GEEK GIRL Trailer (2024) Emily Carey, Teen Series

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GEEK GIRL Trailer (2024) Emily Carey, Teen Series

GEEK GIRL Trailer (2024) Emily Carey, Teen Series
© 2024 - Netflix

Cast your mind back to 2013, and you might remember it was hard to go anywhere without seeing a copy of Holly Smale's Geek Girl. The novel, which had a picture of a girl wearing glasses and biting her lips on the cover, tells the story of Harriet Manners; an awkward teenager who struggles to fit in. When she's scouted by a top modelling agency, she jumps at the chance to reinvent herself - but at what cost?

The series has been adapted into a TV series by Netflix, which drops in full on the 30th May. As Harriet puts it in the trailer, "This is a story for anyone who's ever wanted to fit in... Sometimes, to change your life, you have to stand out."

But, who plays Harriet in the adaptation, and why is she so recognisable?

Who plays Harriet in Geek Girl? Why you recognise Emily Carey
The geeky 16-year-old school girl, who is the centre of six whole books in the series, is actually played by Emily Carey in the Netflix series.

In real life, Emily is 21, and is most recognisable thanks to her role in House of the Dragon, where she plays a young Alicent Hightower - a role taken on by Olivia Cooke in later scenes. She is the second wife to King Viserys I Targaryen, the daughter of Ser Otto Hightower, and the sworn enemy of ex-best friend Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

house of the dragon fans share complaint over deleted scenepinterest
HBO
House of the Dragon season 1
Previously, Emily was a child actor on the theatre stage (she started her career aged nine in Shrek The Musical!), and had her first role in Casualty. She has also played a number of younger versions of characters, such as Diana Prince in Wonder Woman and a young Lara Croft in 2018's Tomb Raider.

Geek Girl lands on Netflix on the 30th May 2024.
House of the Dragon star Emily Carey’s new Netflix show Geek Girl has released a first-look trailer.

The actor is known for playing Alicent Hightower in the HBO drama, as well as Connie Beauchamp’s daughter Grace in Casualty over seven years.

Now, Carey is taking the lead role in new Netflix coming-of-age show Geek Girl, with a new trailer being released ahead of its premiere on the platform on May 30.

zac looker as toby pilgrim, emily carey as harriet manners, geek girl
Netflix
Related: Sheridan Smith lands lead role in new ITV true crime drama

Based on the popular young adult series by Holly Smale, the ten-part series follows 16-year-old Harriet Manners (Carey), who declares herself a ‘geek’ and just wants to fit in at school.

But her life suddenly changes when she is discovered by a modelling agent while on a school trip at London Fashion Week.

Harriet is given the opportunity of a lifetime and is whisked away to a world of "tightly wound agents, reclusive designers, impossibly high heels, and a handsome young supermodel with a great smile".

The new trailer teases Harriet’s transformation from awkward teenager to hotshot model, and also shows her uncertainties about her new life as she tries to "balance high school and high fashion".

a man and woman standing on a bridge
Netflix
Related: Doctor Who confirms BBC time slots for new episodes

"This is a story for everyone who’s ever wanted to fit in," Harriet says in a voiceover during the clip. "Sometimes, to change your life, you have to stand out."

Alongside Carey, Geek Girl also stars the likes of Emmanuel Imani (The Wheel of Time), Sarah Parish (Stay Close), Tim Downie (Outlander), Zac Looker (A Kind of Spark) and Liam Woodrum.

Back when the casting for the new series was announced last year, Carey posted the exciting news on her Instagram and wrote: "These books gave me so much comfort growing up, so to be involved in this adaptation alongside such a truly wonderful team is pure JOY.

"Harriet is very close to my heart. Thank you Holly Smale for trusting me with her, you know how much I adore & admire you."

Geek Girl will be released on Netflix on May 30.
Spring is finally in the air, but that doesn't mean you can't still stay in and have a great movie night. As new plants start to grow, so does Netflix's movie selection, from romances like Set It Up to recent Oscar contenders like Rustin and Nyad. Whether you're looking for something deep and thought-provoking or light for the whole family, there are a plethora of incredible films on Netflix. With over 40 amazing movies on this list alone, it can be difficult to choose, but our carefully written recommendations will help you find just what you're looking for.

Rest assured, this list has been carefully considered and curated by seasoned Collider editors with decades of combined experience — not to mention a passion and enthusiasm for the medium. Only the crème de la crème has made the cut. Read on to discover the best movies to watch on Netflix right now.

For even more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows on Netflix, best comedies on Netflix, and best dramas on Netflix.

Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.

Editor's note: This article was updated May 2024 to include Anyone But You.

'Anyone But You' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 55% | IMDb: 6.2/10
Anyone But You Film Poster
Anyone But You
Comedy
Release Date
December 22, 2023
Director
Will Gluck
Cast
Sydney Sweeney , Glen Powell , Alexandra Shipp , Darren Barnet
Runtime
103 minutes
is a romantic comedy directed by Will Gluck that’s loosely based on the William Shakespeare play Much Ado About Nothing. Gluck also co-wrote the screenplay with Ilana Wolpert. The film stars Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell as two people who have an instant connection that quickly turns sour, only to find themselves reunited at a destination wedding where they must pretend to be a couple. Though Anyone But You received a mixed reception from critics, the film has performed quite well at the box office, earning over $200 million globally. The chemistry between its two talented stars is what makes Anyone But You such a fun rom-com and has made the film so popular with audiences. Sure, there are better Shakespeare adaptations and better enemies-to-lovers rom-coms out there, but Sweeney and Powell’s enjoyable performances make this a much better movie than it would otherwise have been.

