Emily Carey is the lead actor in the 10-part Netflix series Geek Girl, which is an adaptation of the book series of the same name by author Holly Smale. Carey plays the character Harriet Manners, a high-performing student who is inadvertently catapulted into the world of modeling after being bullied. Carey said in an interview with the BBC that she has been a “huge fan” of the books since she was 10 or 11 years old. Smale revealed that seeing her book adapted for the screen has been “an amazing experience.”
Smale said the show was intentionally not designed to mimic other teen dramas and instead aims to present the lives of teenagers in an authentic and relatable way. She explained that it is crucial to show people making mistakes and reacting in ways they eventually regret since everyone is flawed and imperfect in some way. Smale stated that, in her opinion, it is vital for teenagers to understand that they’re allowed to be “unlikeable” at times.
Both Carey and Smale emphasized the importance of the series centering on a character who thinks that learning is cool and who appreciates intellectual pursuits. The authors felt strongly about reclaiming the term “geek.” Carey said she, too, had been bullied and taunted for her studiousness in school. She explained that understanding why teens can be so cruel to each other was illuminating and comforting, and playing Harriet felt like a therapeutic process.
Geek Girl is more than simply a story about a high school student’s experiences—it is a feel-good tale that highlights the importance of family and supportive relationships. Harriet’s story is one of friendship, love, and rising stardom, all set against the backdrop of high school persecution. The show has also been lauded for its representation of neurodiversity, with both Carey and Smale revealing that they are autistic, giving viewers an accurate and compassionate portrayal of the condition
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