Like the recurring song on the soundtrack, the first episode of The End of the F***ing World will have you laughing on the outside and crying on the inside.
James (Alex Lawther) is 17 years old and convinced he’s a psychopath, writes Mona Mohamud. He’s emotionally numb and obsessed with death. Having spent years killing animals he now wants to take things further, by murdering a human. Alyssa (Jessica Barden) is sharp tongued, impulsive, and extremely unhappy. She has a creepy stepdad and is looking for an escape from her life at home.
She decides James is the perfect partner in revolt. He, on the other hand, sees her as his first potential victim. They both want to rebel, yet by the looks of it neither of them seem brave enough. And the best part? The internal monologue of these two disturbing teenagers is narrated aloud throughout the whole show. Hearing their thoughts will have you thinking ‘these kids are messed up.’
James and Alyssa’s weird conversations are laced with deadpan humour. He speaks in short, monotone sentences while she is blunt and sarcastic. She challenges him constantly, whilst he usually responds with an unsettling indifference. Their first interaction is both awkward and intriguing, “I seen you skating,” she lies, “you’re pretty shit.” To which he replies “…f*** off.” Ah, teenage love. She kisses him. He fantasises about her dead body. How romantic.
Alyssa follows James home, where we meet his dad. A man so desperate to be the “cool parent” that he’s blind to the fact his son might be dangerous. He forces awkward small talk, unaware of the cold detachment beneath James’ blank expression. Later James snaps and punches him in the face. Alyssa doesn’t flinch. To her, this isn’t a red flag. It’s a selling point. He’s a loose cannon. He’s unpredictable and most importantly, he’s her ticket out.
Moments later, they’re gone. They steal James’ dad’s car and drive off. James is still silently plotting her murder, but Alyssa is too wrapped up in the thrill of escaping to notice. They have no plan, no destination, just the shared instinct to keep moving. It’s a recipe for disaster.
We don’t know exactly where they are but it’s undoubtedly Britain, in a strange and slightly off from reality kind of way. The colour palette is saturated at times and the clothes seem vintage. The visuals play a huge role in creating a unique and strange atmosphere.
The masterful opening episode blends dry humour with genuine unease. There’s an odd intimacy between James and Alyssa, something raw and desperate. They don’t know where they’re going and neither do we. That’s what makes it so uncomfortable. Strap in.