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'Shrek' (2001)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.9/10
Shrek Film Poster
Shrek
Animation
Adventure
Comedy
Release Date
May 18, 2001
Director
Andrew Adamson , Vicky Jenson
Cast
Mike Myers , Eddie Murphy , Cameron Diaz , John Lithgow , Vincent Cassel , Peter Dennis
Runtime
90 minutes
It’s easy to forget just how big of a deal Shrek was when it hit theaters in 2001, but it was a very big deal. DreamWorks Animation challenged Pixar in the realm of CG animation with a more edgy, slightly more adult-oriented animated film — one in which parents would be laughing at jokes that went over their children’s heads. But at its core, Shrek works beautifully as a story of an outsider looking for acceptance, and of love coming from unexpected places. It’s also just a really pretty and fun fairy tale in its own right. While technology has advanced considerably in the two decades since its release, Shrek still holds up all these years later. – Adam Chitwood

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'Four Daughters' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Four Daughters Film Poster
Four Daughters
Documentary
9
10
Release Date
July 5, 2023
Director
Kaouther Ben Hania
Runtime
107 minutes
Read Our Review
Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, Four Daughters is an Arabic-language documentary film that explores the true story of a Tunisian woman whose two eldest daughters were radicalized by Islamic extremists. After the disappearance of her daughters, the filmmaker invites professional actresses to take their place, blending reality and fiction to give the audience an intimate view of the family’s life. The movie was a co-production between France, Tunisia, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. Four Daughters premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the prestigious Palme d'Or Award. The film received near-universal acclaim and was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 96th Academy Awards. Critics have lauded Kouther Ben Hania’s form-breaking approach to the film, and that masterful storytelling is what makes this documentary all the more engaging. Four Daughters makes the lives of its subjects come alive in heartbreaking detail in a way that few other documentaries have done before.

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'American Graffiti' (1973)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.4/10
American Graffiti poster
American Graffiti
Comedy
Documentary
Drama
Release Date
August 1, 1973
Director
George Lucas
Cast
Richard Dreyfuss , Ron Howard , Paul Le Mat , Charles Martin Smith , Cindy Williams , Candy Clark
Runtime
110
George Lucas’s directorial debut, American Graffiti is a coming-of-age comedy-drama starring Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, and Paul Le Mat. The film follows the adventures of a group of teens in 1960s Modesto, California, on the last day of summer as they grapple with their futures. The film is comprised of a series of vignettes that come together to tell a concurrent story of cruising culture, rock-and-roll, greasers, and mysterious blondes. Far removed from Lucas’ later creations, American Graffiti is a nostalgic and bittersweet film that speaks to a more thoughtful sensibility. Critically acclaimed, the movie is visually striking and features some great performances, including an appearance by a pre-Star Wars Harrison Ford. The movie is a nostalgic return to the sixties, full of heart and humor — and it helps that it also has one of the greatest rock soundtracks of all time.

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'The Matrix' (1999)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 8.7/10
The Matrix Film Poster
The Matrix
Action
Sci-Fi
Release Date
March 31, 1999
Director
Lana Wachowski , Lilly Wachowski
Cast
Keanu Reeves , Laurence Fishburne , Carrie-Anne Moss , Hugo Weaving , Gloria Foster , Joe Pantoliano
Runtime
136 minutes
Written and directed by the Wachowskis, The Matrix is a science fiction film that stars Keanu Reeves as a hacker who discovers that the world he lives in is an illusion crafted by malevolent Artificial Intelligence. The movie also stars Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Hugo Weaving and spawned a franchise that includes three sequels and an animated anthology. The Matrix is an ambitious movie that presents the very best in technical filmmaking, winning the Oscars for Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Sound Editing. The performances are solid, the action is spectacular, and the plot is intricately crafted. The film’s narrative style feels quite surreal, drawing the audience into its ever-expanding world in a way that feels like a blend of Hong Kong action movies, cyberpunk anime, and 1990s techno-futurism. It’s dystopian, slick, and easily one of the best films ever made in its genre.

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'Molly's Game' (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 7.4/10
molly's game poster
Molly's Game
Crime
Drama
Biography
Release Date
December 25, 2017
Director
Aaron Sorkin
Cast
Jessica Chastain , Idris Elba , Kevin Costner , Michael Cera , Jeremy Strong , Chris O'Dowd , Bill Camp
Runtime
141
Based on the true story of Molly Bloom, Molly’s Game was written and directed by Aaron Sorkin and stars Jessica Chastain in the lead role. An Olympic-level skier whose career was ended by an accident, the film follows Molly as she seeks a different kind of gold by running a high-stakes underground poker ring. The movie also stars Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Jeremy Strong, and more. Sorkin’s directorial debut, the film received critical acclaim, largely thanks to Sorkin's Oscar-nominated script and the phenomenal performances by Chastain and Elba. The role of Molly Bloom earned Chastain her fifth Golden Globe nomination, further cementing her reputation as an acting powerhouse. It’s one of the defining performances of her career, and that alone should make the movie worth watching. Tightly written and expertly paced, Molly’s Game is a complete entertainer from beginning to end and a brilliant showcase of Sorkin’s abilities as a writer and filmmaker.

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'Minari' (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 7.4/10
minari poster
Minari
Drama
2020's Minari is a Drama film that showcases a young boy's upbringing by Korean immigrants in the United States in the 80s. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, the film is a partial autobiography about his own experiences and stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Noel Kate Cho, and Alan Kim as a family trying to make it in rural Arkansas.

Release Date
January 26, 2020
Director
Lee Isaac Chung
Cast
Steven Yeun , Alan Kim , Noel Kate Cho , Will Patton
Runtime
115
Lee Isaac Chung’s 2020 drama film Minari is a semi-autobiographical story based on Chung's childhood. The movie is set in the 80s and follows a South Korean immigrant family that moves from California to rural Arkansas. Chung wrote and directed the film, which stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, and Youn Yuh-jung, who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.

