Trinkets
By Joyce Slaton,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Sensitive teen shoplifting drama has sex, crime, friendship.
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Trinkets
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Based on 6 parent reviews
Deals with many difficult topics well, doesn't address age gaps appropriately
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What's the Story?
Though Elodie (Brianna Hildebrand), Moe (Kiana Madeira), and Tabitha (Quintessa Swindell) don't have a lot in common, they share a bad habit: They all steal TRINKETS when they're feeling stressed. But when they're caught at it, the trio winds up in Shoplifter's Anonymous, where they forge a strong friendship. Elodie is damaged from the recent death of her mom and is struggling with the baggage that comes with being a young queer girl; Moe has to act tough to hide how frightened and sad she is inside; Tabitha has troubles with her family and her boyfriend, Brady (Brandon Butler), who seems to be ramping up to physical abuse. But at least they have each other.
Is It Any Good?
With appealing actors and relatable storylines, this series scores by treating its characters' concerns seriously, without descending into the mopiness that plagues some teen shows. Tabitha, Moe, and Elodie are troubled, true -- the Shoplifters Anonymous frame may have clued you in -- with teachers, and friends, and parents who hand them hassles. But the friendship between the three girls, though it begins contentiously, soon emerges as something strong and supportive that each can rely on to carry them through their (many) difficult moments. It's a framework teen viewers, who have their own monumentally important friendships, will find engaging.
The sensitive writing is Trinkets' best feature, with an uncanny grasp of how adolescents show each other acceptance and, most often, contempt. As the new kid in town, Elodie is subject to plenty of the latter: As she walks through the hallways of her new school gazing wistfully at peers who refuse to gaze back, viewers might be forgiven for wincing in pained recognition. Other things about this show go down easily, too. The cast's clothing is casual, hairstyles and makeup are realistic, the locations look real -- and since Trinkets is filmed, not just set, in Portland, Oregon, that setting takes on a naturalistic air that adds to the show's real feel. The trio of main characters feel like teens you might know, or at least ones you want to hang out with for a few fast-moving episodes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stereotyping. What instances of stereotyping exist in Trinkets? Do the characters reflect the groups you see among your peers? To what degree is stereotyping necessary for the comedy to be effective?
Teens: Do you find your peer pool to be mostly inclusive or exclusive? Can social media be a curse as well as a blessing? How does our constant connection to other people via cell phones cause stress? On the other hand, what are the benefits of this culture?
Families can discuss the issues raised in each episode. How do drinking, smoking, and other adult behaviors differ between what you see among people your age and the characters in this show? How are the issues you face and those on the show similar? Can you relate to their struggles with peers and self-image?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 14, 2019
- Cast: Brianna Hildebrand , Larisa Oleynik
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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