Trinkets (Review)
Trinkets. 2019 - © Netflix Photo by Allyson Riggs
Minor spoilers ahead!
Based on the YA novel of the same name, Netflix’s Trinkets is a drama following three teens from different high school social classes who all have one thing in common; they all have kleptomania.
While the overall concept of the show is basic (angsty teens with nothing in common realize they have everything in common), the idea of focusing on a different common denominator such as kleptomania caught my attention right away.
Like OCD and many other mental health disorders, kleptomania is often misrepresented in the media and is commonly the butt of a joke. However, Trinkets attempts to shed serious light on the disorder. While I am not an expert and haven’t read the original book, I appreciate the show’s attempt to depict kleptomania in a way that helps the audience understand it, rather than laugh at it.
That being said, the series falls a little flat after the first few episodes. We watch our three leads, Elodie, Moe, and Tabitha, as they reluctantly become secret besties, and deal with their demons. However, at times, it’s all very systematic. Obvious conflict arises, and obvious resolutions and repercussions occur. In one instance, Elodie is forced to keep an eye on her younger step-brother at a market, filled with lots of items for the taking. We can guess what happens next.
Still, the series redeems itself as Elodie, Moe, and Tabitha believably manage the darker issues the world deals them. The situations aren’t overdramatized for the sake of entertainment. Domestic violence, infidelity, and overall toxic relationships are depicted throughout the season. Of course, no teen drama is complete without teen sex, but there are no frivolous sex scenes in the series. Every sex scene moves the plot forward and doesn’t oversexualize the cast.
Overall, the season is very much an intro season. While we watch all of the small conflicts come and go, we very rarely get any relief of the big ones. Elodie’s demons stem from her mother’s passing. She’s forced to relocate from New Mexico to Portland, Oregon with her estranged father and his new wife and son. Her story is the most interesting because we get a firm grasp on what triggers her kleptomania. Actress Brianna Hildebrand, everyone’s favorite Negasonic Teenage Warhead, plays Elodie and we get to see a less broody more heartfelt performance from the actress than in her blockbuster film.
Tabitha and Moe’s connection to Kleptomania isn’t as strong as Elodie’s. Instead, it’s replaced with the other pressing issues introduced, which doesn’t ruin the series but does leave the audience wanting a little more in that arena. Just as Tabitha and Moe compliment Elodie in the series, Kiana Madeira and Quintessa Swindell’s performances compliment Hildebrand’s beautifully. There wasn't a line delivery that made me cringe, and the chemistry between the three made for an enjoyable watch.
Relationships are at the heart of this show. From romantic to familial, we get a taste of the many types of relationships a teen of today can have. Furthermore, it’s refreshing that the girl’s friendship takes precedence. Every other relationship in their lives hinges on the bonds they build with each other. It’s a nice change of pace. However, one of the biggest problems I had with the romantic relationships in the show was the fact that two of the romantic interests aren’t teens. Are they super old? No, but no one is questioning why grown adults are hitting on teen girls. It’s all played out very casually, and I get it, age is just a number, but still, no one bats an eye?
The small details aside, the show has potential, and a pretty catchy soundtrack to go with it. Season one ends with a few cliffhangers, and I do want to see how they pan out. In an interview with Hollywood Life the author of the original book, and show EP, Kirsten Smith, mentions that there were a few things from the books that were left out of the show, so it’s possible that future seasons could include this missing content and help satisfy any annoyances or holes viewers find.
A sophomore season has yet to be announced, but listening to the season one soundtrack, especially Kat Cunning’s King of Shadow, on repeat should keep viewers satisfied until it is, or isn't.
About the Author
Deanna Gomez is a lecturer at California State University Fullerton and Editor in Chief of the WODC blog. She helms the Spooky Bitches horror column and is host of The Spooky Bitches Podcast.