‘You’ offers thrilling portrayal of stalking

Netflix’s release of “You” has created a tidal wave of new fans, but they may be unaware that the show was adapted from a novel of the same title by Caroline Kepnes and developed originally as a Lifetime series by Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble.

The psychological thrillers large appeal is partly due to the new perspective it offers. The point of view has shifted from its usual perspective, and rather than focusing on the victim the story is told from that of her determined stalker.

Everything unfolds when Joe Goldberg (“Gossip Girl” actor Penn Badgley), an intelligent bookstore owner, happens across a beautiful young writer, Guinevere Beck (“Dead of Summer” actress Elizabeth Lail). His immediate fixation on Beck is a little far-fetched in the beginning, but as his past unfolds, the audience soon comes to better understand the drive of his obsession.

There is a constant voice-over of Joe’s thoughts and feelings throughout the show, and while viewers might grasp the full range of his psychopathic tendencies, the cavalier fashion in which he presents his demented thinking is so relaxed you almost draw the conclusion that his behavior is justifiable.

Between his good looks and charming personality, it’s difficult to define Joe as an average stalker. The extent to which Joe is able to explain his wicked actions – such as sending a little boy to acquire a variety of items used for transporting and burning a dead body – is somewhat unrealistic.

The personality of Joe’s love interest, Beck, puts the audience in the predicament of rooting for her stalker. It is difficult to care about a character who is routinely sabotaging her own life; therefore, it is much easier to support Joe in his attempt to save her from herself, even if the way he goes about it is frightening.

It is much easier to support Joe in his attempt to save her from herself, even if the way he goes about it is frightening.

Beck is blind to the obviously planned interactions that Joe plays off as simply coincidental, and rather than catching him early in his act, she writes off all her suspicions in place of her feelings for him.

The factor that stands out the most as a viewer is how easy it was for Joe to access Beck and all of her information. Once he finds her online, every possible door opens for him to create contact with her, including finding where she lives.

It brings into question our own use of social media and how far we should go to protect our identities.

While “You” is entertaining and binge-worthy, it is slightly overrated. Despite being enticing, the plot had issues as well as improbable situations. Netflix’s easy accessibility makes it easier for audiences to join the bandwagon of hype.