Minari premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the US Dramatic Grand Jury Prize and the US Dramatic Audience Award. The film received critical praise for its direction and screenplay, as well as for the performances of its talented cast. Minari expresses its intimate multi-generational story through a beautifully shot narrative, and it’s widely regarded as one of the best films of the 2020s so far.

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'Uncut Gems' (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.4/10
uncut-gems-criterion-cover-adam-sandler
Uncut Gems
Drama
Comedy
Crime
Documentary
Release Date
August 30, 2019
Director
Ben Safdie , Joshua Safdie
Cast
Adam Sandler , Julia Fox , Kevin Garnett , The Weeknd , Idina Menzel , Jonathan Aranbayev
Runtime
130
A film that features the best Adam Sandler performance to date, Uncut Gems is a stressful journey into gambling that is as comedic as it is chaotic. Sandler is Howard 'Howie' Ratner, a New York City jeweler who is facing a lot of debts and decides to make one last bet to make it all back. Sound easy? It very much isn’t. Howie will have to somehow talk his way out of more than one dangerous situation and keep his family together while also having an affair.

If it wasn’t clear, this is not the best of guys we’re dealing with, though it is watching him self-sabotage that it all becomes both frightening and fascinating. You may shout at the screen a couple of times in frustration, though there is nothing quite like it. By the time it arrives at its explosive conclusion, you’ll be short of breath as you can finally exhale from the wild ride you’ve been on. - Chase Hutchinson

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'American Symphony' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 6.9/10
American Symphony poster
American Symphony
PG-13
Documentary
Biography
Music
Release Date
November 29, 2023
Runtime
104 minutes
Even if you just watch the trailer for American Symphony, you will be in tears. The documentary tells the story of Grammy winner Jon Batiste and his wife, Suleika Jaouad, as they live a life of drastic contrast. While Batiste continues to take over the music world, Jaouad goes through an intense battle with cancer. Jaouad begins chemotherapy on the same day Batiste is nominated for 11 Grammy Awards – an obviously unplanned detail that sums up the entire message of the film: that a wonderful thing and terrible thing can happen at the same time. Over the course of the documentary, Batiste is writing a composition that he plans to play for one night only at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival to great reviews, with Variety Magazine calling it “one of the best love stories seen on film.” Currently, American Symphony is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “It Never Went Away” by Batiste and Dan Wilson. - Emily Cappello

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'Rustin' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Rustin Film Poster
Rustin
Biography
Drama
History
Release Date
November 17, 2023
Director
George C. Wolfe
Cast
Colman Domingo , Chris Rock , Glynn Turman , Aml Ameen
Runtime
106 minutes
Read Our Review
Currently nominated for an Academy Award for Best Leading Actor for its star, Colman Domingo, Rustin tells the story of Bayard Rustin (Domingo), a civil rights activist heavily inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. Rustin sets out to organize the March on Washington against huge obstacles like racism and homophobia. Those familiar with the March on Washington, which occurred in 1963, know how paramount it was in the fight to end racial discrimination and that it concluded with Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The film follows these incredible historic events while highlighting Rustin’s passion and enthusiasm for civil rights.

The film also stars Aml Ameen (The Maze Runner) as Dr. King, Glynn Turman (Super 8) as A. Philip Randolph, Chris Rock (The Longest Yard) as Roy Wilkins, and Audra McDonald (A Raisin In The Sun) as Ella Baker. Rustin was previously nominated for two Golden Globe Awards for Best Original Song by Lenny Kravitz and Best Performance by Domingo. - Emily Cappello

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'Nyad' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Nyad Film Poster
Nyad
Drama
Biography
Sport
Release Date
November 3, 2023
Director
Jimmy Chin , Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
Cast
Jodie Foster , Annette Bening , Rhys Ifans , Anna Harriette Pittman
Runtime
121 minutes
Read Our Review
Oscar winners Annette Bening and Jodie Foster dominate in the biographical sports drama Nyad. Directed by documentarians Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, Nyad is their feature directorial debut, which benefits from their experience capturing authenticity. As expected from most sports dramas and biopics, Nyad shares a story of perseverance, the triumphs of determination, and a message of hope, showcased by the undeniable on-screen power of Bening and Foster.

The actors’ dedication to truth in storytelling, as well as their chemistry, shine alongside the smart script written by Julia Cox. Nyad engages the audience with its solid foundation while entertaining through grounded drama based on reality instead of relying on cheap cliches. - Yael Tygiel

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'Society of the Snow' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.9/10
The poster for Society of the Snow
Society of the Snow
Adventure
Drama
Biography
History
Thriller
Release Date
December 23, 2023
Director
J.A. Bayona
Cast
Enzo Vogrincic , Esteban Bigliardi , Simon Hempe , Matías Recalt
Runtime
144 minutes
Read Our Review
In 1972, a Uruguayan flight crashed while carrying a rugby team on their way to Chile, and the survivors of the wreck had to work together to survive in the treacherously cold weather of the Andes. This real-life event is the subject of J.A. Bayona's film Society of the Snow, which tackles the incredible story of the survivors and their attempts to survive for two months in the mountains. Director Bayona got the idea for the film upon discovering the book The Society of the Snow, which was written by Pablo Vierci, and used the same name for his film. The cast, largely composed of newcomers in the acting world, is completely composed of Uruguayan and Argentinian performers.

