Grand Army

Grand Army is a captivating dramatic series that debuted on Netflix in 2020. Set in the buzzing borough of Brooklyn, New York, it plunges viewers into the tumultuous world of a multiracial group of high school students attending the largest public school in the borough, Grand Army High School.

The series offers an honest glimpse into American teenage life, outlining the struggle of navigating the complexities associated with adolescence within the vivid, multicultural background of Brooklyn. The series critically explores recurring and critical issues such as racial inequality, sexual violence, LGBTQ+ discrimination, and the burden of socioeconomic disparities, among others.

Grand Army delves into the lives of five main characters, who are also students at the sprawling high school: Joey Del Marco, Dom Pierre, Siddhartha Pakam, Jayson Jackson, and Leila Kwan Zimmer. Each character is unique and deeply layered, offering different perspectives that enhance the diverse narrative of the series. These central characters allow the show to capture various dimensions and complexities of the student body, reflecting the multicultural tapestry that makes up the real-world student population.

Joey Del Marco is a confident junior who's popular amongst her peers alongside her two best friends. Dom Pierre, on the other hand, is an ambitious Haitian-American senior accumulating college applications while juggling her family's financial struggles. Siddhartha Pakam, an Indian-American, is a bright senior, facing the pressures of parental expectations and his homosexual identity. Jayson Jackson is an African-American sophomore from Spanish Harlem, whose ambition and talent for music lead him to compete against privileged peers. Meanwhile, Leila Kwan Zimmer, a Chinese-Jewish freshman, struggles with her sense of belonging in an environment where she is neither seen as fully Chinese nor Jewish.

Each episode investigates the complexities of these characters' worlds and how they grapple with the myriad challenges flung at them. Some have to deal with sexual assaults, while others face racial profiling. For some, the stress of exam performance or athletic prowess sit at the center of their worlds, while others have to deal with the pressure of supporting their families or balancing cultural customs within American society. No matter the situation, Grand Army excels in depicting their lives with a raw authenticity that resonates with viewers—it's a representation of embattled adolescence.

Though set within the walls of the school, Grand Army also delves into the broader world of Brooklyn. Showcasing several buzzing locales within the city, it brings to life the rich diversity and vitality that one associates with this region. From bustling streets and colorful markets to quiet corners and family residences, the city becomes another full-fledged character in the series. Its vibrancy and energy echo in every scene and every character's story.

One of the defining elements of Grand Army is the series' commitment to raw authenticity - it does not shy away from the brutal realities of its characters. It tackles mature and sensitive topics head-on, prompting a rich conversation about modern adolescence. That said, this commitment to authenticity can be uncomfortable at times, making the series a thought-provoking experience that isn’t for the faint of heart.

Aesthetically, Grand Army does not disappoint. The cinematography reflects the gritty reality of the characters' lives and mirrors the raw energy of Brooklyn. Laced with evocative music and timely pop-culture references, the series also succeeds in capturing the essence of the current generation’s social dynamics.

Despite being a drama series, there are elements of humor that pepper the show. There are light, relatable moments that help break up the seriousness when it starts to feel too much, shining a light on the often-ignored reality that teens live in a world that swings between the intense and the trivial.

Creator and writer Katie Cappiello, whose previous work includes the play "Slut: The Play" from which Grand Army borrows some of its themes and narrative elements, brings a sharp edge and a depth of understanding about the trials and tribulations faced by teenagers. This understanding translates into an engaging series with characters who are imperfectly perfect, thrusting viewers into an emotional roller-coaster.

In summary, Grand Army is a powerful series that is unafraid of exploring the harsh realities of modern teenage life. Navigating its narrative through themes of identity, sexuality, discrimination, and more right in the heart of New York, the series introduces viewers to a gripping and intense viewing experience. Anchored by compelling performances and its gritty, unflinching approach to storytelling, Grand Army is a must-watch for those seeking a profound, authentic, and moving exploration of adolescence.