‘Emily in Paris’: a review
To be fair, it’s not trying to be serious
“Emily in Paris” doesn’t deserve all the criticism and hate it receives.
“Emily in Paris” is the show you watch when you want to forget about your own life for a little while and live vicariously through a perfectly dressed, slightly clueless American woman attempting to navigate the chic chaos of Paris. Is it cringe? Most certainly. Does that stop me from loving every second of it? Most definitely NOT.
The thing about “Emily in Paris” is that it does not take itself too seriously. Sure, some of Emily’s outfits look like fashion roadkill, and her ability to effortlessly charm her way through every problem is unrealistic; but that is not the point. The show was never meant to be gritty or groundbreaking. It’s fun, light and purposely ridiculous.
To be honest, we live in a world that constantly throws real-life disasters and drama at us. A show that gives me a little break from reality is more than welcome.
One of the greatest things about the show, in my opinion, is how unapologetically over the top it is. The main character, Emily, just waltzes into a marketing job in Paris without speaking a word of French. She makes every faux pas , but instead of getting sacked, she somehow ends up with unbelievably favourable outcomes which add more to the show’s glamour. It’s a fantasy version of life where nothing ever truly goes wrong, even if everything does go sideways. That’s what makes the show addictive. Viewers know that no matter how bad of a mess Emily makes, she comes out of it as a victor sporting another ridiculousberet.
French characters in the show are exaggerated, but that is part of their charm. Sylvie, Emily’s boss, is intimidating and emblematic of French disdain for anyone who is not French. Gabriel is the quintessential chef, incredibly good looking and good at everything he does. The show is like watching a Pinterest board come to life, embellished with cobblestone streets, buttery pastries and spontaneous romance.
There has been plenty of criticism about the show’s clichés and lack of realism when it comes to well, anything in the show. But sometimes it’s okay to watch something that isn’t profound, or life-changing. The show is about dreams and fantasies instead of authenticity and reality. It is a virtual escape for the wanderlust in you that wants to move to new countries and take risks and land on its feet unharmed. Isn’t that what entertainment is? A break from reality?
The show’s cinematography is glamorous, beautiful and magical. Be it the stunning shots of the Eiffel Tower or the cozy little cafés Emily frequents, Paris in the show is dreamlike. Additionally, the show is a treat for my eyes because of my enthusiasm for fashion, couture and culture.
At the end of the day, “Emily in Paris” is not trying to be deep and sometimes, that is just what you need. A little slice of fantasy that doesn’t require too much brainwork, butjust expects you to sit back, relax and enjoy the chaos. And I am here for it: cringe and everything.
