REVIEW: Emily in Paris is the Perfect Escape from Reality
Creator Darren Star (Sex in the City and Younger) is back with a brand new show, Emily in Paris. Emily, a marketing rockstar from Chicago, heads to Paris to bring an American point of view to a French marketing firm. At first, Emily believes she will be the one bringing a new point of view to her French coworkers, but it is really Emily who is shown a new point of view as she attempts to navigate her new life in Paris.
The fashion is one of the main staples in this new Netflix show. No matter which character is on screen, they are dressed to the nines, even when they are working out. Whether it be Emily’s bold, colorful ensembles or Gabriel’s plethora of casual jackets, each outfit helps bring more life to the characters. As a fan of shoes, these ones did not disappoint. I had major shoe envy as I watched the characters run around the streets of Paris in their heels.
The other main staple on this show is the city itself. Like some of Starr’s previous shows, the city helps tell the lead’s story. Sex and the City had New York City, Beverly Hills, 90210 had Beverly Hills and Emily in Paris is, of course, Paris. Not only is this Emily’s first time in the City of Love, but it’s her first experience with the culture and people. These are used well to provide growth to the character. Starr has always been great at making the city its own character and that is no different in this show. It will leave you dreaming of the day when you can explore the city for yourself.
Lily Collins is a joy as the naïve Emily. Throughout the ten episode season, fans will enjoy watching Collins strut through the streets of Paris as Emily attempts to find who she is in the city. She is joined on her adventure by her new friends, Mindy, played wonderfully by Ashley Park, and Camille, played by Camille Razat. These two play completely different characters, but their dynamic with Collins couldn’t have been better. Their scenes will have you wishing you were with them, gossiping over a glass of wine. The only negative I had was there were not more scenes with the three. If the show is renewed for a second season, hopefully, we can explore this dynamic more.
Lucas Bravo and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu round out the cast as Gabriel, Emily’s neighbor and potential love interest, and Sylvie, Emily’s boss, who is not too happy to have an American working for her. Bravo’s performance is swoon worthy as you watch him flirt with Emily while Leroy-Beaulieu plays the perfect catalyst to our leading lady.
Emily in Paris is a little predictable when it comes to storyline and, at times, a little unbelievable, but none of that distracts from the ultimate story. The characters are interesting, the setting is amazing, and the relationships are intriguing. All ten episodes do a nice job of building on one another, leading to a tightly wrapped season finale, at least until the final moments. For fans of Starr’s previous work, you will not be disappointed with this one.
Grade: A
Photo credit: STEPHANIE BRANCHU/NETFLIX © 2020