The film was nominated for two Oscars, including Best International Feature Film, a Golden Globe for Best Non-English Language Film, and a Critic's Choice Award for the same category. With a budget of 60 million euros, The Society of Snow is the most expensive Spanish film ever made. With music by Michael Giacchino, the film is acclaimed for its emotional undertone and important message. - Emily Cappello

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'May December' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 6.9/10
May December Film Poster
May December
Drama
Release Date
December 1, 2023
Director
Todd Haynes
Cast
Julianne Moore , Natalie Portman , Andrea Frankle , Charles Melton
Runtime
117 minutes
Read Our Review
While watching May December, I found myself laughing out loud almost as much as I was cringing. I also found myself looking online afterward to see if my reaction was “normal.” This kaleidoscope viewing experience shows the brilliance of May December and how its subject matter — a thirty-six-year-old woman entering into a relationship with a seventh grader and having his three children — will dramatically change depending on the person telling the story. The plot follows actress Elizabeth (Natalie Portman) as she shadows Gracie (Julianne Moore), the controversial woman (and sex offender) who inspired Elizabeth’s latest film role. Or, depending on your point of view, it’s about Gracie’s experience as Elizabeth enters and disrupts the parts of her she’s been able to keep hidden. Or it’s about Gracie’s much, much younger husband, Joe (Charles Melton), as he discovers what Elizabeth’s presence means about his own life.

Written and directed by Todd Haynes, the film was inspired by the real-life relationship between teacher Mary Kay Letourneau and her sixth-grade student, Vili Fualaau. The two had children together and eventually married upon Letourneau’s release from prison, as Gracie and Joe did in May December. While it seems impossible that, given these themes, the film would have any laugh-out-loud moments, Haynes has crafted the story in such a way that it’s aware of its own absurdity. And, perhaps, we would find humor in the smallest moments, like Gracie dramatically revealing they “need more hot dogs” just to forget the insanity of the situation we’ve found ourselves in as an audience. - Emily Cappello

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'Maestro' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 6.7/10
maestro-poster
Maestro
Music
Biography
Drama
Release Date
December 20, 2023
Director
Bradley Cooper
Cast
Carey Mulligan , Bradley Cooper , Matt Bomer , Maya Hawke , Sarah Silverman , Michael Urie , Gideon Glick , Miriam Shor , Alexa Swinton
Runtime
129 minutes
Read Our Review
One of the most talked-about films of 2023, Maestro tells the story of American composer Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper), his rise to fame, and how that fame affected his relationship with long-time love Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). Directed and co-written by Cooper alongside screenwriter Josh Singer, the film was produced by cinema heavy hitters Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. The film won the American Film Institute (AFI)’s “Movie of the Year” and was nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, including “Best Motion Picture, Drama,” “Best Director,” and “Best Performance by a Male Actor” for Cooper and “Best Performer by Female Actor” for Mulligan. It co-stars Matt Bomer (In Time), Vincent Amato (Unbroken), and comedian Sarah Silverman.

Leonard Bernstein began his career as an assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic and rose to fame when he filled in for the main conductor, who had fallen ill. Maestro follows Bernstein as he meets and marries Felicia Montealegre, who struggles with her new husband’s infidelity. While Bernstein goes on to compose some of the most famous music in American history, including West Side Story, he struggles with alcohol and other substances, causing more issues in his marriage. - Emily Cappello

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'Set It Up' (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 6.5/10
Set it Up Netflix Poster
Set It Up
Comedy
Romance
Editor's Choice
Two corporate executive assistants hatch a plan to match-make their two bosses.

Release Date
June 15, 2018
Director
Claire Scanlon
Cast
Zoey Deutch , Glen Powell , Lucy Liu , Taye Diggs
Runtime
105 minutes
Read Our Review
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a rom-com junkie — obsessed to the point of running a podcast on it, actually. So it’s no surprise that Set It Up, Netflix’s 2018 original film starring Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell, is easily my favorite movie the streamer has on offer, even five years after its premiere. While they’ve made plenty of other rom-coms since the film was released, the story of two down-on-their-luck executive assistants who attempt to set their bosses up with each other for a little free time is easily still their best.

While it’s not the first time Powell and Deutch starred together — that award goes to Richard Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some!! — and both have gone onto much bigger projects, it’s a sweet and heartwarming film that’s easy to get into, even if the comedy’s a bit cringe-worthy. It’s rare to find rom-coms made after 2005 whose leads have such immediate, entertaining, and believable chemistry and even rarer to find a cast filled with heavyweights who are just as much fun — can you believe this film also boasts the likes of Lucy Liu, Taye Diggs, and Pete Davidson? Not to mention it’s an easy hour and forty-five minutes, perfect for watching (and rewatching, as I do) whenever you want a little fun in your life. —Maggie Boccella, News Editor

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'It Follows' (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 6.8/10
It Follows Film Poster
It Follows
Horror
Thriller
Release Date
March 15, 2015
Director
David Robert Mitchell
Cast
Bailey Spry , Carollette Phillips , Loren Bass , Keir Gilchrist , Maika Monroe , Lili Sepe
Runtime
100 minutes
Read Our Review
In a world filled with remakes and reboots, It Follows defied the norm by finding an original way to tell a mysterious horror story. The story follows Jay (Maika Monroe), a teenager who has sex with a guy named Hugh (Jake Weary), whom she doesn’t know very well. Afterward, Hugh tells her that she’s inherited a curse that he's now free of. Jay starts to be followed by a phantom who wishes her dead, and the only way Jay can get rid of the curse is if she sleeps with someone else, passing it along to them.

It Follows premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014, where it was then a part of a limited theatrical release before moving to a nationwide release in 2015. Written and directed by David Robert Mitchell (Under the Silver Lake), audiences raved about the movie not just for its originality but also for their different interpretations of the meaning behind the plot. Throughout its time in theaters, the film continually received great reviews for its terrifying scares and for its deeper meaning. As of October 2023, a sequel is in the works entitled They Follow. - Emily Cappello

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'Burning' (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Burning 2018 Poster
Burning
Drama
Mystery
Release Date
May 17, 2018
Director
Chang-dong Lee
Cast
Ah In Yoo , Steven Yeun , Jong-seo Jeon , Soo-Kyung Kim , Seung-ho Choi , Seong-kun Mun
Runtime
148 minutes
Based on the short story “Barn Burning” by Haruki Murakami, Burning is a South Korean-Japanese thriller written and directed by Lee Chang-dong in his first film after an eight-year hiatus. The film focuses on Lee Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in) after he runs into an old classmate named Shin Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo), who asks him to feed her cat while she’s away. Jong-su obliges, but upon Hae-mi’s return with a mysterious man named Ben (Steven Yeun), things take an odd turn. When Ben admits his illegal and dangerous hobby to Jong-su, Jong-su becomes worried for Hae-mi’s safety. It's a story that knows how to heighten the tension little by little and, by the end, has viewers' hearts racing.

