Ryan Murphy's adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's novel "The Shards" is a psychological thriller set in 1981 Los Angeles, focusing on a group of affluent prep school seniors whose seemingly perfect lives are disrupted by a mysterious transfer student and a serial killer. The series delves into themes of hidden identities, the hedonistic youth culture of the 1980s, and the metaphorical impact of the AIDS epidemic, portraying a world where teenagers are largely unsupervised and immersed in parties, drugs, and secrets. Executive producer Brad Simpson notes the fascination Murphy and Ellis share for youth and hidden identities, both artists having come of age during the AIDS crisis.
In contrast, Prime Video's "Sterling Point" is a refreshing YA drama executive produced by Margot Robbie's LuckyChap, offering a more wistful and authentic take on grief, self-discovery, and confronting the past. The story follows 17-year-old Annie Jacobson (Ella Rubin) whose meticulously planned summer before senior year is upended by a rejection from a prestigious Wharton program and the death of her estranged maternal grandfather. This leads her to inherit a property called Sterling Point in Muskoka, Canada, and uncover family secrets, including the existence of a half-sister, Ramona (Amélie Hoeferle), who looks exactly like Annie's deceased mother.
"Sterling Point" is praised for its elevated acting and luxurious pacing, drawing comparisons to 1990s teen dramas like "Dawson's Creek" and "My So-Called Life." While romance is a significant theme, the series also explores the lasting impact of parental wounds. Annie's journey to Sterling Point reveals a complex web of secrets and introduces her to a diverse cast of characters, including Oona (Bo Bragason), Ellis (Jacob Whiteduck-Lavoie), and Joe (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), the marina owner. The series stands out from other contemporary YA shows by prioritizing a more serious and nuanced exploration of its themes rather than solely focusing on initial feelings of love.
Both series, despite their different approaches, highlight the complexities of adolescence and the journey of self-discovery. "The Shards" offers a dark, suspenseful narrative about fear and hidden lives, while "Sterling Point" provides a breathtaking and authentic portrayal of a young woman unraveling family mysteries and her own identity against a lush Canadian backdrop. The juxtaposition of these two shows illustrates the varied ways teenage experiences and malcontent can be explored on screen, from psychological thrills to heartfelt coming-of-age stories.
