'Normal People' is a sexy, heartbreaking drama that's sure to become your next TV obsession

• "Normal People," premiering April 29 on Hulu, is a steamy and emotional drama that follows two young Irish people as they fall in — and out — of love over the course of many years.
• It's based on the hit novel by Sally Rooney, which was first published in 2018.
• In addition to being a faithful adaptation of Rooney's powerful novel, "Normal People" is also an addictive and heartbreaking show — with lots of steamy sex scenes.
• Watching lead characters Connell (Paul Mescal) and Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) break each other's hearts over and over again isn't exactly easy, but their moments of genuine love make it worth it.
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The turbulence and intensity of young love has been portrayed in countless books, plays, movies, and TV shows — but never quite so vividly, or so heartbreakingly, as in Sally Rooney's emotional gut-punch of a novel "Normal People," now an equally emotional drama courtesy of Hulu.

"Normal People" focuses on two young Irish people — Connell (Paul Mescal), a star football player and talented writer, and Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a quick-witted and brilliant social outcast. Together, they navigate high school in a small town, a transition to college in the big city (which sees their roles as the popular kid and undesirable reversed), and, eventually, the confusion and aimlessness that come along with post-grad life.

While it's not always an easy watch (Connell and Marianne sometimes seem determined to break each other's hearts at every possible moment), "Normal People" perfectly captures the pain, beauty, and utter joy that comes with loving someone. The show, much like the novel, also explores the dynamics of a sexual relationship, meaning there's plenty of steamy and occasionally awkward sex scenes between Connell and Marianne.

What it's about: The heartbreaking relationship between Connell and Marianne — two people from a small town who can't seem to get over one another

Connell and Marianne's relationship starts in their final year of high school. Connell is a popular and smart athlete with lots of friends, and Marianne is a loner — quick-witted, but something of a black sheep amongst her peers, who regularly torment her for her appearance and intelligence. Connell's mother is a housekeeper for Marianne's wealthy family. Eventually, the two begin sleeping together but keep their relationship a secret due to Connell's unspoken fear of being ostracized by his friends for dating Marianne.

As with many high school romances, problems quickly arise, culminating in a heartless choice by Connell that leaves Marianne despondent and unable to finish out the school year in person.

But things change for the two when they leave their small town of Sligo to attend college (separately) at Trinity. Now, outspoken and stylish Marianne is the queen of the social scene, while the shy Connell is perceived as something of an out-of-touch hick.

Although they're both seeing other people when they finally reconnect at a college party, Marianne and Connell find themselves drawn to each other again and again. It leads to scenes of passionate sex and painful heartbreak that continue on as they both graduate and enter the adult world.

Even though they try their hardest to move on, neither Connell nor Marianne seem able to forget about the other, despite a regularly fracturing and torturous relationship. Their romance, while deeply flawed, is also magnetic and impossible to ignore. The heartbreaking ending of the show will undoubtedly leave you sobbing.

Why you should watch: 'Normal People' perfectly captures the heartbreak, love, and sexual dynamics of a passionate, flawed relationship

Connell and Marianne's intense relationship might be incomprehensible for some, but for those who've felt the dangerous power of a hypnotic and all-encompassing love, watching the two wreak emotional havoc on each other while still clinging to their connection is both cathartic and relatable.

Marianne and Connell do love each other, but their agendas can never quite match up — at times, she's all in while Connell can't quite bring himself to take the leap, or vice versa. Yet their mutual attraction is palpable in about every scene, even as they're breaking up.

The show also quite deftly explores the sexual dynamics behind an intensely emotional relationship, and how sex can complicate even the purest of intentions. Marianne's sexual connection to Connell is undeniable — when they visit an abandoned house together in high school, she tells him earnestly, "I would lie down here, and you could do anything you wanted to me. Do you know that?" — but the emotional connection he feels with her during sex (something he doesn't experience often) serves to keep him entranced as well.

As their relationship grows more complicated, so do their sexual encounters. The hurried, awkward after-school trysts eventually become passionate and drawn-out affairs that seemingly reaffirm their connection and attraction to each other, if only for a moment. And despite their best efforts (you get the sense sometimes that they'd almost rather be free of each other), Marianne and Connell have lots of sex on "Normal People," reminding themselves (and viewers) that their connection can't be broken easily.

The bottom line: Hulu's 'Normal People' is an emotional, addictive watch that's perfect for fans of the book, or anyone who wants to feel the pangs and joys of young love again

Even though the show lacks the unique introspection of Rooney's novel (which did an excellent job of taking us inside Connell and Marianne's minds), it still packs an emotional punch and is a must-watch for fans of the book.

Watching "Normal People" is to get swept up in the torrid love affair of two intelligent yet deeply flawed people, whose relationship eclipses everything in its path. It's not for the faint of heart, but "Normal People" will remind you of the unadulterated power and lust that comes with an intense emotional connection between two people — even if they're both trying their best to escape it.

Grade: A+

"Normal People" premieres April 29 on Hulu in the US. You can watch the trailer below.

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