As a man in my mid 40s, I’m probably not the primary target demographic for the Netflix series Geek Girl, yet the story of a young woman with autism being thrust into the fashion world spotlight immediately grabbed me. We have all survived the awkwardness and terror of the school experience, but as a teacher who has worked with many pupils with autism and neuro-divergence, I found this adaptation of Holly Smale’s popular book series particularly insightful and grounded. I read the entire series last Summer and loved my time in Harriet’s world.
The series follows the awkward life of Harriet Manners, a student who spends her days dodging the "Olives" (the school bullies, Ollie and Vicki) alongside her best friend Nat and their associate, Toby. When a school trip to London Fashion Week leads to Harriet being "spotted" after a characteristic stumble, it sets off a "girl next door plucked from obscurity" tale. While the premise may sound like a familiar echo of The Devil Wears Prada, the show distinguishes itself through its masterful characterization of Harriet as neurodivergent. Though her specific diagnosis isn't explicitly labeled, it hardly matters; actress Emily Carey—who is neurodivergent herself—portrays Harriet’s mannerisms and social hurdles with immense empathy and pathos. Most importantly, her quirks are never presented for ridicule or unkind laughs, making Harriet feel authentic and endearing in a way that many one-dimensional tween characters are not. She is a well-realized heroine with a love of facts, dinosaurs, and routine, and you cannot help but root for her.
The show truly found its stride for me during Harriet’s first fashion shoot. Seeing her arrive in a spidery Halloween costume because she believed fashion was simply about "wearing black and being moody" was the moment I knew I’d enjoy the series, and it didn't disappoint. The short, 30-minute episodes keep the story moving at a quick clip, ensuring the narrative never sags or becomes overly melodramatic, even when dealing with Harriet’s relationship with Nick, the handsome model and love interest. Instead, the focus remains on Harriet learning to appreciate herself for who she is. Watching her take back power from the bullies who held her down for so long was deeply satisfying, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit emotional by the ending.
Complementing this engaging storyline are vibrant, stylish visuals that reflect the high-energy world Harriet has entered. Beyond the glitter, however, the show’s portrayal of neurodivergence is both accurate and sensitive, providing vital positive representation. It subtly touches on heavy social issues like bullying and body image during a time when the mental health crisis surrounding these matters is at an all-time high.
Ultimately, Geek Girl is a fantastic 10-part series about staying true to yourself and the transformative power of friendship. It is a timely, heartwarming watch that I thoroughly enjoyed.
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