Casual

Casual is a compelling Hulu Original comedy series that ran from 2015 through 2018. The series is a blend of wit, humor, and drama and explores the complexity of family dynamics, intimacy and relationships. Director Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air) has done a strikingly excellent job of portraying family relationships and the changing dynamics of dating, especially in the era of online dating. This show is a perfect fit if you're looking for a deeply relatable, honest, yet humorous take on the complexities of modern-day relationships.

The central characters of the show are Valerie, played by the brilliant Michaela Watkins, her younger brother Alex, played by Tommy Dewey, and her daughter, Laura, portrayed by Tara Lynne Barr. Valerie is a recently divorced therapist who is trying to navigate her way through single parenity. Her life becomes even more complicated when she moves in with her brother, Alex, who is somewhat of a couch potato and serial online dater.

Alex, on the other hand, is a bachelor, who despite his commitmentphobic nature, desperately craves for a meaningful relationship. He is the co-founder of an online dating site, which as you can anticipate, adds ironic humor to the show. He’s a lovable character due to his quick wit and, despite his quirks, the audience gradually starts to root for him.

Then there's Laura, Valerie's daughter. Laura is an intelligent teenager who offers an acute perspective on the adult issues, bringing depth and balance to the narrative. She grapples with her own issues of identity, her journey towards maturity and finding a sense of belonging.

The show's title, Casual, aptly places the premise of the narrative, and centers on the theme of casual dating and its impact on the characters' lives. It navigates through the complex web of casual relationships, parental relationships, sibling dynamics, and the difficulties of single parenthood. The narrative is richly layered and paints an authentic picture of the hardships, awkward moments and relatable aspects of modern dating.

What's most striking is the subtlety with which Casual approaches the hard-hitting topics of loneliness and the human craving for connections. Whether it's Valerie adjusting to her post-divorce life, Alex dealing with his fear of commitments, or Laura figuring out her youth, each character is on a quest for meaningful connections. The humor is infused delicately within the narrative, softening the serious themes without diminishing their importance.

The show isn't just about the difficulties of dating, but also about family dynamics, built around the themes of love, loss, and relationships. Herein lies its universality – the sensibilities of the show can resound with a range of audiences. In many ways, Casual is a deconstruction of the traditional family setup, offering a fresh perspective on the concept of ‘family’.

Built on a grounded foundation of honesty and natural humor, what makes the show stand apart is its rawness. It values authenticity of experience, and never ceases to offer plotlines that are relatable and real, making you think and feel deeply, while still eliciting a good laugh. Casual is one of those rare shows that validates the viewer's experience by its honest portrayal of life's routine messiness filled with discomfort, confusion, but also growth.

The writing of the show is crisp and the dialogue is smart, delivered perfectly by the exceptional casting choices. The cast's performances imbibe depth into their respective characters, creating a narrative that is believable and engaging. Michaela Watkins, Tommy Dewey, and Tara Lynne Barr all deliver tremendous performances, bringing the intricacies of their characters to life.

On the technical front, the cinematography of the show compliments the narrative, often highlighting the isolating spaces the characters inhabit as a representation of their inner loneliness. The show predominantly uses earthy shades, adding warmth to the scenes, and making the viewing experience comforting.

Casual is a memorable exploration of human connections and the complications of modern life. It is a show that uses humor to expose our vulnerabilities and illustrate the true essence of relationships. It poses questions, making viewers think about their own lives with a sense of reflection and introspection. It's a show that won't fail to strike a chord and will linger in your thoughts long after you have finished watching. It is a must-watch for those who love a good blend of wit and meaningful storytelling.