Normal People
The concept of “normal” is at odds with
current events, but it can be just as deceptive
in other circumstances. That’s the case with
“Normal People,” a 12-episode series out
Wednesday on Hulu and based on Sally
Rooney’s best-selling novel of the same
name. Marianne and Connell (Daisy Edgar-
Jones of “War of the Worlds,” Paul Mescal)
are small-town Irish schoolmates whose
attraction is complicated by bedrock
differences. Their lives are destined to
change when they head to college in Dublin,
along with their whipsawing relationship.
Note: It’s not a chaste romance in the book
or on screen, so judge it as a family viewing
option accordingly.
Gold Digger
Julia Ormond (“Mad Men,” “Legends of the
Fall”) stars in this contemporary thriller,
which debuts May 4, on Acorn TV and
unspools in two-episode weekly blocks.
Ormond plays newly divorced Julia who,
after making her husband (Alex Jennings)
and their children her priority, feels libera
ted by a relationship with Benjamin (Ben
Barnes, “Westworld”). But is it love or money
that the much younger man has in mind?
Julia’s family believes it’s the latter and
doesn’t remain silent. There’s also a “dark
family secret” to be revealed and, for bonus
points, a supporting turn by the cliffs of
Dover, England, where the six-part drama
was largely filmed.