"School Spirits" (Available on P+)

Greetings, everyone! I know it's been a while since we last caught up, but life's been quite the rollercoaster lately. Between juggling an overwhelming workload and the absence of any BL or LGBTQ+ films in my entertainment roster, time just slipped away. Nonetheless, I'm here, navigating through the highs and lows, and I genuinely hope you're all gearing up for a fantastic end to the year. As for me, the next post on the blog is still up in the air, and there's an amusing story behind it—I forgot to renew my website, so now I'm stuck twiddling my thumbs until February. But, hey, aside from that hiccup...

During this holiday break, as my search for captivating content led me to Amazon Prime, the barren landscape of watchable shows pushed me to venture into uncharted territory. I stumbled upon a Paramount+ series that piqued my interest; after all, the show is led by a former Disney star, and they boasted star-studded alumni—Selena, Hilary, The Jonas, Demi, Miley, and others, so what could go wrong, especially because Selena and Hilary are really good actresses. But oh boy...

"School Spirits" introduces us to Maddie (played by Peyton List, known for her roles in Jessie and Bunk'd), who wakes up as a spirit in her high school. The twist? She's not alone; there are other ghosts haunting the school grounds. Trapped within the confines of their alma mater, Maddie, with her unique ability to communicate with the living, but its just one of her bestfriends, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her untimely demise. The cast is rounded out by Milo Manheim (Zombies), Kristian Ventura, Nick Pugliese, Sarah Yarkin (Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Kiara Pichardo, and Spencer MacPherson.

Now, let's dive into the show itself. From the get-go, "School Spirits" was a delightful experience—chaotic, yet in a good way. It didn't fall into the horror genre but rather embraced the thrilling aspects, occasionally giving me "Pretty Little Liars" vibes, a series I thoroughly enjoyed.

Peyton List's performance as Maddie serves as the emotional anchor of "School Spirits." Maddie's journey is not just about navigating the afterlife but also about unraveling the layers of her complex life before her untimely demise. List brings a remarkable depth to the character, capturing the nuances of Maddie's struggles and aspirations.

Maddie's story is a poignant exploration of a young soul yearning to break free from the shackles of a challenging past. List masterfully conveys the emotional turmoil of a character who, despite not being a rebellious figure, is simply striving to escape a life marred by adversity, particularly due to her relationship with her mother. The portrayal goes beyond the supernatural elements of the show, delving into the human side of Maddie's experiences.

Maria Dizzia's portrayal of Maddie's mother adds another layer to the narrative. Dizzia's nuanced performance allows viewers to empathize with the challenges faced by both mother and daughter, enriching the overall storytelling experience. The complexity of their relationship becomes a driving force for Maddie's character, shaping her actions and decisions even in the afterlife.

(Warning: Spoilers ahead) Charley, portrayed with depth and authenticity, emerges as one of the most compelling characters in the series. His storyline becomes a poignant exploration of unspoken sentiments and societal expectations. As a viewer, you can't help but resonate with Charley's struggle to express his true feelings to people from his past, especially those he loved deeply but felt restrained from sharing his emotions due to societal norms.

The decision to keep Maddie's ability to communicate with the living a secret, initially perceived as somewhat selfish, transforms into a selfless act of protection. This nuance adds layers to Charley's character, making him not only relatable but also showcasing the complexities of relationships, both in life and beyond.

Milo's character, with his mature yet goofy demeanor, brings a distinctive flavor to "School Spirits." The relatability of Wally's backstory lies in the universal theme of societal expectations and the struggle to break free from the molds created by others.

Wally's narrative explores the consequences of adhering to societal expectations, even beyond the realm of the living. Milo Manheim's portrayal allows viewers to witness the internal conflict faced by Wally, torn between the life he led to fulfill his mother's wishes and the desire for autonomy, even in the afterlife.

Milo's ability to seamlessly transition from the goofy to the mature aspects of his character adds layers to Wally's personality. It's refreshing to see the actor explore a more nuanced role, and his performance contributes significantly to the emotional depth of the series.

In essence, the backstories of these characters, particularly Maddie, Charley, and Milo, weave a rich tapestry of emotions, societal struggles, and personal growth. The actors' nuanced performances elevate these narratives, making "School Spirits" not just a supernatural thriller but a profound exploration of the human experience, even beyond death's door.

However, Kristian Ventura's portrayal of Simon becomes particularly poignant in those moments when he opens up about his profound sense of longing, expressing how much he misses Peyton List's character before gaining the ability to perceive her presence directly beside him. Ventura infuses these scenes with a raw and heartfelt emotion that resonates with viewers, capturing the essence of an unseen connection that transcends the boundaries between the living and the afterlife.

One standout instance is when Peyton List's character lets Simon know that her love for him is the key to his newfound ability to see her in the afterlife. Ventura brings a delicate vulnerability to this revelation, conveying Simon's emotional journey and the depth of their connection. These scenes not only highlight Ventura's acting prowess but also contribute significantly to the emotional resonance of "School Spirits."

As Season 2 awaits, I am undoubtedly eager to witness more of Simon's backstory, to uncover the layers of his experiences, and to delve deeper into the intricacies of his relationship with Peyton List's character. The emotional intricacies that Ventura brings to these moments, coupled with the promise of further character exploration, sets the stage for an even more compelling narrative in the episodes to come.

On the flip side, my main critique centers on the show's direction. While some scenes are executed with finesse, others feel somewhat sloppy, missing opportunities for impactful shots. Moments with abrupt cuts disrupt the flow, and there's room for improvement in capturing the essence of certain scenes.

Additionally, there are scenes, such as when Simon and Xavier engage in a confrontation or when the mother intentionally hits the Janitor with the car at a gas station, where the lack of consequences still feels somewhat inconsistent. The absence of any repercussions or involvement from relevant authorities leaves these events unaddressed and unexplored within the narrative. Delving into the aftermath of intentional actions, even if no harm occurred, could have added depth to the characters' experiences and grounded the supernatural elements in a more relatable context.

Moreover, when everyone witnesses Simon seemingly speaking to himself, the response from the characters, recommending a grief counselor but not exploring the possibility of mental health concerns, adds another layer of inconsistency. Given the unusual nature of the situation, a more thorough examination or consultation with medical professionals might have provided a more realistic and nuanced approach to the storyline.

In conclusion, "School Spirits" won me over. It's been a while since a show resonated with me to this extent, earning it a solid 9/10 in my book. Driven by captivating performances from Peyton List and Kristian Ventura, "School Spirits" is a binge-worthy narrative with compelling standalone stories that beg for their own spotlight. If you're in need of a new show to connect with, give this one a shot!