Normal People
Normal People is a critically acclaimed Irish drama series adapted from Sally Rooney's novel of the same name. The series chronicles the complex, on-again, off-again relationship between Marianne Sheridan and Connell Waldron, two young individuals from different social backgrounds in rural Ireland, as they navigate their late teenage years through university in Dublin. It explores themes of first love, class, identity, and the profound impact of family dynamics and personal insecurities on their emotional and sexual lives. The narrative is known for its raw, realistic portrayal of young adulthood and the challenges of intimate relationships. Due to its mature subject matter, including explicit sexual content, violence, and drug use, the series is intended for adult audiences.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe series contains frequent and intense depictions of physical and emotional abuse, particularly directed at the female protagonist, Marianne. This includes domestic violence and sexually abusive situations, as well as themes of self-harm and suicide.
Marianne suffers physical and emotional abuse from her older brother, Alan, who frequently grabs and hits her, and along with her mother, indicates she is worthless. In her adult relationships, Marianne is subjected to various forms of sexual violence, including being beaten, tied up, choked, hit with a belt, and having naked photos taken of her by different male partners. Connell's friend commits suicide, and Connell experiences depression and suicidal ideation.
Romance and Sexual Content
HighThe series is characterized by numerous explicit and graphic sex scenes involving nudity. It explores themes of intimacy, sexual exploration, and the complexities of consent and power dynamics within sexual relationships, including elements of masochism.
The series features numerous explicit sex scenes with graphic detail and nudity involving the main characters, Marianne and Connell, who engage in various intimate acts. The narrative includes discussions of oral sex, sexual fantasies, and masochistic tendencies, particularly Marianne's desire to be hurt by her sexual partners, which is linked to her past abuse.
Profanity
HighThe dialogue in "Normal People" frequently includes strong and explicit language, making profanity a highly present element throughout the series.
Strong language is used frequently throughout the series, including numerous instances of the 'f-word' and 's-word'. Other expletives such as 'pr--k,' 'p--s,' 'd--k,' and 'c--k' appear regularly in the dialogue.
Substance Use
HighThe series extensively portrays characters engaging in frequent and often excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and regular smoking. Substance use is a common coping mechanism and a backdrop to social interactions.
Connell, Marianne, and other characters frequently consume alcohol at parties, often drinking to the point of passing out. Marianne is depicted trying cocaine and occasionally using marijuana, while many characters regularly smoke cigarettes.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe series contains highly intense and emotionally disturbing content related to abuse, mental health struggles, and suicidal themes. The psychological impact of characters' experiences is a central and often harrowing aspect of the story.
The series portrays Marianne enduring sustained emotional and physical abuse from her family, particularly her brother and mother, which is highly disturbing. Connell experiences severe depression and suicidal ideation, following the suicide of one of his friends, which are intense and potentially distressing themes.
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighDisrespect is a prominent theme, particularly within Marianne's family dynamics where she experiences verbal and physical abuse. Characters also display rebellious attitudes and a lack of respect for social norms, influenced by their personal struggles and family environments.
Marianne's family members, including her mother and brother, exhibit significant disrespect and cruelty towards her, verbally abusing her and indicating she is worthless. Marianne, especially in her school years, displays open contempt for her peers, resulting in her ostracism, and in her relationships, she exhibits submissive behaviors that reflect a profound lack of self-worth stemming from her abusive upbringing.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumWhile the narrative of "Normal People" is predominantly heterosexual, there is a minor, peripheral mention of bisexuality in the source material and broader critical discussion about the author's handling of queer themes in her works. The TV adaptation does not prominently feature LGBTQ+ characters or plotlines.
The novel includes a 'throwaway line' where Connell considers the possibility of engaging with 'weird-looking' bisexual girls. Critiques of Sally Rooney's work, including "Normal People," note that while she writes queer characters in other novels, she often does not depict them engaging in queer sex, and "Normal People" is characterized as 'very straight' in this regard.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowNo elements of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or supernatural themes were identified in the content. The narrative remains grounded in realism.
No examples of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or supernatural elements were found in the content reviews. The narrative focuses on realistic human relationships and psychological struggles, devoid of any fantasy or occult themes.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe series does not feature overt anti-Christian themes or mockery. While Christianity is present in the background, with a character attending mass, the narrative suggests a societal context where organized religion is less prominent. Some characters express secular viewpoints.
The narrative notes that Marianne attends Catholic mass a few times, but it is set in an Ireland where Catholicism is depicted as 'no longer mattering' as a significant cultural force. Connell's mother expresses political views that are critical of abortion opponents.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Adults 18+ is recommended due to pervasive mature themes. The series contains graphic sexual content, explicit nudity, significant violence in the form of physical and emotional abuse, references to suicide and self-harm, frequent strong language, and notable substance use. These elements are central to the narrative and are portrayed with a high degree of realism and intensity, making it unsuitable for younger viewers.
Additional Notes
The series, while praised for its realistic portrayal of complex relationships and mental health struggles, delves into very mature and often dark subject matter. Parents should be aware of the pervasive nature of abuse, explicit sexual content, and substance use that are integral to the storyline and character development.
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