Paul Mescal’s body language in this scene is immaculate and painfully authentic. The sense of embarrassment meaning one doesn’t hold eye contact. The twitching of the hands and the fiddling with the fingers. The steady onset of tears rather than the blubbering histrionics we see in tv and Hollywood productions. Probably some of the best acting I’ve ever seen.
That’s so wonderful to say, I hope he knows what a profound effect this has had on so many people. At the end of the day that’s what great acting should do. Connect.
Connell was not the character I expected to relate to the most. I rarely ever see openly insecure and shy male characters on tv, especially done as realistically as this.
An absolutely brilliant video. Very well done! You see Daisy, you should drop that utterly inept and amateurish Varey. The Daily Mail headline of 27 Jan 2021, says it all. It reads: Paul Mescal insists 'there wasn't a huge amount of acting going on' in his realistic sex scenes with Normal People co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones because he 'liked her very much' The ‘chemistry wasn’t just superb acting, it was real! He continues: You know when you have "it",' of having chemistry with his scene partner. 'I knew when I was with Daisy that it felt natural, that there wasn't a huge amount of "acting" going on. 'Gushing about his co-star, Paul added: 'When you have that chemistry it makes it so much fun! Daisy and I liked each other very much' So that's probably the root of it: having a similar sense of humour, thinking about the world in a relatively similar way and being able to communicate all that.'
This. This is the kind of acting that deserves an Oscar. As someone who has suffered from depression herself and had two mental breakdowns this year, I can attest wholeheartedly that this is exactly what mental illness looks like. 100%. At least, it did for me. It's like slowly dying on the inside, until you can bear it no more. At which point, you breakdown before the very first person who is willing to listen. This scene is brilliantly acted, and brilliantly captured.👏
I agree with you 100%, this is what depression looks and feels like -- total alienation. Paul played this part so well that I felt like I was watching a real therapy session, not an actor portraying a therapy session. I've suffered, too, so I understand and I hope you're feeling better now. Keep fighting the good fight because you're worth it (we all are).
My thoughts are with you. Suffering from two mental breakdowns could not have been easy. Thank you for sharing your story and I wish you well for your future x
@@skyefeyden Thank you :-) Mental illness can be a sneaky monster, but I hope you have healed well too. I agree, Paul nailed this scene. I can't think of any other actor playing such a vulnerable scene so well. (Even though this is the first time I have seen him)
Zel Matinong I genuinely thought it was a recorded therapy sesh. I’ve never seen the show, but damn, with acting like that, I need to see how I can get it in the US.
@@stephenporter101 Weird. I did not post this comment under this video intentionally. I was responding to a completely different video 11 months ago. I apologize for any confusion or hurt feelings. And out of context I agree it would be a weird response.
What about Joaquin Phoenix? Philip Seymour Hoffman? Daniel Day-Lewis? I do have to agree, mescal does bring some raw talent - but its not like he’s alone in this.
@@blonded4009 it is. They're saying that most male actors are incapable of displaying vulnerable, raw emotions. As if they don't cry or suffer in real life.
It was Paul's first television role, and he won a BAFTA and was nominated for an Emmy. Aftersun was his first lead role in a film, and he's nominated for an Oscar, for Lead Actor. Recently, it was announced that he is nominated for an Oliver Award for his performance in A Street Car Named Desire. It's a little insane, but unsurprising (and very well-deserved), just how quickly Paul is establishing himself as one of the best of his generation.
Never in my life i sobbed so hard while watching a male lead , i can't even relate to his character but i felt his every word, like i lived his life. He made it so believable. He's such an amazing actor. Particularly in this scene he shined the most.
Anyone who has been in therapy for depression, Bipolar disorders, etc. will vouch for this scene's utter authenticity. When Connell apologizes, he's doing it because he feels worthless and what he has to say is not worth expressing. When the therapist says "You don't need to apologize", that is achingly familiar too. This is a brilliant scene with a brilliant actor. Heartbreakingly real.