Burning premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018, where it won the International Critics’ Prize and was then released in South Korea and later in the United States. Perhaps more impressive, the film was voted as the best Korean film of all time on Korean Screen. Burning appeared on many critics’ “Top 10” lists for 2018, with critics at The A.V. Club and The Los Angeles Times rating it number one. The film also made some “Best Films of the Decade” Lists, proving the power of the writing, directing, and the three lead actors’ performances. - Emily Cappello

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'Mobile Suit Gundam I' (1981)
IMDb: 7.9/10
mobile suit gundam i
Mobile Suit Gundam I
Animation
Action
Adventure
Release Date
January 1, 1981
Runtime
2 hr 17 min
In outer space, an interplanetary war is raging. This is the story of Mobile Suit Gundam I, a Japanese animated action and adventure movie based on an animated series of the same name. While the battle rages on in the Solar System, there is hope in the form of a mobile battle suit named the “Gundam,” but there’s one problem: the only person able to pilot the massive machinery is a boy named Amuro Ray (Toru Furuya). Now, Amuro must fight alongside other kids to save themselves and their families as the war rages on. The film also stars Hirotaka Suzuoki, Toshio Furukawa, Kiyonobu Suzuki, and Shôzô îzuka.

The film, directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Ryoji Fujiwara, premiered in Japan in 1981 and acted as a compilation of episodes 1-13 of the popular Animated series Mobile Suit Gundam. Later dubbed in English and released on VHS tape in the United States in 1999, both the film and its original show material were suddenly popular worldwide, finding a completely new fanbase with English-speaking audiences. - Emily Cappello

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'Miss Juneteenth' (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 6.6/10
miss juneteenth poster
Miss Juneteenth
Drama
Release Date
June 19, 2020
Cast
Nichole Beharie , Kendrick Sampson
Runtime
1 hr 43 min
Miss Juneteenth follows the story of single mother Turquoise (Nicole Beharie, who won a Gotham award for Best Actress for the role) as she enters her fifteen-year-old daughter Kai (Alexis Chikaeze) into the Miss Juneteenth Pageant. Kai is rebellious and doesn’t follow the path her mother has laid out for her willingly, but she ends up making Turquoise proud nonetheless.

When Miss Juneteenth premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020, it received critical praise and a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize in the “Dramatic” category. The film continued its victory lap with wins at the SXSW Film Festival, where it won the Louis Black/Lone Star Award, as well as numerous other honors from different festivals across the US. The film had a prominent release date to video-on-demand: June 19, 2020: the 155th anniversary of the holiday Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The film tackles the significance of the holiday while also bringing in other themes within the characters’ lives. In January 2021, it was announced that Miss Juneteenth would be adapted into a television series with NBCUniversal, but it is still listed as “in development.” - Emily Cappello

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'Paddington' (2014)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.3/10
paddington-poster
Paddington
Comedy
Adventure
Animation
Family
Release Date
November 24, 2014
Director
Paul King
Cast
Tim Downie , Madeleine Worrall , Lottie Steer , Geoffrey Palmer , Theresa Watson , Imelda Staunton
Runtime
95
Read Our Review
The filmmakers of 2014’s Paddington had big, fuzzy shoes to fill. Based on the beloved children’s books by Michael Bond that premiered in 1958, Paddington Bear was already known worldwide when he hit the big screen, putting a lot of pressure on the film’s creators to get him right. The story follows a computer-animated Paddington, voiced by Ben Whishaw, as he travels from Peru to London to find a home under the advice of his uncle (the late, great Michael Gambon) and aunt (Imelda Staunton, another Harry Potter alum). There, Paddington meets the Brown family, played by Hugh Bonneville (Notting Hill), Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water), Madeleine Harris (Man Down), and Samuel Joslin (The Impossible), who take Paddington home with them. All is going swell until Paddington catches the interest of a taxidermist.

The film was widely critically praised, earning $282 million at the box office and generating a sequel that is regarded by some to be one of the best films ever made. The film is fun and light and also has a surprising amount of depth for what might be viewed as a “kid’s movie.” It contains an all-star cast, with additional stars like Julie Walters (Billy Elliot), Nicole Kidman (The Hours), and Matt Lucas (Bridesmaids), and an excellent score by Nick Urata. The film won awards from the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain and a British Screenwriters’ Award for Best Screenplay by Paul King. It was also nominated for two BAFTA Awards. No matter your age, Paddington is sure to put a smile on your face. - Emily Cappello
Remember where you were when that cow flew by in a storm? Fans of Twister love the movie very dearly. That also means that we’ve been waiting nearly 30 years for more of our favorite storm experts. Now, we’re finally getting a followup story with Twisters!

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And we finally have our first trailer for the exciting followup film! A new trailer dropped that gives a lot more of the backstory between these new storm chasers and how Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar Jones) finds herself in the midst of a boys club. The team is trying to stop a “once in a generation” tornado season and the action-packed trailer gives us a lot to look forward to.

The first trailer dropped at the 2024 Super Bowl and gave us a look at the action, the new characters, and of course, the twisters!

The first film brought us not only amazing action sequences and the knowledge that we never want to end up face to face with a tornado, but a love story, too. What made Twister so special was that we were going on this high-stakes adventure with Dr. Jo Harding (Helen Hunt) and her estranged husband, Bill (played by Bill Paxton), because Harding and her team of students are using his tornado monitoring device (named Dorothy). It’s a race against the storm, against the competition Dr. Jonas Miller (Cary Elwes), and to keep each other safe.

