This Netflix comedy series shows Paris through the eyes of Lily Collins.
Meeting Lily Collins (daughter of Phil Collins) last year at an interview for her role on the PBS version of “Les Miserables” has delighted me, because I think she’s a lovely and spontaneous actress. And I was quite fascinated in reviewing her first Netflix series “Emily in Paris,” in which she plays a Chicago girl, who gets a job at a marketing firm in Paris. As much as she’s dazzled by the City of Lights, she has trouble fitting in, because her French is rusty, and she must learn to adapt to her surroundings. But her womanhood kicks in, when she has to provide the company with an American perspective. And she posts pictures and selfies of her experiences with the Instagram account name #emilyinparis.
From what I have seen, it’s a fun series about a young woman changing the perspectives of herself and the new people around her. It has some good laughs, honest moments, and a lavish atmosphere.
Among the new characters she comes across, her new boss is Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), who doesn’t take the newbie too kindly, especially since her original boss (Kate Walsh) had to back out due to her pregnancy. She’s often rude and pushy towards her, but in various parts, she appreciates some of her skills.
Her new friend is a young Asian nanny and would-be singer named Mindy (Ashley Park), who got cut off from her father’s money, when she refuses to work for him, and is happy to escape from a predictable life. She shows her the ropes of Paris, and warns that her certain French words may sound the same as English words, but they’re completely different. For example: she orders a croissant with a side of condoms, which she thought was condiments.
Her new dream guy, since she broke up with her boyfriend (Roe Hartrampf), is a French chef named Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), who lives downstairs from her, and helps her get by in her shabby apartment. He also dreams of owning a restaurant, and makes an unbelievable omelette. She kisses him to thank him for helping her with a dinner situation, but it turns out he has a girlfriend (Camille Razat). It still becomes a somewhat love story for her.
“Emily in Paris,” created by Darren Starr (“Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Sex & The City”) and produced by Collins, has some unnecessary dog poop jokes and Emily’s ex-boyfriend is a lackluster character, but it has a lot of charm and fun in the formula of an American in Paris. I just had to say it, given the circumstances. Collins is spontaneous and outspoken at the same time, and she enjoys being herself as a woman and a tourist. Leroy-Beaulieu has a graceful and moody attitude as her French boss, while Park provides the support and heart as her Asian friend.
The show has a cute vibe when the American struggles to adapt to the French life, and thrives on whatever comes up. Its sense of humor and style keeps the characters going in different directions, and delivers the goods as a result. So far, ten episodes have been released on Netflix, and Collins is the main reason for watching. It’s impossible to resist her, especially when you see how she experiences a new country and its customs.
Available on Netflix
Excellent review! Love your writing style.