As a therapist, I usually try to avoid watching scenes like this but I'm glad I made an exception. Absolutely spot-on performance of a client, and props to the writers - 99% of clients apologize for crying/breaking down in session, at least the first time they do it.
@@scottm3855 Not the OP, but I think a lot of the time the people who come to therapy we're told at some point in their lives that they should not show emotion. Either directly or indirectly. A parent telling a child to shut up and to stop bothering them. A teacher not being able to comfort a student when they're stressed because they don't have time to do so. When you feel like you've been conditioned to not show emotion as you grow up, you could potentially feel like doing so later on in life is wrong. Either embarrasing yourself, burdening the therapist, fear of the reprecussions for being truthful and showing who they really are, etc.
I know this is the point, but christ, I went through the EXACT same thing. I was referred to the university's service by a friend. I was given the form (online, not paper). I was seated in a comfy, oddly coloured waiting room. Led into a spacious, empy feeling room. And I broke down in front of someone I'd only just met because I realised how frightened I was that coming to university hadn't changed me or my circumstances. I still felt completely alone, even after the drinking and "friends" that came with the early days.
@@Prodrentjet I haven’t actually graduated yet. And I’ve learned to relax, I think. I’m still very lonely, but have found solace in some things. I’m taking medication and trying to exercise and explore the city and the surrounding area (met some very kind horses) as often as I can.
The way Sally Rooney wrote about depression and the way Paul Mescal brought Connell’s character to life is just phenomenal. I’ve never seen such accurate representation of depression before
I feel that Paul Mescal was able to create something that even the original book failed to communicate. In the book, we only are made aware of Connell's crying after his whole speech, the author clarifies that throughout all that he was crying, but we find that out in a short passing line. Here Paul is able to express years of repression and Connell's devastating mental state, it's like a last straw moment, after years of feeling alinated both in company and in complete loneliness.
To someone with social anxiety and generally poor social skills this is really relatable. I'd love to be able to walk into a room and just make friends with people but I can't. I can practice and get techniques but as soon as I'm in a situation with new people I just freeze up and my mind reminds me of previous failed attempts and how worthless I am and that people won't like me anyway so it's better to just stay quiet
Have you tried Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or beta blockers? I've tried pretty much everything possible to treat social anxiety and they've been the two most helpful things for me, and I think science agrees
@@frog6054 to get beta blockers, I'd recommend doing some reading about them first, just to make sure you feel they're right for you, and if you think they are then talk to your doctor about getting a prescription. For Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, most therapists can offer it included in their sessions if you request it. If you don't want to spend money on a therapist, I have a PDF booklet and audio files if you want to teach yourself Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - let me know if you'd prefer that option cos I can upload them to Google Drive or Dropbox or something for ya
Showed this to my friend (hasn’t watched normal people) her response was, wow it’s so brave of him to broadcast his therapy session, her mouth dropped when I said it was a drama series ahaha he’s brilliant
Paul and Daisy are some of the best actors I've ever seen. This scene was absolutely spectacular and real. Its mindblowing how real it feels. One of the best portrayals of depression I've ever seen.
I had never heard of Paul Mescal, so I found his pre-Gladiator films - All of Us Strangers, Aftersun - and was blown away by the authenticity of his acting.
Genuinely the most convincing piece of acting I have ever seen. Nothing ever spoke so directly to my heart and experience with being in the early 20s... So so beautiful and devastating
I can't say I relate to Connell 100%. But when he talks about not being able to fit in and thinking that would change at University hit me like a tonne of bricks
In this era of globalising, I think most of us relate to this. I wondered through groups, never really fit in anywhere. I was glad when I got a chance to leave town. I had close friends there. But I had to wait 4 more years to connect deeply with a friend. Been away from hometown for 10 years, and now I find myself detached from everywhere. I guess it’s not anyone’s fault. Some just feel hollow inside no matter where they are, void follows them to death.
