Created by 19-year-old Zelda Barnz and her father, Daniel Barnz, “Genera+ion” invites us to tag along with an eclectic group of teenagers in the hallways of their high school and at home with their families. As its stylized title suggests, “Genera+ion” is trying hard, and at times offputtingly so, but once I grew accustomed to the show’s frenetic pacing I could appreciate its quieter, subtler moments, and a standout performance from Justice Smith.
Smith leads the ensemble cast as Chester, a gay water polo star with a 4.1 GPA and a habit of breaking school dress codes with crop tops. Often the loudest and most outspoken person in the room, Chester is battling loneliness, and as clichéd as that dichotomy may seem, the show, and Smith, really makes it work. His budding friendship with — and fixation on — a new guidance counselor seems, on paper, like similarly well-trodden territory, but the storyline feels fresh.
Like HBO’s “Euphoria,” which “Genera+ion” will undoubtedly be compared to, the series embraces bold and frank discussions about sex and sexuality. Though “Genera+ion” grapples with heavy themes, immigration, school shootings, and homophobia among them, it never feels as dark or despairing as its predecessor.
A slow-burning romance between Riley (Chase Sui Wonders), a photographer who struggles to own her identity as an artist and has never been with a girl, and Greta (Haley Sanchez), a soft-spoken introvert who has spent ages pining for her, makes for some of “Genera+ion’s” sweetest moments.
“I’m, like, a lot,” Chester readily admits in “Genera+ion’s” pilot. So too is the show. But if you’re willing to stick around for while, you may find yourself eagerly anticipating what happens next.
“Genera+ion” is now streaming on HBO Max.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaW_mdEqwpg
