In the sweltering summer, accompanied by the scorching sun, we always hope to find some visually appealing American dramas to pass the time. This summer, the American drama The Summer I Turned Pretty has arrived as promised, returning with youthful vigor and passion!
Adapted from the best-selling novel of the same name by author Jenny Han, the first season scored 7.4 on Douban. The plot retains classic youthful elements such as "vacationing in a beach villa" and "childhood crush," making it highly anticipated.
Judging from the show's posters, both the boldness and sweetness of the series are astonishing, making people unable to resist exploring it. Although it's a sweet drama filled with melodramatic plots, it has to be admitted that the appearance of the characters in the show is surprisingly high, and each one is stunning.
The Upsurge of Youth: Belly's Growth Journey
The story's heroine, Belly Conklin, is a girl full of expectations for summer. Every summer, her mother takes her to spend the holiday at a good friend's house, and her mother's friend happens to have two handsome sons, which always makes her joyous during this sunny season. As time passes, Belly finds that everything seems to have changed in the summer when she turns 16. She is no longer that little girl but a charming teenage girl in her prime.
Belly has a secret crush on the elder brother,Conrad Fisher, who also seems to have feelings for her. However, his younger brother, Jeremiah Fisher, also develops affection for her. During this summer, the ambiguous relationship between the three intensifies. When Belly plucks up the courage to confess to Conrad, she is met with his cold response. To keep Belly from worrying, Conrad deliberately starts dating other girls, hoping to make her back down. In fact, Conrad hides an unknown secret deep in his heart—his mother is battling cancer, and he doesn't want to fall in love at such a moment.
When Belly feels disappointed, the younger brother Jeremiah bravely steps forward and declares his feelings for her. Belly finally chooses to be with Jeremiah, and their interactions are full of youthful vitality. However, not long after, Conrad re-enters Belly's life. Belly's emotional wavering between the two brothers makes the melodrama of the show truly heart-wrenching. By the end of the second season, Belly discovers that her true love is Jeremiah, and their relationship grows deeper.
Belly Facing Choices: The Test of a Long-Distance Relationship
Now, Belly no longer just looks forward to summer. Her relationship with Jeremiah has gradually heated up, and she wants to spend all seasons and the wonderful college life with him. In the blink of an eye, Belly and Jeremiah have been together for three years. Jeremiah is about to graduate, while Belly gets the opportunity to study in Paris. This means they will face the test of a long-distance relationship. Although they promise to spend this summer together, fate always brings unexpected turns.
As Belly prepares to leave for Paris, Jeremiah has to delay his graduation due to academic issues, leaving Belly torn. She faces a choice: stay at school to accompany Jeremiah or pursue her life goal by going to Paris. Jeremiah shows great understanding and even fully supports Belly's decision. However, just when Belly thinks she is the happiest woman in the world, she accidentally learns that Jeremiah had an intimate encounter with another woman during their breakup, and her trust instantly collapses.
Meanwhile, the relationship between Belly's friend Taylor and her brother is equally complicated. Although both have their own partners, they can't seem to break free from each other's ties. In the end, Belly's brother decides to break up with his current girlfriend and tries to rekindle a relationship with Taylor, but Taylor rejects his pursuit, believing he is not sincere. At this moment, Belly's brother has an accident while chasing after Taylor, and the car crash shocks everyone.
The Ups and Downs of the Plot: Growth and Confusion
For viewers who have watched the first two seasons, this sweet drama indeed has a great atmosphere, especially the stunning looks of the protagonists. However, the melodramatic plot also makes people's hearts race with tension. The female lead Belly's indecision between the two brothers and her fickle emotions are frustrating. Even though the show has reached its third season, viewers still can't see the growth of the characters, and the plot twists and conflicts seem to be escalating.
In this show, the only character who seems to have grown is Belly's brother Conrad. Although he was cold to Belly when he first became an adult, viewers can clearly feel his gradual maturity in this season. In contrast, although the younger brother Jeremiah is enthusiastic and sunny, and takes the initiative to express his love for Belly on the surface, his actions often disappoint people, as if he only pays lip service. Viewers can't help but guess who Belly will end up with in the end. After all, such a melodramatic ending is in line with the overall style of the show.
In short, The Summer I Turned Pretty brings the throbbing of youth and complex interpersonal relationships again this summer. Although the plot is full of melodrama and chaos, it is precisely these youthful emotional stories that make viewers find resonance and joy in the midsummer days. The show's hot return is bound to attract more viewers' attention and discussion. Youth stories are always so fascinating, and let's look forward to the development of the next plot!