It would be so nice if he got the Emmy. In an awards show that nominates so many of the same people and things again and again it'll be refreshing to see someone win for their first TV appearance! He's a shoe in for a Bafta nom next year.
It’s sad he didn’t win but honestly it is incredible that he got nominated for his first tv appearance especially getting nominated against such acting giants
This scene destroys me every time I watch it. It's relatable to an uncomfortable degree. The shame so many people feel and battle can be hell to deal with. What a powerful performance. What powerful writing. Love Paul Mescal, man.
This scene REALLY hit home to both myself and a lot of people who suffer from mental health issues or who have lost a loved one to suicide, or who struggle to adapt to college life, much like Connell. I adore how it's filmed in almost entirely one, long, continuous take, and Paul absolutely sells Connell's utter heartbreak and despair! 😭💔 Tissues at the ready! 😢🤧
he is incredibly talented. watching this scene made me feel so vulnerable for him. it’s rare to see a man opening up like this in such a realistic way. beautiful man and beautiful actor. i loved him in this
This was so powerful. Especially, as to how they lead up to this near the end of the series. Although you could see some of these things, they never let on that it was this bad inside him, so it made it all the more real and hardhitting, It wasn't out of nowhere but you just didn't see it being this bad. That is how it often is, especially with men. I wish this didn't hit so close to home but there's a reason I have watched this scene over and over from time to time.
The way that Paul was able to create a feeling of sadness for him at first, almost pity, and then transforms it into us FEELING those emotions - letting our heart break with him. Haven’t experienced this level of writing and acting that has captured me like this did. Just rewatched this show and dealt with something related to what Paul is going through now. So excited to see where his career takes him! I’m a huge fan. I can’t even imagine what it would feel like to bare my soul like this in front of a camera
Yeah, it’s a scene from the series Normal People - give it a watch! It’s 12 episodes long I think? 30 minutes-ish an episode. Him and his co-star are excellent together!
The worst place you sometimes can leave someone is with their own thoughts… I’m not usually one with drama shows but this one hit way to hard. To much was similar and relatable.
I recently finished this series, and I'll have to admit, it left a profound mark on me. I can understand and relate to Connell and Marianne in some ways. I really hope they end up together, god knows they deserve it. Yeah, probably one of the most moving pieces of tv I have seen in my 24 years of life
Come back and watch this every so often, and Connell as a character and everything he says here, is accurate and every guy has felt this and gone through it, especially in Ireland
This is really how I feel. I was told by a girl that I really liked to watch this and Marianne reminded me of her. We don't talk anymore but she truly was one of a kind. Like no one ive ever spoken to before. We never really spoke in school because we were in different friend groups etc, but I knew she had something special about her. I always liked her but people around me and friends always hated on her because of how she looked, and that hurt me inside because I would get mocked at for liking her etc. She will never see this and I know she is excelling in whatever she's doing. I will always love her deep down, and even though I may have never had the chance, I hope one day, I can get that chance again. She was beautiful inside and out, and it kills me that she couldn't believe me because everything I said was the truth. Her name was Sophie. If she somehow sees this which i know she won't, just know that you are special. To me and everyone around you. I'm gonna leave this here but yh, The one that got away. KR.
Just reading this comment but reach out to her and see if you can strike up a line of communication again. It's not too late to see what might be, even if it's just a friendship
i came into this series thinking i would most relate to marianne & have nothing in common with connell. & at first, that was true. much like marianne, i was always the shy, stand-offish outcast girl in school. but at the same time, i relate to connell so much more than i expected, especially as the series went on. his shyness, social anxiety, having a hard time fitting in in college, depression, etc… it was all so poignant and real
kind of unfathomable that this is acting mescal's hesitancy- pushing himself to open up, or just to gather the words that feel right- feels sooo authentic. brilliant performance
it was the best acting scene performed by Paul that I have ever seen in my life, full of truth and emotion ... I cry to this day as I watch it, respect Paul Mescal 💜
I teared up on this, not gonna lie... this show was so much more than I thought it would be... in every great way possible... it was funny, and sad, and honest... and this scene... whew..... man... i can only hope to create something so gut wrenchingly honest.
