Historically, American shows have had the innate ability to make binge-watching a fulfilling experience.
A new series from the land of Hollywood, My Life with the Walter Boys, is now streaming on Netflix. It is based on Ali Novak’s novel of the same name, which was initially published on Wattpad.
The swoon-worthy, heartfelt, and emotional series officially caters to the romantic drama genre.
With ten episodes in its armory, My Life with the Walter Boys runs for six and a half hours.
Is it a bit too time-consuming? Or does the series justify its length? Find out in my review.
My Life with the Walter Boys Synopsis
Months after the untimely passing away of her family, Jackie must restart her life at her aunt’s house. But the task comes with more than a fair share of hindrances.
She has to deal with a family of a dozen people (mostly teenagers) and try not to be the odd one at her new High School.
Created by Melanie Halsall, the show stars Nikki Rodriguez (Jackie), Sarah Rafferty (Katherine), Marc Blucas (George), Noah LaLonde (Cole), Ashby Gentry (Alex), Johnny Link (Will), Corey Fogelmanis (Nathan), Connor Stanhope (Danny), Zoe Soul (Hayley), Alisha Newton (Erin), and Jaylan Evans (Skylar), among others.
What Works for My Life with the Walter Boys?
Walking quietly into your lives, the show has the power to serenade you with its feel-good family vibes.
Yes, My Life with the Walter Boys is all about living together as a young family and navigating teenage issues (well, mostly).
Jackie finds a new home in the Walters after her parents and her sister meet a tragic end in a road accident.
She must now leave behind the glittery New York, her previous home, and rebuild her life in peaceful Colorado.
From her school and academics to her room and personal space, everything changes in the Walter family of over ten people.
The idea is swoon-worthy and its execution undeniably tells you about the show’s origins in a novel.
It feels like a calmly written engaging story, which is more about a humane flow of bonds than a fussy teenage drama where one thing leads to another and ends up nowhere.
The series uses the initial episodes to pitch elements and scenarios that it goes on to utilize later on.
Especially, post the fifth episode mark, all the setups come together for an emotional joyride.
The love triangle gives ample space to teenage romance while friendships evoke warmth. However, the focus is mostly on the former.
My Life with the Walter Boys also shines in terms of conversational humor and it is good to see situational comedy taking a backseat for a change.
Moreover, all characters are charming in their own way, with the writing doing justice to those not in the lead roles.
The sweet and breezy background score enhances the screen flow, and the family bonding amid a dozen characters is likely to resonate with viewers.
Noteworthy is the show’s dedication to nurturing cinematic features, gradually building them to a crescendo.
The cinematography, steeped in tranquility and set against a lush landscape, complements the show’s overall tone.
The absence of loud aesthetics, conspiracies, and pretentious arguments serves as a refreshing departure from the norm, working in favor of this American gem.
How are the Performances?
Nikki Rodriguez is the front-runner as Jackie in My Life with the Walter Boys. She is a natural actor who doesn’t fear expressing emotions the way they are.
They may not be heavy or loud but putting emphasis on authenticity, Nikki never hesitates. Her charming aura radiates energy, elevated by her infectious smile.
Sarah Rafferty portrays Katherine in the show. The whole world remembers her as Donna from Suits (the lady who gave us sassy professional goals).
In My Life with the Walter Boys, Sarah works as a controlling agent. The character’s welcoming nature goes perfectly with her personality.
If you somehow end up not liking the series midway, you will definitely want to finish it for her.
Marc Blucas is George in the American show. As a supportive husband and a loving father, Blucas brings the right mien to work with.
He is affably quite yet authoritative (sometimes), adapting to the situation. His act reflects unwavering patience, which is a challenging task to ace on the screen.
Noah LaLonde’s depiction of Cole is brilliant. He has been written so well that you will maintain a love-hate relationship with him, without inclining towards one particular side.
The right attitude allows the actor to experiment with his expressions, which Noah then furthers using style and substance.
Ashby Gentry is Alex in My Life with the Walter Boys. Another champion of an actor, he is as enticing as it gets.
A steady performance from him balances the show on several occasions. His efforts in communicating onscreen sentiments prove the massive amount of talent he possesses.
Everybody else, including, but not limited to, Johnny Link, Corey Fogelmanis, and Alisha Newton, has delivered superbly in the series.
What Doesn’t Work for My Life with the Walter Boys?
Sometimes, specifically during the first half of the series, the writing feels stuck or tacky. What attracted me in the first place i.e., the feel-good American fulfillment was absent in the beginning.
A simple connect and establish sort of narrative plays out and, unfortunately, takes away the hook. Thereafter, it needs adjustment to re-establish the audience’s interest.
Also, the story doesn’t reveal Jackie’s past, including the accident, her sister, or her house back in New York. The “what” part finds a mention, but the “how” part remains elusive.
At least, a deep dive into her mother’s and Katherine’s childhood friendship could have been explored.
But I guess, the makers didn’t want to sound conventional and hence, decided against the idea of flashbacks.
Stream or Skip?
If the genre suits you, you should put it on your watchlist right away. The series is worth your time.
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