'Freeridge'- Review

When reading the logline of Freeridge, it may seem like it would fit in with Netflix’s supernatural teen shows, like Stranger Things or Wednesday. The show revolves around a curse that plagues four 15-year-olds who believe it was caused by a mysterious old box, and their desperate attempts to reverse its effects. However, the supernatural aspect of the show is not the main focus. Instead, it serves as a backdrop for the more relatable themes of uncertainty about the future, the complexities of young love, and the responsibilities of family.

Despite being a lighter show than its predecessor, On My Block, Freeridge shares the same empathetic heart and playful sense of humor that made its predecessor so popular. The show also has a deep affection for its young leads, who are relatable and endearing.

The unofficial leader of the show's quartet is Gloria, a problem-solving go-getter who uses her bullet journal to keep herself organized. When the show begins, she is in the middle of a schoolyard fight with her younger sister, Ines. Although the reason for their fight is unimportant, it is clear that they have a deep and abiding love for each other, despite their frequent clashes.

Gloria is played by Keyla Monterroso Mejia, who is known for her comedic acting skills. However, she demonstrates her dramatic range in Freeridge, portraying Gloria's rage and sadness over her father's cancer diagnosis. Gloria's close-knit group of friends, including Cam, Demi, and Andre, help her and her sister through their difficult times.

Freeridge's storyline is linked to On My Block, but familiarity with the original show is not necessary to enjoy it. The show has a lighter tone than On My Block, and it does not delve deeply into the community surrounding its characters. Instead, it focuses on the trials and tribulations of Gloria and her friends, as they deal with crushes, Dad's cancer, and the cursed box.

While the show can feel a bit unwieldy at times, and its comedic elements threaten to overwhelm its more nuanced sentiments, its heart remains in the right place. The show acknowledges the painful truths of adulthood, such as the fact that some questions have no answers and that our greatest enemies can be ourselves.

And that sometimes the best we can do is show up for the people we love, Gloria and her friends meet those challenges with humor, grit, and grace. Freeridge may not reinvent the teen dramedy wheel, but it doesn’t have to. It’s a warm and engaging show that takes a familiar formula and infuses it with enough wit and heart to make it feel fresh. And at a time when the world can feel pretty bleak, that’s a supernatural feat in and of itself.

Netflix's Freeridge may seem like another supernatural teen drama like Wednesday and Stranger Things, but it surprises its audience with a relatable storyline, where the show's real focus is on the young protagonist's fears about the future, the confusion of young love, and the burden of family.

Freeridge follows the story of Gloria (Keyla Monterroso Mejia), the head of the show's central quartet, who is a problem-solving enthusiast with a bullet journal. Gloria, along with her friends, is struggling with the burden of the curse and their attempts to remove it.

Despite their quarrels and disagreements, Gloria and her sister Ines (Bryana Salaz) share a deep love for each other. Gloria's emotional exhaustion deepens when she discovers her father's cancer diagnosis, while she and her friends also face their romantic woes.

Freeridge shares the same empathetic heart, humor, and affection for its young characters as its predecessor, On My Block. However, Freeridge's world feels comparatively smaller and more insular, with less emphasis on issues of race and class.

Although Freeridge's narrative can feel unwieldy at times, its heart remains firmly planted in the right place. The show may not reinvent the teen dramedy wheel, but its infusion of wit and heart make it feel fresh and engaging. In a world that can feel bleak, Freeridge's supernatural feat lies in bringing warmth and comfort to its viewers.