That’s why Twisters has us so excited! We want to see how they’re going to continue this story and whether or not this sequel will have the same heart that the first film had. Written by Michael Crichton, the first film became a cult favorite. Now, Twisters is written by Mark L. Smith and is being directed by Lee Isaac Chung. While it is technically a sequel to Twister, it is going to have its own story, so let’s get into what we know about Twisters!

What journey are we going on with these new storm chasers?
a woman being taken away by a twister
(Universal Pictures)
In a release for the trailer, we have a bit more information about who everyone is in the new film! The characters are described as follows: “Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi (Golden Globe nominee Anthony Ramos, In the Heights) to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Powell), the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better.”

The description goes on to say, “As storm season intensifies, terrifying phenomena never seen before are unleashed, and Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma in the fight of their lives.”

Outside of this, there hasn’t been much news on the film yet. We just know when we’re going to get the movie and who’s in it, so we don’t yet know exactly where Twisters is going to fit in to the world of the story, but it is, reportedly, its own separate story, meaning that we’re probably not going to see these characters connecting to Jo and Bill.

In an interview with Collider, Smith talked about Chung’s film and how the movie is fun but different from the original: “It’s a lot of fun. He did his own thing to the script a little bit because that’s what they do, so I don’t know about some of the changes exactly. So, I don’t know the details, but it’s a separate story. It’s not a continuation of the original. But it’s just a real wild ride with some good, fun characters. Hopefully, we can tap into what the original had because that thing is just iconic. But it’s so cool to have a director like Isaac taking on something like this. It’s just so out of his norm, and I think he’s having fun. I was texting with him a couple days ago, and it’s just all craziness of it.”

Who’s weathering the storm?
Much like the 1996 film, Twisters is stacked with a cast of our dreams. With some of the most popular actors working today, we’re going on a fan-favorite ride. The main cast includes Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos!

We don’t yet know who these characters are playing and how they connect to each other (or if they connect at all to the original Twister movie), but joining Powell, Edgar-Jones, and Ramos is a lineup of some more iconic actors! The rest of the cast includes Brandon Perea, Daryl McCormack, Maura Tierney, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sasha Lane, Kiernan Shipka, Nik Dodani, David Corenswet, Tunde Adebimpe, and Katy O’Brian.

So, when do we have to get on the road?
Daisy Edgar Jones sitting on a car
(Universal Pictures)
Twisters is slated for a July 19, 2024 release—so, right after the typical tornado season in the U.S. (which is definitely for the better). Until we know more about the movie, at least we are going back to the Twister universe sooner rather than later!
EXCLUSIVE: Netflix has found its next young adult series in the shape of Geek Girl, a British book about a gawky teenager who is plucked from obscurity to embark on a modeling career.

The streamer will adapt Holly Smale’s series of novels into a 10-part series, with the Canadian and British co-production set to begin filming later this year.

Here’s the logline: “Geek Girl tells the story of awkward, neurodiverse teenager Harriet Manners whose life is turned upside down when she is spotted to be a model and embarks on a life-affirming journey of self-discovery as she balances high school and high fashion.”

Waterside Studios, an IP and production venture from writer and producer Jeff Norton, is behind the project. It is collaborating with Nelvana, a children’s content distributor. Both are backed by Canada’s Corus Entertainment, which will show Geek Girl on its TV channels.

Geek Girl will be made by RubyRock Pictures, the UK drama company founded by Zoë Rocha, producer of Sky’s Chris O’Dowd comedy Moone Boy, and Canada’s Aircraft Pictures.

The Geek Girl novels are published by HarperCollins and have been translated into more than 30 languages. Netflix will stream the series globally.
Netflix has picked up a new teen series based on the best-selling book franchise Geek Girl from Waterside Studios, Nelvana, Ruby Rock Pictures, and Aircraft Pictures, which begins production later this year. Here’s what we know so far.

Please note: this preview was first published on January 20th, 2023, at 04:00 EST.

Ten episodes have been commissioned by Netflix and Corus Entertainment, each around 30 minutes.

While Netflix is the key distributor worldwide, there is a notable exception. In Canada, the distribution will be handled by Corus Entertainment which owns networks like Global, Slice, HGTV, W Network, and Showcase.

Waterside Studios is headed up by executive producer Jeff Norton, known for his work in bringing best-selling books to the screen. Waterside Studios regularly teams with Nelvana (the animation studio owned by Corus Entertainment) on children’s animated and live-action content.

RubyRock Pictures are producing the forthcoming show. The British-based outfit describes itself as a “high-end scripted production company” founded by Zoë Rocha. Rocha, alongside production executive Josh Harris serves as producer on the project.

Aircraft Pictures, based in Canada, are also behind the production.

What’s Geek Girl about?
The series itself is based on a book series by British writer Holly Smale who went on to produce six entries in the series in total, published between 2013 and 2017.

The six book entries include the following:

Geek Girl (2013)
Model Misfit (2013)
Picture Perfect (2014)
All That Glitters (2015)
Head Over Heels (2016)
Forever Geek (2017)
holly smale geek girl book collection
Geek Girl book collection from Holly Smale

The best-selling books are published by HarperCollins and have been translated into over 30 languages.

Per GoodReads, here’s the synopsis of the first entry:

“Harriet Manners knows a lot of things.

She knows that a cat has 32 muscles in each ear, a “jiffy” lasts 1/100th of a second, and the average person laughs 15 times per day. What she isn’t quite so sure about is why nobody at school seems to like her very much. So when she’s spotted by a top model agent, Harriet grabs the chance to reinvent herself. Even if it means stealing her Best Friend’s dream, incurring the wrath of her arch enemy Alexa, and repeatedly humiliating herself in front of the impossibly handsome supermodel Nick. Even if it means lying to the people she loves.

