Every Year After, Amazon's latest YA drama, attempts to recapture the magic of The Summer I Turned Pretty, but it fails to deliver a compelling romantic fantasy. The series, based on Carley Fortune's novel, suffers from a lack of self-awareness and a reliance on well-worn romantic tropes. The central character, Percy, is a 28-year-old obituary writer who hasn't returned to her hometown since a painful breakup with Sam. The show's premise, while intriguing, quickly descends into a predictable and exhausting portrayal of teen love and its aftermath. The acting, particularly from Sadie Soverall and Matt Cornett, fails to ignite any sparks, and the show's attempt at profundity falls flat with groan-worthy lines. However, the supporting cast, including Elisha Cuthbert and Aurora Perrineau, offer some respite, with their characters providing moments of kindness and humor amidst the lovelorn chaos. Overall, Every Year After is a missed opportunity, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment and a longing for a more authentic and self-aware romantic drama.
