oliver-joe-alwyn-conversations-with-friends-may-2022/

Urgh, it was absolutely dire - coming from someone who normally enjoys ‘crap telly’ as an escape!

Oh ok I just watched the last two episodes and I actually liked the ending. By far the strongest part of the entire series I thought. I think it helped that there was more actual communication!

Not enough to redeem the whole series but given I’ve heard a lot of people disliking the end I was pleasantly surprised.

The only really annoying thing was…and I will try to say this without spoilers…that information she received about herself am - why exactly was that such a pivotal issue? Baffled.

I think Sally Rooney likes those sort of endings, and those sort of characters, it was all very Normal People. I couldn't identify much with or care about any of the characters in either, maybe if I was younger I could?

When Frances visited her dad's house and saw the mess I couldn't understand why she didn't make an attempt at tidying it up. 🙄
It wouldn't have killed her to wash a few plates.
She is so self absorbed.

Having been unimpressed by the TV adaptation I’ve started reading the book, and it brings Frances’s character to life so much more - I think everything is going on in her head and that just doesn’t translated well to screen. I still don’t find her a likeable character but at least in the book she’s an interesting one.