PREMature

Although I missed the first episode, I could luckily catch up on YouTube. I have to say I don't watch any British soaps on TV, expect for quiz shows, but this one's an exception! PREMature portrays some of the actual problems that we see in some families, schools and generally in society. Watching the first episode for me personally was like an eye-opener as it made me realize that there are people my age facing more problems than I am, which leaves me with no right to complain about anything but appreciate. The very first few scenes were quite interesting and took me a while to figure out what was going on. But by the end the story became clearer. I really liked some of the camera angles and the style of shooting which made it more engaging and realistic. For example, the style of shooting that they used in the classroom scenes helped give a better perspective, giving a feeling that you're sitting with them. PREM (the main character) is going through a really tough time, and the next episodes will reveal how he copes, which I can't wait for. PREMature wasn't a let down for something that hasn't got a lot of marketing and I loved it. I really recommend watching it.

As a teacher, visual aids have been an instrumental delivery system for demonstrating core content in lessons for my sixth form students. Over the past term, I've actually used clips from PREMature to assist my psychology lessons in the area of childhood trauma.

This series is a particular standout drama because of the mental frailty that is demonstrated through the writing and the performances. Now the show was made back in 2015 at the cusp of an entire generation diving fully into the realm of social media and all of the positives and negatives that come with it. PREMature was a frontrunner in the sense of bringing substantive and paramount issues in one of the most realistic depictions of teenhood that I've seen in a non-documentary.

The impact of divorce on a child can be so damaging throughout adolescence that it curbs our adulthood in ways that can be self-harming. This theme of divorce runs through the 6 parts but it is the bullying theme that is so visceral. It was actually this that pushed me to include clips of the show in my class because how the bullying storyling was packaged and made digestible for a classroom full of teenagers who could perhaps build a new understanding of trauma and its effects in a way that a textbook couldn't. (Sorry for the long sentence.)

I saw first-rate performances by unrecognisable actors bringing to life very recognisable characters and circumstances in such a natural way. The complexities, which were the basis of my using clips in classes were interwoven into this series by means of an organic reality - what i've come to learn as world-building.

The music is different and moody and uplifting at points. The camerawork is documentary-esque with most shots looking like photographs where many of them hold onto the close ups to the point where it borders on intrusive.

It might not be the lighthearted bingewatch that many might prefer but PREMature is a powerful piece of storytelling and for me, a teaching tool in classes.

I had the privilege of attending the private screenings on the eve of the series TV premiere. My good friend who was one of the kickstarter backers for the show invited me as her guest. Beforehand, I knew nothing of the series and intended to maintain this heading into the screenings for the most impartial and unbiased viewing experience possible.

Right off the bat, the opening sequence had me hooked. There was a great sense of unease and I can only interpret this as the intention of the director. This feeling was consistent throughout all 6 episodes. At times I felt that it wasn't just a drama series I was watching but in fact an experience where I needed to catch my breath due to the intensity of back to back scenes presenting an array of dramatic and powerful imagery. I wasn't prepared for any of it to be honest and this was enforced by the very unpredictable and volatile nature of the tone.

I'll stray away from spoiling anything as this is something that really needs to be enjoyed and engulfed by a viewer with patience, an open mind and one prepared for some extraordinary surreal moments that take you on a journey to actually reflect on yourself and assess choices you've made in your life.

A few particular stand outs were the photography, some unique shots that created an illusion of voyeurism and fluidity. The performances were equally on par from fresh talents I've not seen before. In fact, most of the cast were in attendance and it was strange seeing them in person after seeing what their characters go through on screen. The writing is beautiful, organic and unrestrained. Coming from an urban area of London with a mix of people from all backgrounds, I felt I recognised what I saw on screen as an honest depiction and I commend the filmmaker for this.

This series has a lot to say and I think it's one of those shows that demands repeated viewings which I intend to do (and look forward to).

A must see for those looking for a unique drama that most certainly breaks conventions and likely deceives any pre-conceptions one may have going into watch PREMature.

Hats off to a dedicated cast and crew. Wonderful work. Thank God for those moments of humour (dark though).

If you've been on a roller coaster then you'll appreciate the anticipation, excitement, fear, wanting more after the thrill of the ride is over. PREMature is the TV drama incarnate that evokes these emotions and more through the brilliant writing, score and of course its actors.

I found myself reminiscing and relating to the drama as it unfolds as it is so real, uncomfortable yet engaging to watch. I am excited to see how the stories unfold and get to know the characters better. It's refreshing to have a British drama on TV and other digital formats which is accessible worldwide that isn't afraid to push boundaries and change perceptions.

How important is PREMature to popular culture right now? VERY in my estimation. We live in a society where we communicate digitally and hardly engage in face to face and meaningful conversation and the dialogue on screen between the characters there is a real connect with intelligent, deep and purposeful exchanges.

PREMature for me was an emotional roller coaster because one minute you escape into the pleasant childhood reminiscent memories, then suddenly dragged back to reality with all the serious real life themes that we either suppress, turn a blind eye too or fail to acknowledge.

I'm grateful that this intelligent drama is on TV. Hope you will when you watch!

Honestly I didn't actually know what to expect because this series really came out of nowhere. In fact I just read that it made it's budget through kickstarter so I can only guess they didn't have much for marketing - which is fine to be honest because it seems the money went into where it matters cos visually it looks pretty damn good.

I saw a couple trailers leading up to the premiere episode which I missed but fortunately caught a repeat on a channel I never heard of before or never knew I had until this series popped up on my Facebook page.

The episode: right from the get go, I was immersed with the explosive opening and when I say explosive I don't use that term lightly - it actually is explosive. The opening credits followed over one of the funniest and most randoms scenes I've ever seen on a TV show in recent memory (which I won't spoil). The episode went onto set up all the main characters really well and the pace was so tight. I felt at times that I couldn't really look away cos so much was going on and these little things in character's looks that appeared minor at first, actually had another layer to them. I'll probably re-watch the episode because it seems like it's gonna be one of those series that needs full attention.

The camera work was pretty unique, some of the angles look really fresh especially for a show on TV. I felt like I was spying on some of these characters especially a scene with Nina (I believe she's Prem's sister) and her boyfriend. It's actually strange seeing Asians in a series like this cos it's so different from what I'm used to seeing them in (I'm sure there are films out there like this or the style but I haven't seen them).

One major high point for me was the music! The music fitted so well I found myself bopping my head at times. This was a big highlight and again different from what I normally hear.

All of the actors seem new as I haven't ever seen them before which helped make them quite believable. It felt quite fresh cos I couldn't attach any of the actors to previous roles I might have seen them in. The main character Prem (PREMature - interesting title) has a scene towards the end that made me think about things in my own personal life, again I won't disclose spoilers but I'll just say that it was really powerful and added to the meaning of the episode title "Bad Eggs".

Going on this first episode, I'm really looking forward to the next one - really excited to see where all these characters are going. The dark humour mixed with the serious issues really fits well and I can only guess things will get darker - I HOPE!

I kinda like this series being low-key - it's like a secret lol

Thanks and maybe you will find my review useful :D