We are officially four days into 2017 and I would imagine many have spent these days cracking on with new years resolutions, for instance hitting the gym - my Dad tells me it's always busiest in January - or gearing up to return back to school or work. But, I am going to admit there's only been one thing I've been doing these past few days: sitting on the sofa, binge watching Norwegian, young adult TV series, Skam. Now I think I'm in love.
So, the first thing you might be thinking is: "I speak English and only English, I am NOT watching a show in Norweigan." But, I am here to tell you, chill, English subtitles are your friend. Before you dismiss the idea of reading subtitles, I thought I would mention that I was against the idea too, yet not once did they bother me. The subtitles actually make you get really invested in the show because you have to focus and can't be sidetracked by going on your phone. It's weird going back to watching English shows now.
Now that issue has been dealt with, you probably want to know what Skam is about. IMDb describes it as: "The story of young teenagers and pupils of Hartvig Nissens upper secondary school in Oslo, and their troubles, scandals and everyday life." Skam (meaning 'shame' in Norwegian) so far has had three seasons, with each focusing on a different character. If I had to compare the show to another, I would say it's along the lines of Skins.
As an 18-year-old - and probably for most people around my age for that matter - there is nothing quite like a good, relatable teen drama show and Skam truly stands out as special among these shows. Firstly, Skam has a unique interactive element, each of the characters have their own Instagram accounts and the shows site posts exclusive text messages between characters (English translations x x x) - yes, this makes the show impossible not to get sucked into.
Secondly, Skam's representation of teen life, the characters, and the storylines are accurate and believable. Take for example the fact the actors are the age of actual students and aren't over glamorized, this means you can actually see yourself in them.
Thirdly, the soundtrack of the show features really cool artists, whether that be Norwegian ones, British ones or American ones. Also, each song really fits with the scenes to bring the show to life. Expect lots of Kanye West, The Weeknd and Justin Bieber. Don't believe me? Here's a link to the show's playlist.
To delve even deeper into why I think you must watch Skam, I am going to pick out some of my favourite, and in my eyes, most important characters:
*FROM HERE ON OUT, THIS POST WILL CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS*
Noora Amalie Saetre
Noora is my favourite from the series. She is strong, independent and a proud feminist - a wonderful rolemodel placed in a TV show. Noora is definitely someone who leaves you thinking: "Damn, I wish I was as effortlessly cool, kind and smart as you are." To sum up the kind of person she is, she has the quote: "Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always," pinned to her bedroom wall.
Just to make me love her that bit more, she is an aspiring journalist like me!
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| Gif credit: skamgif.tumblr.com |
Noora is also part of my favourite relationship from the show: Noorhelm.
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| Gif credit: skamgif.tumblr.com |
SO cute, right?
Isak Valtersen
Isak's character is quite complex, he begins the series as an insecure, confused boy, figuring out his sexuality. But by season three, we witness him come out to his best friends and his parents after getting into a relationship with another boy from his school. By the end of season three, Isak doesn't feel the need to hide his relationship or who he is anymore and you just feel so proud and happy for him.
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| Gif credit: skamgif.tumblr.com |
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| Gif credit: skamgif.tumblr.com |
Even Bech Naesheim
Even's character is also quite complex, he is bisexual and represents someone with a form of bipolar disorder. Skam's choice to have a character dealing with bipolar is hugely admirable as it stops mental health being such a taboo and educates viewers. Isak, Even's boyfriend, is fully supportive of Even's bipolar disorder and accepts that it's part of who he is. He does not treat it as a negative quality - an important lesson for all.
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| Gif credit: skamgif.tumblr.com |
Sana Bakkoush
Sana's character provides a representation of someone of muslim faith. She proudly wears her hijab - something not often done in TV shows - and openly talks about her faith in the show, meaning she educates the characters and ultimately, the viewers.
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| Gif credit: skamgif.tumblr.com |
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| Gif credit: skamgif.tumblr.com |
Okay, enough rambling from me on why I think Skam is awesome. Now go check it out for yourself, it's easy enough to find on Twitter or Tumblr. Succumb to Skam-watching-hibernation, I promise you won't regret it.
Love, Millie
P.S you may want to read up on Russ Time before you start the show.
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