Hulu's Looking For Alaska is based on a novel of the same name by John Green. For anyone who read this book or any of Green's books knows of his flare for the tear-jerking coming of age story. This story came out in 2005. For the last couple of years, the prospect of a movie or show has been tossed around. Usually, it left us in disappointment, but in the summer of 2019, Hulu released a trailer and all our dreams came true. The series is a limited 8 episodes (perfect for the weekend binge session) and is filled with a pretty new cast. There's much to talk about, so let's get into it.
Do not fear. THIS IS A SPOILER-FREE REVIEW!
The story follows Miles Halter as he goes off to boarding school in search of what he calls his "great perhaps". Miles, fascinated by last words, wants to discover what leads to such famous last words. Arriving at Culver Creek Academy, Miles is adopted by a colorful band of characters that end up changing his life. Included in these characters is one Alaska Young. Full of life, love, and a lot of questions. Miles isn't ready for what comes his way.
I've read the book. I loved the book. I read it at the ripe age of 14 and questioned so many things. That kind of marked my journey of being a nerdfighter (fan of John Green's youtube channel called Vlogbrothers he shares with his brother Hank). So when I saw the announcement, I was beyond excited. However, I'll admit, the trailer bored me.
In my mind, it reminded me of every single teen show out there - and I've watched a lot of them. Spending time watching yet another predictable story did not seem appealing. Either way, on October 18, I gave it a chance and watched the first episode. It seemed simple enough until I started actually watching the series and well… it ended with me finishing all eight episodes before Saturday night.
I was gravely mistaken and was definitely proven wrong. It was like reading the book for the first time all over again. Even as a college student and not a middle school optimistic, it held so much meaning that I shall now rant on:
THIS IS A COMING OF LIFE STORY
The lessons perceived can be learned at any age. Seeing this story in two different forms at two different ages proves that. I mean my 14-year-old self could not understand what my 18-year-old self is going through. There is also a story for everyone. There's class warfare of privileged and marginalized. There's classic brotherhood that stands by each other. And don't forget TEEN ROMANCE.
All the characters go through a relatable sequence that speaks to an audience in both a beautiful and blunt way. It's a cool way of putting together more than the simple romance and schemes of kids. It's a way to capture life in its prime, all decked out in awkward moments and great discoveries. In so many words, it's everything and anything. It's a coming of age story that goes high and low. In and out. Up and down and all around. In watching this show, it was a fun emotional rollercoaster than brings nostalgia and emotion all in a neat quick package.
I highly recommend Looking for Alaska. Both the book and TV show on Hulu. Just make sure whatever tissues you have, double them. It is quite the tear-jerker.
