Classics: A Review of My Brilliant Friend By Lauren Ennis

How much of who we are is determined by where we came from? Can we ever truly escape our pasts, and if so, should we? These are the questions that lie at the heart of HBO’s hit drama My Brilliant Friend. In just eight hours of television the series perfectly captures the tragedy and triumphs of growing up. Through its chronicle of the tumultuous lives of its heroines the series simultaneously serves as an epic exploration of a society in flux. Easily one of 2018’s most memorable series, My Brilliant Friend more than lives up to its title.

It's a hard knock life!

The story begins with successful author Elena Greco receiving a phone call from the distraught son of her childhood friend and neighbor, Lila Cerullo. Lila’s son explains that his mother has disappeared and destroyed every reminder of her old life. Upon receiving this news, Elena becomes furious and sets to work writing a memoir of her friendship with the brilliant Lila. The story then flashes back to Elena and Lila’s childhood in the slums of Naples just after World War II. While the adults around them cope with the aftermath of the war, the girls struggle to maneuver the war-zone like violence of their neighborhood. By fourth grade the girls realize that education is the surest path to escaping the limits of the neighborhood, and both become determined to reach the top of their class. Through their shared passion for knowledge and their mutual desire for a better life the rivals eventually forge an unlikely friendship that will endure through the tumultuous decades to come. The pair soon find themselves at a crossroads, however, as Elena’s parents reluctantly allow her to continue her studies while Lila’s parents force her to quit school at age nine and take her place at the family shoe store. 

The duo then embark upon two very different paths, one of which will lead to Elena’s success, while the other sets events in motion that will ultimately result in Lila’s disappearance.

Based upon the first of Elena Ferrante’s bestselling ‘Neapolitan novels’ quartet, My Brilliant Friend is a gripping portrait of two girls on the cusp of womanhood and a nation on the brink of change. Following closely to its source material, the unflinching script transports viewers to the gritty world that its heroines inhabit without either passing judgment or offering apologies. The script portrays its leads with equal frankness as it chronicles their struggles and triumphs with an emotional honesty that is nothing short of raw. All the while, the girls’ stories intertwine with that of their changing neighborhood with the setting acting as a silent third lead and providing a haunting reminder of the obstacles that the girls face at virtually every turn. The series also earns particular note for its startlingly accurate portrayal of history as it explores the crime, violence, and poverty that defined life in much of post-war Italy without trying to force modern views and norms onto its characters. Functioning as both a compelling coming of age story and an examination of post-war life, My Brilliant Friend is a period piece that is certain to resonate with modern viewers.

Books are a girls' best friend

The series vividly brings Ferrante’s novel to life thanks in large part to the performances of its stellar cast. The supporting cast turn in uniformly superb performances with Dora Romano as the girls’ teacher, Miss Oliveiro, Gennaro De Stefano as Lila’s older brother, Rino, and Elvis Esposito as neighborhood tough Marcello Solara earning particular note. Even in the midst of its expansive and talented cast, however, the series belongs to the four actresses who portray Elena and Lila. Ludovica Nasti is pure dynamite in her charismatic turn as young Lila, whom she portrays as a force of nature. Elisa Del Genio is an excellent foil to Nasti’s Lila in her understated performance as young Elena as she imbues Elena with both intelligence and a subtle maturity. Gaia Girace and Margherita Mazzucco are equally well cast as the teenage versions of Lila and Elena. Girace’s portrayal of Lila makes for a seamless transition as she maintains Lila’s magnetism while capturing the ways in which she has matured. Mazzucco is equally adept in her role as Elena as she portrays Elena’s adolescent awkwardness and insecurity while still conveying her intelligence and diligence.

At once a gritty domestic drama and an insightful period piece, the series aptly explores the role that where we come from plays in shaping who we become. Through its engrossing script and transporting sets the series expertly brings Ferrante’s beloved novel to life, while still offering plenty to viewers unfamiliar with the book. With a riveting plot, a whole cast of colorful characters, and some of the best acting to grace the small screen, My Brilliant Friend proves itself to be nothing less than a brilliant viewing experience.