YOU

This dark and disturbing drama is uniquely told from the point of view of a smart young man obsessed with a woman he barely knows and begins to stalk. Joe’s inner monologue allows viewers to listen to the way he makes sense of his irrational feelings, and how he's unable to see in himself the violent, abusive characteristics that he loathes in other men. They also get to see how his sexual fantasies are also driving him. Throughout it all, Joe reveals how easily he uses the internet, especially social media, to aid him in his efforts. As he manages to justify his actions to himself, he reveals a familiarity with the process, that makes you suspect that he’s done this before.

While YOU offers some suspense, it also offers a distorted way of looking at Joe's criminal behavior. He's characterized as a likable man motivated by a desire to be loved. His inner-banter is filled with one-liners and quips, and some of the charmingly awkward exchanges during his planned "accidental" meetings with Beck create some lighthearted but alarming moments. This makes it easier for viewers to see Joe's actions as okay, while still finding themselves horrified about the violent acts he commits towards others. Some may look past this for entertainment’s sake, but it's also easy to point to the series as an example of how violence against women can be minimized by the media.