In the suspense, romance, and mystery genres, Tiny Pretty Things is the latest Netflix YA collection. The series begins with someone dying very violently, but of course, they still look pretty gorgeous. And yes, this was my first indication that it wouldn't be for me to do this series. That doesn't mean it's a bad movie... it's just not really my kind of thing.

Most of the story focuses on young adult characters (or teenagers, to be plain). Season 1 has ten episodes and now they're all out on Netflix and certainly many will be binging.

Pretty Little Liars meet Black Swan? Not quite!

I’ve seen Tiny Pretty Things described as Pretty Little Liars meet Black Swan which I think is over-selling this new series… a lot! Maybe this was true for the book it’s based on, but for this Netflix series, I wouldn’t make this comparison.

As far as a comparison to Black Swan? In Black Swan, we’re dealing with adult women and a much darker and way more sinister outlook. Sure, both series are about ballet and ambition. Overall, I think Tiny Prety Things is much better compared to The Order in style and tone. Again, this is not a bad thing. It’s just more accurate.

Sure, Tiny Pretty Things does have the somewhat campy vibe of Pretty Little Liars. However, it’s mostly due to its gay male characters. Also, this Netflix series seems to lead towards being a very serious drama. Pretty Little Liars could get away with much because it used humor. At least during the first seasons. Admittedly, I did give up before the series ended.

Watch Tiny Pretty Things Season 1 on Netflix now!

This new Netflix series is based on the novel by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton. The script adaptation for this series was done by Michael MacLennan. Since I haven’t read the book, I have no way of saying if this is a good adaptation. However, Michael MacLennan has written on series such as Queer as Folk, Bomb Girls, and The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco. All strong series featuring women and LGBT characters. Just like Tiny Pretty Things.

Out of ten episodes, only two are directed by a woman, which seems like a bit of a shame and a missed opportunity.

Season 1 of Tiny Pretty Things has 10 one-hour episodes and I’m sure many will want to binge-watch this YA series quickly. While I do enjoy many series with main characters who are teenagers, this one doesn’t do much for me. It’s too over the top to become truly dark for me. Also, not quite campy enough for me to enjoy it in that sense either.

However, I have no doubt that I’m not part of the target demographic. That’s why I wanted to mention that I do like many productions that have teenagers as main characters. From the German Netflix series Dark to the Japanese Alice in Borderland or even just Stranger Things. Also, the really awesome new Amazon Prime Video series The Wilds, which is far better in my opinion.

Season 1 of Tiny Pretty Things is out on Netflix from December 14, 2020.

Details
Creator: Michael MacLennan
Stars: Shaun Benson, Brennan Clost, Barton Cowperthwaite, Bayardo De Murguia, Damon J. Gillespie, Lauren Holly, Kylie Jefferson, Casimere Jollette

Plot
When an attack brings down the star student at an elite ballet school, her replacement enters a world of lies, betrayal — and cutthroat competition.