Netflix's 'Geek Girl' Trailer Brings a Brainy Cinderella Story
Emily Carey as Harriet Manners, Liam Woodrum as Nick Park in 'Geek Girl'
Netflix
The coming-of-age story is a staple in the YA genre for a reason --- sometimes, we all need the reminder that who we are is exactly who we're supposed to be. That's the message at the heart of Geek Girl, the latest teen drama from Netflix, which follows the story of a neurodivergent fifteen-year-old who has spent most of her life trying not to stand out in a world where she feels very different. At least until an accident of timing suddenly gives her a chance to change her life, but she'll have to step out of her comfort zone to take it.
The series stars Emily Carey, best known for playing the younger version of House of the Dragon's Allicent Hightower, as Harriet Manners, a socially awkward teen and self-described "geek" who loves dinosaurs and struggles to fit in at school. But after a top modeling agency unexpectedly takes notice of her during a school trip to London Fashion Week, everything about her life suddenly changes when she's picked to be part of a high-profile advertising campaign.
As Harriet struggles to balance the pressures of her glamorous new job with the everyday challenges of teen life --- classes, the school bully, her own anxiety, and a handsome young model who catches her eye --- she slowly learns that the only way she can survive is by being herself.
The ten-part series is based on the bestselling 2013 novel of the same name by British author Holly Smale, which was, in turn, inspired by her own experiences as a teen fashion model. Her Geek Girl series went on to encompass six books published between 2014 and 2017, though it appears that Netflix is only adapting that first installment for this limited series.
Here's the series synopsis:
Harriet Manners is an awkward, geeky 16-year-old who has spent her life trying to blend in. However, her whole world changes when she catches the eye of a modeling agent while on a school trip to London Fashion Week. Tightly wound agents, reclusive designers, impossibly high heels, and a handsome young supermodel with a great smile – socially awkward Harriet has no idea what she's in for.
Alongside Carey, the series also stars Tim Downie (Outlander), Sarah Parish (The Wedding Date), Jemima Rooper (Lost in Austen), Mia Jenkins (Domina) Sandra Yi Sencindiver (Alien), Alana Boden (I Am Elizabeth Smart), Madeleine Price (Sandokan), Daisy Jelley (How to Have Sex), Alexandra Chaves (Good Witch), Hersha Verity (The Power), Liam Woodrum (213 Bones), Hebe Beardsall (Andor), Catherine De Seve (Plan B), Zac Looker (A Kind of Spark), and newcomer Rochelle Harrington.
Geek Girl was co-created for television by Smale and Jessica Ruston, with additional episodes written by Sameera Steward and Sarah Morgan,6655. Zoe Rocha and Georgie Armor also contributed material to the project. Declan O'Dwyer (Miss Scarlet & The Duke) directs.
The series is a Canadian production from Waterside Studios, Nelvana, Ruby Rock Pictures, and Aircraft Pictures. It will air and stream on regular Canadian TV, and on Netflix everywhere outside of Canada.
All ten episodes of Geek Girl will premiere Thursday, May 30 on Netflix.
