Episode Guide
Inner Bitch: You think you have powers? You’re not alone. We all do stupid things, and nobody’s going to ruin our party. Just relax, have some fun, and don’t take everything so seriously. ..
Netflix has a lot of docu-series and teen dramas on its platform. This show is aptly titled because it doesn’t have all that much in common with the other shows. The clichés are all there, but the visuals are also pretty standard. The short run time makes this show easy to get through, but it’s not very interesting or unique. The protagonist is unlikable and takes a while to warm up to.
On the surface, this story seems like a typical tale of teenage angst and rebellion. However, there is something more interesting at work here. Amaia and Ona are not just struggling with their new surroundings; they are also struggling with the expectations of their parents. Amaia’s mother is moving back to her hometown because she has lost her job, but Amaia is convinced that her life is going to be sh*t. She presents herself as a sarcastic, angry and judgmental teenager in order to try and make her parents feel better about sending her back home. In doing so, she is using her own struggles as a way to build relationships with other people in the village and learn more about them.
It takes a while for Amaia to warm up to her new friends at school, but she quickly becomes close with Zhao, Javi and Lucia. She also meets Asier, who she sparks up with at a party. Is he the romantic love interest? No spoilers here!
The usual Teen Drama set-up is archetypal, even with the added ingredient of magic. This one has a bit of both, making it more interesting.
Amaia learns that her grandmother, Petra, was actually well-known in the community for being a witch. Petra used to put curses on people, so Amaia and her friends decide to do the same, attempting to put curses and cast spell for those who deserve it – or who will pay a decent rate. This magic ultimately plays second fiddle to the drama though, despite what the first episode may have you believe. There’s a subplot involving prejudice against Ona, while romance sparkles throughout the 6 episodes.
Amaia’s character does soften a little and become more likable as the show progresses, but she continues to throw out annoying retorts and judgmental quips at those around her. I appreciate this may be accurate for moody teens but it doesn’t make a great impression for a protagonist we’re trying to warm to. However, the final episode does go some way to soften that blow, with Amaia and her mother’s arc one of the brighter spots of this series.
The show has some good visual effects and a catchy soundtrack. However, the supporting cast is cliched and one-note, and there’s not much here that stands out. The editing and cinematography are also decent, but there are some stand-out split screen shots and some nice scenes featuring Amaia conducting her magic or reading tarot cards that are welcome.
Despite all of its strengths, You’re Nothing Special falls short of being extraordinary. It’s not as fantastical as The Magicians, and it doesn’t have the same endearing characters or intriguing hook as something like I Am Not Okay With This. Instead, it falls somewhere in the realm of middling mediocrity, failing to add that sprinkle of magic to stand out. ..