As Harriet veers from one couture disaster to the next with the help of her overly enthusiastic father and her uber-geeky stalker, Toby, she begins to realise that the world of fashion doesn’t seem to like her any more than the real world did.

And as her old life starts to fall apart, the question is: will Harriet be able to transform herself before she ruins everything?”

Who will star in Geek Girl on Netflix?
No cast announcements have been made as of June 2023.

On February 2nd, 2023, Rob Kelly Casting issued a casting call for the female lead for the forthcoming series.

In their casting call, they state they’re looking for an actress to play the role of Harriet Manners and encourage those that are neurodivergent to apply, with the deadline being February 17th.

Filming is ongoing, so we expect to see some cast news soon.

geek girl casting call
Casting call for Netflix’s Geek Girl

When will production begin on Geek Girl?
We’ve known for some time that the production of Geek Girl was set to start sometime in Spring 2023.

Filming has officially begun as of June 6th, 2023, and will run until September 11th, 2023.

Filming is primarily taking place in the United Kingdom, but some locations will be used in Toronto, and Ontario in Canada.

We’ll be tracking all updates and news about Netflix’s new YA series Geek Girl as and when we get it, so keep this post bookmarked as it’ll be updated over time.
Show name: Geek Girl

Platform: Netflix

Date of release: May 30, 2024

Country of origin: United States

Genre: Comedy/Drama

Director: Declan O'Dwyer

Full cast list: Emily Carey, Sarah Parish, Jemima Rooper, Tim Downie, Sandra Yi Sencindiver, Hebe Beardsall, Madeleine Price, Alana Boden, Hersha Verity, and others

Netflix is gearing up for the release of its new comedy series 'Geek Girl', set to release on Thursday, May 30. 'Geek Girl' is an upcoming Netflix adaptation based on Holly Smale's book series.

It follows the story of Harriet Manners, a geeky teenager whose life takes an unexpected turn when she catches the eye of a modeling agent during a school trip to London Fashion Week.

Sixteen-year-old Harriet finds herself navigating the worlds of high school and high fashion as her life undergoes a significant transformation.

Emily Carey, known for her role in 'House of the Dragon', portrays the lead character, Harriet Manners. Her journey unfolds as she is selected for a prominent fashion advertisement campaign, altering her life in profound ways.

What is the plot of 'Geek Girl'?
Zac Looker and Emily Carey in a still 'Geek Girl' (@rayburmiston)
Zac Looker and Emily Carey in a still from 'Geek Girl' (Netflix/@rayburmiston)

Harriet Manners, a sixteen-year-old, has always aimed to go unnoticed, preferring to blend in rather than stand out.

Despite her efforts, her geeky nature is unmistakable. However, during a school trip to London Fashion Week, her desire to remain invisible is shattered when she catches the eye of a modeling agent.

The plot synopsis reads, "Awkward, neurodivergent teenager Harriet Manners whose life is turned upside down when she is spotted to be a model and embarks on a life-affirming journey of self-discovery as she balances high school and high fashion."

'Geek Girl' main cast
Emily Carey

Emily Carey is a talented young actress renowned for her roles in various film and television productions. With her natural charm and acting prowess, she has captivated audiences worldwide.

She has showcased her talent in notable projects such as 'Wonder Woman', where she portrayed the young Diana Prince. Carey's versatility shines through in her performances, whether she's tackling dramatic scenes or bringing humor to the screen.

Her dedication to her craft has earned her praise from critics and fans alike. As she continues to hone her skills, Emily Carey is undoubtedly a rising star to watch in the entertainment industry.

Sarah Parish

Sarah Parish is a British actress celebrated for her diverse roles across film, television, and stage. With her captivating presence and powerful performances, she has emerged as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Parish's notable credits include her portrayal of the formidable Lady Arabella Gresham in the period drama 'Doctor Thorne' and her role as the complex Detective Inspector Elizabeth Bancroft in the gripping crime series 'Bancroft'.

Her talent extends beyond the small screen, with acclaimed performances in theater productions such as 'The Winter's Tale' and 'The Pillars of the Community'.

Known for her versatility and range, Parish continues to enthrall audiences with her compelling characters and nuanced portrayals.

Jemima Rooper

Jemima Rooper is a talented English actress known for her versatile performances across various mediums.

She first gained recognition for her role as George in the television adaptation of 'The Famous Five' series.

Rooper has showcased her acting prowess in a wide range of genres, from comedy to drama, earning critical acclaim along the way.

Her memorable roles include playing Thelma Bates in the supernatural series 'Hex' and Melissa in the romantic comedy film 'Kinky Boots'.

Rooper's stage presence is equally impressive, with standout performances in productions like 'One Man, Two Guvnors' and 'Blithe Spirit'.

With her charm, talent, and dedication to her craft, Jemima Rooper continues to captivate audiences and establish herself as a versatile force in the entertainment industry.

How to stream 'Geek Girl'?
Hebe Beardsall, Emmanuel Imani, and Emily Carey in a still from 'Geek Girl'
Hebe Beardsall, Emmanuel Imani, and Emily Carey in a still from 'Geek Girl' (Netflix/@rayburmiston)
'Geek Girl' will be available to stream on Netflix on Thursday, May 30. One needs to have a Netflix membership to watch the series.

The membership starts from as low as $6.99/month (standard plan with ads).

The standard plan without ads is priced at $15.49/month while the premium plan costs $22.99/month.

'Geek Girl' trailer
Where are all the YA fans? We win again! Netflix will be releasing a new series called Geek Girl this May, and if you're a fan of the YA book genre, I'm sure you're already familiar with the show's source material. The upcoming Netflix show is based on Holly Smale's best-selling young adult book series of the same name. Below, we shared everything there is to know about the Geek Girl television series adaptation, including the official release date.

