The adaptation of a book is undoubtedly one of the most important moments in a reader’s life, even more so when we are talking about your favorite work or one that has been awaited for a long time. Unfortunately, not all adaptations are faithful or pleasing to fans, but it is an unquestionable fact that they came here to stay. Whether through movies or series, seeing a story finally come to life through screens makes the prospecting for its launch even more important and even definitive.
That’s why it’s very indispensable for both the producers to be careful with the veracity of the content and for the fans not to create so much expectation, since what is expected will not always be delivered. It’s much easier to think of adaptations that didn’t meet expectations than those that were really well done, isn’t it? That’s why Her Campus Cásper Líbero gathered five great adaptations that gave everything they promised. Come check it out!
1. Perdida – Carina Rissi
Recently released in Brazilian theaters, the film starring Giovanna Grigio is a real back-in-time trip! When her character, Sofia Alonzo, has completely given up on love, a mysterious cell phone takes her straight to the 19th century, where she ends up meeting and falling in love with Lord Ian Clarke (Bruno Montaleone). Amid the quest to return to the present, Sofia lives the fairy tale she never imagined she would find, even more in a century so far from hers.
The adaptation certainly made up for the public’s ten years of waiting. The rom-com is light, romantic, and funny, just as the book sets out to be. To fans of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley: this movie is made for you. The quality of national cinema is put into test and does not disappoint, showing that with the necessary investment, it is possible to produce works as impressive as this one.
2. Normal People – Sally Rooney
It is impossible to talk about faithful adaptations and not remember the story of Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal). With more than 90% approval by Rotten Tomatoes, the series, which was released in 2020, tells the story of two young people from different origins who allow themselves to fall in love throughout high school and college. The young-adult narrative portrays the development of the characters between countless encounters and mismatches that are even more disconnected than when they met for the first time.
The series has 12 episodes and portrays how two people with different histories and personalities can meet, isolated from the rest of the world. In addition, the mishaps of the transition from adolescence to adulthood are also presented, ranging from family and sociability problems to internal and psychological dilemmas. Before reading or watching, be aware of the triggers because this story was made to touch the most intimate and vulnerable side of what it is to be young nowadays.
3. Heartstopper – Alice Oseman
From the comics to the screens, the story of Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) delighted — and continues to delight — thousands of fans around the world. In this story, where boy meets boy, the characters develop from a beautiful friendship to a deep romance, where they learn more and more about themselves and what is the meaning of love. In addition, approaches to family, discovery, and self-acceptance are also raised, which explains the success among younger people, since these issues are very present in the lives of people at this age.
The official Netflix series is one of the few adaptations that manages to be identical, page for page, without changing anything. In fact, it is the complete opposite of most shows: it adds new elements and characters, which further enriches the narrative. Heartstopper has become a complete phenomenon and landmark of queer novels, given that it does not feed stereotypes and portrays a light plot, worthy of warming the heart.
4. Daisy Jones & The Six – Taylor Jenkins Reid
The most famous rock band of the 70s finally came to life this year. In fact, the band itself never existed, but Prime Video made such a perfect adaptation that it made it seem as if it did. The ten-episode series revolves around the creation of The Six, a group initially led by Billy Dunne (Sam Claflin), the entry of Daisy Jones (Riley Keough) and its consequent rise to the unexpected breakup at the height of its popularity.
The story is told in the format of flashes and interviews, such as in the book, since the members got together to tell, years later, the reason behind their separation. Full of complex characters, sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll, Daisy Jones & The Six touches you and makes you wish that the group had really existed. At least, you can get a taste of it through the album AURORA available on Spotify, by the name of the band itself that reached the milestone of 2.3 million monthly listeners.
5. Red, White & Royal Blue – Casey McQuiston
And last but not least, the most recent beloved of the universe of adaptations: Red, White & Royal Blue. Told from the point of view of the first son of the president of the USA, Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Perez), the narrative develops from an incident with Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine) during a royal wedding. To cover up the rumors and repair the damage, the characters come up with a false friendship, begrudgingly at first, which over time develops into a secret romance that has the potential to define the hegemony of the two nations.
One of the most acclaimed enemies to lovers on the socials has already arrived, indeed, making history. Within a week, it already had the milestone of being the most watched film in the world on streaming, in addition to having reached the trending topics in 32 countries, thus being very well evaluated by the public and critics. The story has the perfect balance of humor, emotion, intimacy and, above all, hope when it comes to building a freer, more welcoming, and diverse world.
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The article above was edited by Júlia Pupo Mucha Fagá.
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