Susan Granger’s review of “Emily in Paris” (Netflix)
Since the definition of a “guilty pleasure” is a cheesy movie/TV program that one enjoys, despite feeling that it’s not generally held in high regard, this new Netflix series fits that perfectly.
It’s a fabulous fantasy of fashion, glamour and romance as seen through the eyes of 20-something Emily Cooper (Lily Collins), a junior ‘social media marketing’ executive at Savoir who, when her boss unexpectedly gets pregnant, is transferred from Chicago to the boutique agency her company recently acquired in Paris.
Unlike her boss (Kate Walsh), who was fluent in French, unpretentious, unsophisticated Emily is immediately dubbed “la plouc” (“The hick”) by her new colleagues (Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery), particularly her chic, snobbish new boss, Sylvie (Phillipine Leroy-Beaulieu), who resists Emily’s suggestions and resents her intrusion.
Resisting Emily’s dogged determination to “bring an American perspective,” Sylvie and her co-workers do not want to be Americanized. As a result, plucky, ever-smiling Emily suffers a myriad of stumbling, social embarrassments in the City of Light – until she becomes an Instagram influencer.
In social media, influencers are people who have a reputation for their knowledge/expertise on a particular topic. Brands love social media influencers because they can create trends and encourage their followers to buy products they promote.
So – beyond all the fun and frivolity – this breezy series gives insight into how social media works, particularly among entitled, ambitious millennials. Created by Darren Starr, it follows his half-hour, rom-com “Sex and the City” format – served with deliciously delectable croissants.
Predictably, likable Emily acquires a confidante (Ashley Park) as her love life grows more complicated, involving several boy-friends, including her neighbor/chef (Lucas Bravo) who’s involved with Emily’s other girl-friend, sweet-natured Camille (Camille Razat).
Not surprisingly, in France, this show has been severely panned for its stereotypical depiction of their culture….i.e.: arrogant Parisians are nasty, rude and lazy, smoking constantly and cheating on their spouses.
On the Granger Movie gauge of 1 to 10, “Emily in Paris” is a superficial, simplistic, yet slyly seductive 6, a guilty pleasure.