We first learned of Geek Girl back in January 2023 when it was announced that Netflix would be adapting Smale's book into a 10-part television show. Yes, this means the first season will consist of 10 episodes. However, episode runtimes are still unknown at the moment. We're probably looking at 30-minute episodes, though. The show is also believed to be a limited series, meaning it won't likely return for a second season. While this is sad news, the good news is that a complete story will be told in the first season.

Emily Carey
dunhill & BSBP Pre-BAFTA Filmmakers Dinner & Party - Outside Arrivals / Mark Boland/GettyImages
The teen series stars House of the Dragon's Emily Carey as Harriet Manners, a socially awkward teen girl who has always wanted to fit in. And then one day, her life gets turned upside down when she's scouted by a top London modeling agent. Harriet then finds herself embarking on a journey of self-discovery as she balances school and a modeling career.

Joining Carey in the cast are Outlander’s Tim Downie as Richard Manners, EastEnders’ Hersha Verity as Maia, Alana Boden as Miss Lord, Madeleine Price as Liv, Alexandra Chaves as Millie, and many more.

Here are the names of the rest of the actors starring in the series:

Hebe Beardsall as Betty
Liam Woodrum as Nick Park
Catherine De Seve as Heloise
Daisy Jelley as Poppy Hepple-Cartwright
Rochelle Harrington as Natalie Grey
Zac Looker as Toby Pilgrim
Jemima Rooper as Annabel Manners
Mia Jenkins as Lexi
Sarah Parish as Jude Paignton
Sandra Yi Sencindiver as Yuji Lee
Emmanuel Imani as Wilbur Evans
The complete 10-episode series is scheduled to drop on Netflix on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 12:00 a.m. PT/3:00 a.m. ET. Of course, we didn't forget about people living in the Midwest. If you're in the Central time zone, you're looking at a release time of 2:00 a.m. CT on this date.

Where to buy the Geek Girl books
There are six Geek Girl novels in total. They are Geek Girl (2013), Model Misfit (2013), Picture Perfect (2014), All That Glitters (2015), Head Over Heels (2016) and Forever Geek (2017). You can buy all six of the books on Amazon at various prices. For example, you can buy Geek Girl on Amazon as a hardcover ($15.42 before taxes), paperback ($15.99 before taxes), or an eBook ($9.99 before taxes).

We're still waiting on the official trailer for the Geek Girl television series. It'll most likely drop by the end of April, so be sure to constantly check this space. We'll share it here once it's released.
The forthcoming Netflix limited series, “Geek Girl,” adapted from Holly Smale’s debut novel, gracefully leads viewers through a poignant journey into the life of Emily Carey. Across ten episodes, the series delves deep into Emily’s quest for self-reinvention, intricately exploring her dynamic with a charming supermodel.

“Geek Girl” is a Netflix limited series adapted from the acclaimed novel of the same name by Holly Smale. Produced by Waterside Studios, Nelvana, Rubyrock Pictures, and Aircraft Pictures, this American series promises an engaging narrative.

About “Geek Girl”:
Geek Girl

Based solely on Holly Smale’s celebrated series of novels, “Geek Girl” spans six entries released between 2013 and 2017. Published by HarperCollins, the series boasts bestseller status and has been translated into over 30 languages. The six books comprising the series are:

Geek Girl (2013)
Model Misfit (2013)
Picture Perfect (2014)
All That Glitters (2015)
Head Over Heels (2016)
Forever Geek (2017)
Release Dates for “Geek Girl”:
The collaboration between Netflix and Corus Entertainment for the adaptation of the bestselling books into a family-friendly show was announced in January 2023. Scheduled as a one-off limited series, “Geek Girl” is poised to debut on Netflix on May 30, 2024.

Cast of “Geek Girl”:
The series features Emily Carey in the lead role of Harriet Manners, known for her performance in the HBO series “House of The Dragon.” Other notable cast members include:

Tim Downie (Outlander) as Richard Manners
Sarah Parish (The Wedding Date)
Jemima Rooper (Lost in Austen)
Sandra Yi Sencindiver (Alien)
Alana Boden (I Am Elizabeth Smart) as Miss Lord
Madeleine Price (Sandokan) as Liv
Hersha Verity as Maia
Alexandra Chaves (Good Witch) as Millie
Hebe Beardsall as Betty
Catherine De Seve as Heloise
Daisy Jelley (How to Have Sex) as Poppy Hepple-Cartwright
Rochelle Harrington as Nat Grey
Zac Looker as Toby Pilgrim
Mia Jenkins as Lexi
Geek Girl

Filming Locations of “Geek Girl”:
Initially, filming for “Geek Girl” took place in the United Kingdom, with additional shots captured in Toronto and Canada. Production for the limited series commenced on June 6, 2023, concluding on September 11, 2023.

Plot of “Geek Girl”:
Remaining faithful to the teen novel, the series follows Harriet Manners’ journey as depicted in the books. A synopsis of the novel by Bookreads outlines Harriet’s experiences:

Harriet Manners is knowledgeable about many things but struggles with social acceptance at school. When she’s discovered by a top model agent, Harriet seizes the opportunity to reinvent herself, even if it means jeopardizing her friendship and facing her nemesis. Amidst her endeavors to impress the dashing supermodel Nick, Harriet navigates a series of challenges and humiliations.

Trailer for “Geek Girl”:
While anticipation mounts for the series, fans eagerly await the release of the official trailer. In the meantime, Netflix has shared a synopsis offering a glimpse into the storyline:

“Geek Girl” follows the journey of awkward teenager Harriet, who yearns to belong until she’s scouted by a London model agency, discovering that some are destined to stand out.

Possibility of “Geek Girl” Season 2:
As Netflix has positioned “Geek Girl” as a limited series, the likelihood of a second season remains uncertain. However, with six novels in the series, there’s potential for future adaptations. Should a second season materialize, it may explore the storyline of “Model Misfit.”

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