never related more to a character than I did with Connell in this scene... I had to pause it multiple times because of how close it hit home.. It's literally word for word how I felt in my childhood and now... Sally Rooney is a genius and Paul brought everything to life in the best way possible... This stayed with me, even if it's been a while since I watched it, I still come back to this scene...
Paul mescal portrays depression so accurately, it’s not just being sad, it’s a feeling of withdrawal with everyone and everything, a loneliness and an emptiness that just clings onto u not matter where u go. And it just wears u out inside and tires u. You do things to cope with the feelings like Connell moving away would fix this feeling of withdrawal. The death of his best friend made it worse because now he has no strong sense of home to go to other than Marianne and his mother. For me I would use toxic coping mechanisms to cope with that feeling of loneliness and isolation and I’d put on role on what people would want me to be or at least make me personality traits more acceptable. I’d pretend I’m this silly person without a care in the world, I’d act like I’m too naive to be depressed so people wouldn’t worry about me if I did say something slightly more negative. And obviously because of playing a version of myself rather than being myself it makes me feel more lonely and all my life no matter how much I try I never find people like me, and it upsets me. Sometimes I meet people and I almost get tricked because I realise actually we aren’t a like as I thought and now this person has a very different idea of who I am and I feel forced to almost maintain it because if they saw all this hurt and pain and loneliness and all the ugliness to who I am, they will leave me. So I either end the relationship myself so it’s easier to cope with that loss and so I’m not abandoned or I carry on maintaining this character and hope the mask doesn’t slip, and if the mask does slip I hope that the person still accepts me. But yeah I feel for him so much in this scene and I wish I could give him a hug
I don't put a front on, I'm genuine and unafraid to show my depression. The result is the same, even though the former may grant you facetious interaction, the latter shows people that your depression would hold them back; either way, you end up alone.
As someone who has dealt with loneliness for a long time and depression I feel like I saw myself in this scene. Losing a friend when you don't have a lot is tough and devastating you doubt yourself and think people don't like you. Its this painful emptiness that grows and unfortunately sometimes it can lead to negative coping methods and it can lead to an addiction. Its tough but eventually you reach your breaking point where you feel so burnt out
I truely thought it was a real therapy session show when I saw this clip. Added "Normal People" to my watch list without watching the trailer. Watched the series a year later, didn't realised it was because of this clip until the specic scene. Mind-blowing performance by Paul. WOW.
Paul Mescal’s body language in this scene is immaculate and painfully authentic. The sense of embarrassment meaning one doesn’t hold eye contact. The twitching of the hands and the fiddling with the fingers. The steady onset of tears rather than the blubbering histrionics we see in tv and Hollywood productions. Probably some of the best acting I’ve ever seen.
This sounds exactly like me when I have to talk to a therapist 😭
That’s so wonderful to say, I hope he knows what a profound effect this has had on so many people. At the end of the day that’s what great acting should do. Connect.
Have you seen him in the film After Sun?
Idk I’m a loud whiny disgusting snotty crier myself but I get what you mean
Yes! So accurate!! He was either amazingly directed or he’s been through this himself. Unbelievable acting. Throughout the whole series.
Connell was not the character I expected to relate to the most. I rarely ever see openly insecure and shy male characters on tv, especially done as realistically as this.
Yes same. When I saw the show I felt very relate with connell and that's very rare for me because i never identify with a man in tv show or movies.
but not that realistic because he is still getting laid
Ikrrr
@@McMickeyfreedom lmao
An absolutely brilliant video. Very well done!
