As a fan of both Nick Hornby’s novel and the film adaptation with John Cusack, a mixture of excitement and skepticism brewed within me when I heard about Hulu’s most recent endeavor. Did we need this? Sometimes reviving something beloved can be energizing, but it can also be stale and force you back into the arms of the original. Luckily, this time around, change was definitely welcomed—and earned.
Things are inherently different on the surface, but the main themes of maturity and love, as well as the contagious adoration of music, is as evident as ever. Expect plenty of musical discussions, poor choices, and eventual heart-aching reflections. This is High Fidelity, after all, re-imagined, but still tethered to what made this story just a cult classic.
The Necessary Ingredients: Love, Heartbreak & Vinyl
Zoë Kravitz plays Robin, though she goes by Rob (whose real life mother, Lisa Bonet, was in the original film: love that). She has her own record store, two loyal employees who are truly more friends or family, and, just as the story began before, she’s dealing with a difficult break up from Mac (Kingsley Ben-Adir). This thrusts her on a journey to recount her five worst heartbreaks, wondering what went wrong in an attempt to rectify her own commitment and selfish tendencies.
This motivates her to relive some past failures and discover some new love interests. The show begins with her on a date with Clyde (Jake Lacy)—someone very different from other dates, but someone who she can’t seem to shake. Clyde and her don’t necessarily seem to hit it off a first, but they keep managing to come together.
It also directs her to a young rock star Liam (Thomas Doherty) who stokes a fire of youth within her. Still, she can’t let go of the one who got away: Mac. As the series continues we discover the real reason they ended, and much like Cusack’s experience in the film, she’s very much complicit in their demise. When Mac comes back into town with a fiancé, old wounds are made raw again, and it propels her down a spiral with lots of whiskey, contemplation, rebounds, and plenty of rocking tunes.
The story manages to weave together several genres of music. There’s current vibes and undeniable classics, and each choice is exceptionally matched. You can tell the showrunners made an art of this, and the detail and synchronicity is appreciated. Whether by the creation of a mix tape, what’s playing in the background, or actual musical performances, the music is integrated into the soul of the show. It is a necessity, one that I absolutely adore and that gives me a sense of nostalgia and invigorates me as a viewer. Maybe this isn’t relatable for everyone, but it’s the kind of environment that’s hard to not imagine being a part of, and relishing every sound along the way.
A Blend of Old and New
As magnetic as Cusack was, Kravitz matches his ability to capture the audience. Neither of these incarnations of the character are free from error or making genuinely shitty decisions, but their humanity is also their outstretched hand to audiences, making it easier to go on this trip with them and not want to let go. Why is she like this? Can she be repaired?
There are similarities in their portrayals with their cynical and witty repertoire, yet distinct differences allowing the series to create its own identity. It isn’t the same as the previous film adaptation, but the bones are there. It is functionally and melodically infused with a fresh take that’s played out in the way a favorite record is; familiar, but something new this spin around.
The basis here, besides the integrated humor that is effortlessly blended in, is about how we grow, both as individuals and in relationships. Rob has no shortage of potential suitors throughout the ten (far too short) episodes, and we get the abridged appraisal of her romantic history, with men and women alike. One particular character and scene with Kat (Ivanna Sakhno) is very similar to the previous film, yet it manages to work in newer, social media elements.
With a show like this the main character—and their ability to convey a sense of believability—can make or break a series. The meat and bones of this story, harking back to the book, is prevalent, but Zoë commands the screen. In other hands this may have felt forced or unnatural, but Kravitz was the right choice. She’s tough but vulnerable, funny but snark, and she’s a mess. She nails her usual confidence, yet there’s also an undercurrent of sadness that lingers on the edge of her monologues and exchanges.
The series was created by Sarah Kucserka and Veronica West, with a variety of writers and directors involved—which occasionally has some episodes sticking the landing more than others. The series moves to Brooklyn, NY this time around, versus Chicago, which keeps a similar feel, but allows for new locales. The writing feels real and engaging, and the direction and photography gives us an homage to the original, but with its own distinct voice. Some shots are directly taken from the other film, which provides a welcomed sense of sentimentality.
The decision to flip genders (more than once) works impeccably here, as well as the changes in the other character’s stories. Those supporting but very unique roles, specifically Simon (David H. Holmes) and Cherise (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) are inherently important additions. Rob, Simon and Cherise have a terrific chemistry that makes their store seem like an excuse for besties to hang out and vent (even if it’s not very believable that this would be a functioning business).
The Highlights
One of my favorite episodes, “Simon’s Top 5”, relies entirely on Simon’s own relationship heartaches. It delivers a welcomed detour that fits snugly into the series. Some other highlights include the episode “Uptown”, comprised entirely on a trip to Manhattan with Clyde, and Rob’s birthday episode,“Fun Rob.” These contained days and events make it easy to feel in touch with the characters and provide significant entertainment value, despite the brief run-times.
High Fidelity delivers us a new, fresh, talented series while still sticking to its roots. By the end, without spoiling, is it possible Rob may finally be learning from her experiences? Has she become more responsible?—or at least more accepting of her part in her romantic failings? One can hope. And season one ends with the flourishing of exactly that: hope. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Top five reasons to watch High Fidelity?
1.) The Music.
2.) Zoë Kravitz.
3.) The laughs.
4.) The “feels” and the recognition of consequence.
5.) These episodes breeze by, but leave a mix-tape feeling of longevity and reflection.
