You Season 4: A Captivating Psychological Thriller in a New Setting

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The fourth season of the American psychological thriller television series “You” was ordered by Netflix on October 13, 2021. The showrunner, Sera Gamble, returns to helm the season, which stars Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg and Tati Gabrielle as Marienne Bellamy. The season introduces new characters, including Charlotte Ritchie, Tilly Keeper, Amy-Leigh Hickman, Ed Speleers, and Lukas Gage, who join the main cast. Filming primarily took place in London and concluded in August 2022. The season was split into two parts, with the first part premiering on February 9, 2023, and the second part on March 9, 2023.

Development: Exploring a New Locale and Expanding the Story

The fourth season was renewed by Netflix ahead of the third season’s premiere. The showrunner, Sera Gamble, decided to set the story in London, which is the first time the series is set outside the United States. This decision was influenced by Gamble’s experience of watching international series on Netflix during the COVID-19 pandemic. The story also briefly takes place in Paris, an idea suggested by co-creator Greg Berlanti.

Writing: A Unique Narrative Structure and Character Exploration

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The season is structured differently, with the first half resembling a whodunit and the second half drawing inspiration from “Fight Club.” Penn Badgley noted that the season would retain the tone of the series but with a different format. The story explores Joe’s character in a foreign environment, which Gamble believes brings out the best in him.

Whodunit Structure

The first half of the season follows a whodunit format, where Joe finds himself in a new environment and becomes embroiled in a mystery. This structure allows the audience to engage in the suspense and try to unravel the clues alongside the protagonist.

“Fight Club” Inspiration

The second half of the season takes inspiration from the cult classic film “Fight Club,” introducing a new dynamic and narrative arc for Joe. This shift in tone and structure keeps the audience on their toes, as they witness Joe’s character evolve in unexpected ways.

Casting: A Blend of Familiar Faces and New Talent

The season features a mix of returning and new cast members. Lukas Gage, Charlotte Ritchie, Tilly Keeper, Amy-Leigh Hickman, and Ed Speleers joined the main cast, while Tati Gabrielle returned from the third season. The supporting cast also saw the addition of several recurring roles, including Niccy Lin, Aidan Cheng, Stephen Hagan, Ben Wiggins, Eve Austin, Ozioma Whenu, Dario Coates, Sean Pertwee, Brad Alexander, Alison Pargeter, and Adam James. Additionally, Victoria Pedretti and Elizabeth Lail made special guest appearances in the second half of the season.

Returning Favorites

Tati Gabrielle’s return as Marienne Bellamy, a character who has a complex history with Joe, adds a layer of familiarity and emotional depth to the season.

New Faces

The introduction of Lukas Gage, Charlotte Ritchie, Tilly Keeper, Amy-Leigh Hickman, and Ed Speleers as new main cast members brings a fresh dynamic to the series, allowing for the exploration of new relationships and storylines.

Filming: A Directorial Debut and a Shift in Intimate Scenes

Principal photography began on March 22, 2022, in the United Kingdom and wrapped in late August. Filming locations included Royal Holloway, University of London, Four Seasons Hotel London, and the River Thames. Penn Badgley made his directorial debut with the ninth episode of the season, showcasing his versatility as an actor and his vision for the series.

Intimate Scenes

The season features fewer intimate sex scenes than previous seasons, in accordance with Badgley’s wishes. This decision reflects the show’s focus on character development and psychological exploration rather than relying on explicit content.

Release and Reception: Positive Reviews and a Captivating Twist

The season was split into two five-episode parts, with the first part premiering on February 9, 2023, and the second part on March 9. The season received generally favorable reviews, with a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an average rating of 7.3/10 based on 53 critic reviews.

Positive Reviews

The season received positive reviews, with many praising Penn Badgley’s performance. The show’s twist at the end, where Joe is revealed to be the Eat the Rich Killer, was particularly notable. The season’s exploration of Joe’s character and his self-actualization arc were also highlighted.

Captivating Twist

The revelation that Joe is the Eat the Rich Killer adds a new layer of complexity to the character and the overall narrative. This twist keeps the audience engaged and invested in the story, as they witness Joe’s transformation and the consequences of his actions.

Examples: Exploring the Unique Aspects of You Season 4

  1. London Setting: The season’s setting in London adds a new dimension to the series, allowing Joe to be in an unfamiliar environment and navigate the challenges of adapting to a new culture and social dynamics.

  2. Whodunit and “Fight Club” Inspiration: The whodunit structure of the first half and the “Fight Club” inspiration for the second half create a unique narrative that keeps the audience engaged and guessing.

  3. Joe’s Character Exploration: The season’s exploration of Joe’s character, particularly his self-actualization arc, adds depth to the series and allows the audience to better understand the complexities of the protagonist.

Reference:

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_season_4
  2. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/you-season-4-ending
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7335184/