You see Daisy, you should drop that utterly inept and amateurish Varey. The Daily Mail headline of 27 Jan 2021, says it all. It reads: Paul Mescal insists 'there wasn't a huge amount of acting going on' in his realistic sex scenes with Normal People co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones because he 'liked her very much' The ‘chemistry wasn’t just superb acting, it was real! He continues: You know when you have "it",' of having chemistry with his scene partner. 'I knew when I was with Daisy that it felt natural, that there wasn't a huge amount of "acting" going on. 'Gushing about his co-star, Paul added: 'When you have that chemistry it makes it so much fun! Daisy and I liked each other very much' So that's probably the root of it: having a similar sense of humour, thinking about the world in a relatively similar way and being able to communicate all that.'
This. This is the kind of acting that deserves an Oscar.
As someone who has suffered from depression herself and had two mental breakdowns this year, I can attest wholeheartedly that this is exactly what mental illness looks like. 100%. At least, it did for me. It's like slowly dying on the inside, until you can bear it no more. At which point, you breakdown before the very first person who is willing to listen. This scene is brilliantly acted, and brilliantly captured.👏
I agree with you 100%, this is what depression looks and feels like -- total alienation. Paul played this part so well that I felt like I was watching a real therapy session, not an actor portraying a therapy session.
I've suffered, too, so I understand and I hope you're feeling better now. Keep fighting the good fight because you're worth it (we all are).
My thoughts are with you. Suffering from two mental breakdowns could not have been easy. Thank you for sharing your story and I wish you well for your future x
He was nominated for an Emmy!
@ac McG I am so happy for you! I sincerely am. I too, have started therapy and it's really helping me. Thank you for sharing your story :-)
@@skyefeyden Thank you :-) Mental illness can be a sneaky monster, but I hope you have healed well too.
I agree, Paul nailed this scene. I can't think of any other actor playing such a vulnerable scene so well. (Even though this is the first time I have seen him)
He's really good. Its like watching a recorded video and not a drama series
Zel Matinong I genuinely thought it was a recorded therapy sesh. I’ve never seen the show, but damn, with acting like that, I need to see how I can get it in the US.
Fayshelle Djunki it’s in Hulu
@@fayshelledjunki205 my thoughts too, looking for the book too but I guess I'm out of luck
Exactly my thoughts
This guy is incredible. This is some of the best acting I have EVER seen. He is naturalistic to a fault. Unreal.
That's such a bizarre response to someone making a positive statement - hardly warranted @@EarPlugTV
@@stephenporter101 Weird. I did not post this comment under this video intentionally. I was responding to a completely different video 11 months ago. I apologize for any confusion or hurt feelings. And out of context I agree it would be a weird response.
I can see the pain in his eyes... damn
Good acting eh
He made me cry.
Paul Mescal is probably the first male actor I've seen giving an accurate portrayal of crying.
What about Joaquin Phoenix? Philip Seymour Hoffman? Daniel Day-Lewis? I do have to agree, mescal does bring some raw talent - but its not like he’s alone in this.
What a really ignorant, sexist thing to say and all the people who also agreed with you are just as ignorant.
@@ojanymolina4222 sexist? lmaooooo pls
@@blonded4009 it is. They're saying that most male actors are incapable of displaying vulnerable, raw emotions. As if they don't cry or suffer in real life.
@@blonded4009 I don't even see why they needed to insert gender into their statement
It was Paul's first television role, and he won a BAFTA and was nominated for an Emmy. Aftersun was his first lead role in a film, and he's nominated for an Oscar, for Lead Actor. Recently, it was announced that he is nominated for an Oliver Award for his performance in A Street Car Named Desire.
It's a little insane, but unsurprising (and very well-deserved), just how quickly Paul is establishing himself as one of the best of his generation.
Never in my life i sobbed so hard while watching a male lead , i can't even relate to his character but i felt his every word, like i lived his life. He made it so believable. He's such an amazing actor. Particularly in this scene he shined the most.
