It’s a little strange when a man and a woman are friends, isn’t it? Like a heterosexual adult man and woman who are best friends and the words “sex” or “romance” don’t even cross their minds? What if they both have their own partners or families too? It shouldn’t be weird! Actually, when you think about it, it actually makes sense and… healthy? Someone who’s glued to your hip is ready to go on an impromptu mini-adventure, or perfectly content doing absolutely nothing. together? This may sound a lot like elementary school, where friendships between men and women happen naturally and on a daily basis, and are generally unquestioned by anyone. But as an adult, for a variety of complex reasons and social assumptions, having a best friend of the opposite sex is sure to come as a surprise. Fortunately, the Apple TV+ series Platonic dives deep into this highly complex topic with hilarious and heartfelt results.
Co-writer and director Nicholas Stollercomedy mastermind Forget Sarah Marshall, Bring it to the GreekAnd Neighbours, Platonic it is a refreshing exploration of adult friendships with the opposite sex and the complications that inevitably (and unfairly) arise. Under the direction of Seth Rogen And Rose ByrneThe series follows Sylvia (Byrne), a wife, mother of three, and former lawyer, who learns from rumors that her former childhood best friend Will (Rogen) has recently divorced. The two were very close, Will was even a bridesmaid at Sylvia’s wedding. Supported by CharlieLuke Macfarlane), Sylvia’s husband, a doe-eyed golden retriever, relentless, human, Sylvia agrees to lend a helping hand. However, she cannot imagine that Will would want to hear the news from her, especially since Will’s now ex-wife, Audrey (Alisha Wainwright).
One of the many things Platonic does so well with genuine interaction and conversations. It may seem incredibly obvious and a basic storytelling element that needs to be done right, but authentic top-level dialogue, laced with subtlety and trimmed in fat, makes you realize just how difficult and rare it is to achieve this feat. Will and Sylvia’s reunion at a coffee shop, for example, is a perfect example; so much is conveyed in awkward pauses, stumbling and fake language as Will tries to feign interest in Sylvia’s family and Sylvia tries to feign surprise at hearing of his divorce (the fact that it’s a “regret call”, not that she’s on actually apologizing for her role in ruining their friendship becomes a bone of contention). Will’s body language and self-confidence when describing how things ended up “amicably” between him and Audrey is a clear sign that they are in fact on opposite terms.
The two are desperate to maintain the familiarity they’ve formed over their 20-year friendship, but as their clumsy, stuttering sentences show, their rapport is covered in dust. Later, Will is genuinely surprised when Sylvia accepts his invitation and shows up at a party he hosted at the Lucky Penny Brewery, where he is a “barbarian”. Sylvia witnesses an acrimonious fight between Will and Audrey outside and has a drink with Will in a new place to let off steam. After a series of misadventures in the city, including a night out to Denny’s (is there any other way?), it’s like they never stopped being best friends.
Another thing especially important to show this premise is the chemistry between the two main characters. It’s painfully obvious and distracting when two actors lack that spark on screen, and in this case it will ultimately decide the fate of the series. Luckily, Byrne and Rogen’s chemistry is off the charts: Will’s “90s grunge clown” image (Sylvia’s words) and reserved personality are a perfect fit for Sylvia’s flawless looks and charming, albeit rather scruffy and goofy, true self. . If you’ve been following their acting careers, it’s no wonder the two pair so well together. They played a married couple and new parents in Neighbours and its sequel, both of which were directed by Stoller. If these films gave Byrne and Rogen the ability to fly and play each other, then their work in Platonic allows them to bring out each other’s strengths and soar.
Most importantly, Byrne and Rogen play exclusively with nuance. They know when to pull the trigger of a joke and make you laugh so hard that you might have to pause the screen to get yourself together, but they also fill their work with genuine moments of tenderness and vulnerability - just like true and honest friendships should be. . Rogen shows off his acting range by sticking to the trademark Rogen we’ve come to love over the years, as well as melting into the role of a man struggling with a midlife crisis.
Platonic also avoids disappointing clichés and subverts expectations. No once during the ten-episode first season, you get the impression that Will and Sylvia have any desire to be together in a romantic relationship, and the show completely transcends the they-not-they-they stereotype. In fact, even the thought of them being together in this way seems very wrong. Instead of making Sylvia’s husband Charlie an obnoxious and forgettable plot device, he’s actually a well-defined character to take care of. It would be easy to portray him as a villain who just gets in the way of Sylvia and Will’s unrealized romance, but that’s far from the case. Instead, we cheer and sympathize with him when he feels left out and misses a joke.
There’s a moment later in the season when Charlie embarrasses himself by doing something completely out of character, but instead of immediately disliking him for being out of line, you kind of feel sorry for him. MacFarlane fits the role like a glove and brings a pep to a role that could easily be one-dimensional. His appeal, as well as the fact that his best friend at the law firm is played by MacFarlane. Broscolleague Guy Branum (which Stoller also directed) makes his screen time even more memorable.
Byrne delivered her best performance since the 2011 hit comedy. bridesmaidswhich means a lot more when you realize how much strong work she’s done in both comedy and drama since becoming an indulgent bridesmaid. Her physical comedy has never been better and has never looked easier thanks to her effortless charm. She cooks by stuffing French fries into her mouth (no pun intended) and her facial expression shows a whole gamut of emotions.
If you’re expecting typical Seth Rogen food with lewd jokes and lots of weed, you’re in for a real surprise. Yes, there are weed gummies to be chewed and ketamine to be snorted, but that is by no means a laughing matter. The series is not immune to silliness (and shouldn’t be!) - Rogen’s character is attacked by a raccoon, an epic dance party breaks out in a bar, and a seasonal joke about kicking motor scooters parked outside. just to start. Oh, and there might be some glass breaking and lizard theft.
WITH PlatonicStoller and co-author Francesca Delbanco explore a type of relationship that is under-reported in the media and may even be considered a social taboo. Rogen and Byrne’s rapport as they navigate the many ups and downs of having an adult best friend with ease makes it one of the strongest new TV shows of the year. Not only does this clear-cut show never make a platonic relationship “less than” or lack an ingredient, but it respects it as a friendship with many benefits.
Rating: A
First three series Platonic It premieres on Apple TV+ on May 24, with the remaining seven episodes airing weekly.
Source: Collider
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