Take a group of young adults, add full frontal nudity, add sex, add drugs, and you have Glue. Imagine Skins but in a countryside setting. However, do not let the rural environment, usually associated with peace, farming and tree huggers (or The Archers), mislead you in your judgement. The ‘romanticised’ rebellion of teenagers dominates the programme (another evident resemblance to Skins, did I mention they are both written by BAFTA Award winner Jack Thorne?). However, by no means is its parallel to Skins a dismissal, as what isn’t there to like about a series that consists of lots of good looking people?
Yet as the episodes progress, the easy on the eye characters are not the only attraction (though I must admit having Callum Turner on my screen is always a bonus).The further attraction is in the intensity; the intensity that surrounds the characters, the intensity that engulfs the viewers, the intensity that results in an eerie atmosphere, an unavoidable pull that draws you deeper into the storyline. I always find intense programmes captivating, and this is no exception. Yes, on the surface it may appear to be a programme that mainly focuses on teens who have a slightly concerning obsession with the adrenaline rush produced by near death experiences, but delve deeper and the dark secrets begin to emerge. The dead body found at the end of episode one appears to be the catalyst for the unravelling of a web of lies. A murder mystery at its centre, a case of ‘whodunnit’; a classic hit, as demonstrated by the very popular Broadchurch. In the words of Jordan Stephens, Glue is “like Midsummer Murders without the OAPs.” It is undoubtedly gripping and I would say potentially a great series to marathon watch when hung-over.
The heavy and rather solemn storyline is successfully performed by the young cast, including Yasmin Paige (Submarine), Jessie Cave (Harry Potter), Faye Marsey (Fresh Meat) and Jordan Stephens (Rizzle Kicks… yes, Rizzle Kicks.) Bright eyed and bushy tailed, the actors’ age and ability both contribute to the rawness depicted. I say rawness in relation to the representation of their reality; the less than idyllic life amongst the hills and fields. The authenticity is heightened through the inclusion of the Romani people; the portrayal of whom certainly contrasts with that presented on My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. I believe that the authenticity of the programme also owes a lot to the writing. I can only hope that Jack Thorne has not encountered the traumas played out on our screens, but having lived in Newbury as a child, he certainly has first-hand experience of growing up in rural England. In a recent interview, Thorn revealed Glue to be “very specifically about being young in the countryside”, as a result of his background, we are invited to trust his depiction. And, of course, not forgetting the addition of the wobbly camera to enhance the realism.
A dark shadow constantly appears to hang over the series, consuming the programme and overwhelming the viewers. However, have no fear; there are small glimmers of light relief. There’s the odd party thrown in where great amounts of alcohol and drugs are consumed (if you see that as light relief), the odd funny comment from Rob (Jordan Sparks), the odd exposure of private parts (also relative to whether you find this to be light relief) and… yeah, that’s about it for less than serious aspects. Well, what do you expect from a series that depicts the murder of a boy of 14?
There appears to be an aim to create something captivating, but also something truthful. Despite the few stereotypical details in regards to young adults and the rather coincidentally attractive cast, the writing, the storyline, the directing and the actors, combine to enable the achievement of coarse honesty.
Edited by Georgina Varley.
Sources
http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/c4z8j5/glue–series-1—episode-1