This particular scene shows his talent as an actor. It was so real and emotional. It seemed like you were sitting in an actual therapy session.
I literally thought it was a legit therapy session until I checked the comments. Its pretty insane he's this good at acting.
Anyone who has been in therapy for depression, Bipolar disorders, etc. will vouch for this scene's utter authenticity. When Connell apologizes, he's doing it because he feels worthless and what he has to say is not worth expressing. When the therapist says "You don't need to apologize", that is achingly familiar too. This is a brilliant scene with a brilliant actor. Heartbreakingly real.
As a therapist, I usually try to avoid watching scenes like this but I'm glad I made an exception. Absolutely spot-on performance of a client, and props to the writers - 99% of clients apologize for crying/breaking down in session, at least the first time they do it.
I have my theory as to why patients apologize in therapy (over and over), but I'm curious to know why you think they do.
@@scottm3855 Not the OP, but I think a lot of the time the people who come to therapy we're told at some point in their lives that they should not show emotion. Either directly or indirectly. A parent telling a child to shut up and to stop bothering them. A teacher not being able to comfort a student when they're stressed because they don't have time to do so.
When you feel like you've been conditioned to not show emotion as you grow up, you could potentially feel like doing so later on in life is wrong. Either embarrasing yourself, burdening the therapist, fear of the reprecussions for being truthful and showing who they really are, etc.
I know this is the point, but christ, I went through the EXACT same thing. I was referred to the university's service by a friend. I was given the form (online, not paper). I was seated in a comfy, oddly coloured waiting room. Led into a spacious, empy feeling room. And I broke down in front of someone I'd only just met because I realised how frightened I was that coming to university hadn't changed me or my circumstances. I still felt completely alone, even after the drinking and "friends" that came with the early days.
Same here, can I ask has your circumstances changed after graduating?
@@Prodrentjet I haven’t actually graduated yet. And I’ve learned to relax, I think. I’m still very lonely, but have found solace in some things. I’m taking medication and trying to exercise and explore the city and the surrounding area (met some very kind horses) as often as I can.
@@proximacentauri2684 glad to hear you're faring well Michael. Hope it stays up for you. Depression sucks.
@@proximacentauri2684 ❤️
some would say that's the onset of depression or schizo... I'd say that's most peoples experience, therefore normal .
I think so many people can relate to this when they leave their home town and go away to university...I felt like that too 🥺..so sad...brilliant actor
True... I’m in the states now but miss my hometown ... been 3 years since I visited
So true!
That added layer of losing a childhood friend, having that tie to your former life cut off forever... I can relate.
This… I left my hometown 6 years ago.
This scene broke me and then fixed me again. His acting was incredible, I FELT his pain
😂😂😂 wise up
I still can't believe this is his first TV role. He's outstanding in Normal People. I really hope he has a successful career 👏👏👏
Fast forward 2 years, Oscar nominated actor 😃
@babybobs6 deserved the win I would say.
The way Sally Rooney wrote about depression and the way Paul Mescal brought Connell’s character to life is just phenomenal. I’ve never seen such accurate representation of depression before
I wanted to jump to the screen and hug him. When he openly says he's not happy, it broke my heart
I feel that Paul Mescal was able to create something that even the original book failed to communicate. In the book, we only are made aware of Connell's crying after his whole speech, the author clarifies that throughout all that he was crying, but we find that out in a short passing line. Here Paul is able to express years of repression and Connell's devastating mental state, it's like a last straw moment, after years of feeling alinated both in company and in complete loneliness.
A rare occasion where the book and adaptation can exist in equally acclaimed light for different reasons.
