Everyone hates Jeanette Turner. I mean, since they hold her responsible for prolonging the suffering of Kate and basically taking over her life, how could they not? But is there more to it than that? Cruel Summer isn't some typical YA high school drama or coming of age story. It examines all angles of a tragedy that may or may not have been avoided. It also comes from the mind of executive producer, Jessica Biel.
We see the story of Jeanette, played by Chelsea Aurelia, at different points of her life. She starts out as the less than popular, nerdy high school girl who just loves having fun with her circle of friends. Then we see Jeanette once Kate, who is played by Olivia Holt, goes missing and she becomes super popular. Finally we see today's Jeanette, who's life is a living hell and she is in some serious trouble. Here's a clip from the show, which to me, almost feels like the whole problem started.
This is where Jeanette actually meets Kate for the first time. It's quick, maybe even insignificant at the time, but it's all a matter of perspective. You can see how it looks bad for Jeanette though, right? As a matter of fact, here's another clip that may just sway you in that direction.
That's Jamie and his friend Ben talking about Kate. Yes, Jeanette is now dating Kate's old boyfriend after his disappearance. Seems suspicious, right? I'm telling you the more you watch this show, the more your perspective starts to change one way or the other. There is intrigue here, and a lot more depth than you think.
The show also stars Harley Quinn Smith, Sarah Drew, Froy Gutierrez, Allus Barnes, Blake Lee and others. Here is the official synopsis for the premiere episode: "Taking place over 3 summers in the 90s when a popular teen goes missing, and a seemingly unrelated girl transforms from a sweet and awkward outlier to the most popular girl in town, eventually becoming the most despised person in America."
Cruel Summer launches with a two hour premiere on Tuesday, April 20th at 9pm on Freeform. See which side you are on and if you can see the truth. Keep checking back for our review and more coverage.
Photo Credit: Freeform