Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Atmospheric coming-of-age series has sex, substances.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Absolute Beginners
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS tells the story of Lena (Martyna Byczkowska) and Niko (Bartlomiej Deklewa), best friends since childhood who are spending their last family summer vacation together working on an art film, which they'll be submitting to the school they hope to attend in the coming fall. Conflict arises when it's time to film the movie's graphic love scene, which Niko finds challenging for reasons he struggles to express -- a source of frustration for singleminded Lena, who doesn't see the big deal and just wants to get it finished. When they meet an enigmatic but troubled young basketball player, Igor (Jan Salasinski), they rope him into participating in the movie. The dynamics between them shift dramatically, causing their friendships and futures to take some unexpected and intense turns.
Is It Any Good?
Coming-of-age tales can be predictable and corny, but this series distinguishes itself with uniquely layered characters, atmospheric scenery, and its sensitive and thoughtful portrayal of sexuality. Absolute Beginners also does a refreshingly decent job addressing Lena's autism and the ways her family and friends have adapted to help support her. Yet it also shows their failings, as when Lena's mother impatiently scolds her to "Stop waving your hands!" when she engages in some self-soothing movement during a moment of sensory overload. Her autism affects her life but isn't treated as the only thing in her life; she's given a well-developed personality. Though imperfectly paced -- with only six episodes, we could have cut back on the scenes involving the parents' marital issues -- the series is a meditative and tender portrayal of the uncertainty of youth and the freedom in growth.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this series portrays parent-child relationships, specifically regarding personal boundaries. Do the parents "overshare" with their kids, in your opinion? How does this affect how they view one another?
Talk about how this series depicts autism. In what ways does Lena's neurodiversity present challenges for her? How might it also benefit her?
TV Details
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