‘Samuel’ Netflix Series Review - Sweet, simple and a Trip Down the Memory Lane

This has to be one of the cutest and most relatable stories I have seen. Samuel revolves around the diary entry of a ten-year-old boy who talks about his feelings, everyday life, experiences, and many other things that take place in his life. In an expanse of twenty-one episodes, all of which are four to five minutes long, we are taken through an animated journey of Samuel, who is the narrator of his diary entries. In his diary entries, he talks about his secrets, crushes, awkward friendships, and school anxieties. For some of us, this series might turn out to be relatable. Many adults watching it will be transported back to their school or pre-teen days. For Samuel, too, he experiences the phase where one is about to enter adolescence.  What also goes well with the series is the humor used throughout. Even in the innocent story of Samuel, there is plenty to laugh about throughout the journey that Samuel takes us on. It is indeed fun to watch a ten-year-old boy unfold his story. We get to witness his behavior toward Julie, whom he supposedly loves, though he denies it.

The pacing as such is no issue because each episode, as mentioned before, is hardly four to five minutes long. So there is nothing on the pacing part that causes an issue. What will catch your attention is the animation used. The animation created is simple and clear. There are no big, bright, vibrant colors used, nor are there complex creatures used. Just simple characters that are coming on screen and telling the story. For me, that was eye-catching. Who doesn’t want simple things? The animators have caught that feeling and presented us with the sweetest creations ever.

Other than that, this series is more than just a ten-year-old boy. The feelings he has experienced, the life he leads, might look simple at one glance. However, there are deeper meanings attached to it which will only be understandable when one watches the series.

With such a short episode duration and a catchy main character, this series is surely binge-watchable. For this, maximum credits go to the creator, writer, director, and voice actor Émilie Tronche. She has developed a beautiful series that is worth a watch (or even two) with the way she has maneuvered with the main character.

It is peptic in its own sense and feels like a well-executed plot.  You can watch it while travelling or doing your daily chores. Take it as if you are reading a friend’s diary. And I am sure you will love it more than anything else.  It acts as a trip down memory lane on the life we have led so far.

Final Score- [8.5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times