To someone with social anxiety and generally poor social skills this is really relatable. I'd love to be able to walk into a room and just make friends with people but I can't. I can practice and get techniques but as soon as I'm in a situation with new people I just freeze up and my mind reminds me of previous failed attempts and how worthless I am and that people won't like me anyway so it's better to just stay quiet
I would be your friend
Have you tried Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or beta blockers? I've tried pretty much everything possible to treat social anxiety and they've been the two most helpful things for me, and I think science agrees
@@Mart-B
How to do that
@@frog6054 to get beta blockers, I'd recommend doing some reading about them first, just to make sure you feel they're right for you, and if you think they are then talk to your doctor about getting a prescription. For Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, most therapists can offer it included in their sessions if you request it. If you don't want to spend money on a therapist, I have a PDF booklet and audio files if you want to teach yourself Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - let me know if you'd prefer that option cos I can upload them to Google Drive or Dropbox or something for ya
He just blows me away. The whole series was outstanding.
Such an accurate portrayal of young adult anxiety
I relate to him so bad. How his voice trembles and shakes as he speaks. I’ve been through that. I still am.
Paul Mescal is an absolutely phenomenal actor.
The entire monologue is really heartfelt but especially the part where he just says "I hate it here" and his voice really cracks just sends me.
I've cried with Connell. This scene is so soulful and so meaningful for me.
Showed this to my friend (hasn’t watched normal people) her response was, wow it’s so brave of him to broadcast his therapy session, her mouth dropped when I said it was a drama series ahaha he’s brilliant
Bollocks
This boy can act--he's the real thing. What a nice thing to discover. I wish Mr. Mescal all the best--!
This is almost painful to watch; testament to just how good this man is at his job
Paul and Daisy are some of the best actors I've ever seen. This scene was absolutely spectacular and real. Its mindblowing how real it feels. One of the best portrayals of depression I've ever seen.
The therapist’s voice is heavenly.
This acting is remarkable - I was taken aback watching the scene on Normal People and had to TH-cam it to watch again - hes so raw and realistic
I had never heard of Paul Mescal, so I found his pre-Gladiator films - All of Us Strangers, Aftersun - and was blown away by the authenticity of his acting.
Genuinely the most convincing piece of acting I have ever seen. Nothing ever spoke so directly to my heart and experience with being in the early 20s... So so beautiful and devastating
I am in awe of Paul every time I see this scene, the first time I almost cried with him
When I first watched this scene I did cry I thought he was excellent.
I can't say I relate to Connell 100%. But when he talks about not being able to fit in and thinking that would change at University hit me like a tonne of bricks
This therapy session feels very authentic, amazing acting.
This scene plus the one where he leaves a voice msg for marriane after the Debs is so..... Heart wrenching.
I can't watch his breakdown after the message at the Debs. I cry every time because of his acting.
In this era of globalising, I think most of us relate to this. I wondered through groups, never really fit in anywhere. I was glad when I got a chance to leave town. I had close friends there. But I had to wait 4 more years to connect deeply with a friend. Been away from hometown for 10 years, and now I find myself detached from everywhere.
I guess it’s not anyone’s fault. Some just feel hollow inside no matter where they are, void follows them to death.
Ngl, I bubbled my eyes out at this bit! Such an incredible actor - I truly felt all of his pain!
Watched Normal People and Aftersun in quick succession and goddamn Paul's got me crying on a daily basisssss 😭😭
honestly this is one of the best acting performances i've ever seen. i bingewatched the show last month and i keep coming back for this scene.
it’s impossible to watch this scene without crying
It would be so nice if he got the Emmy. In an awards show that nominates so many of the same people and things again and again it'll be refreshing to see someone win for their first TV appearance! He's a shoe in for a Bafta nom next year.
He won’t.Political correctness trumps objectivity these days. Daisy Edgar Jones,just as brilliant,wasn’t even nominated.
@@Fugazinome I know, right?! I mean, both of these actors deserve so many awards and so much recognition for this show alone.
It’s sad he didn’t win but honestly it is incredible that he got nominated for his first tv appearance especially getting nominated against such acting giants
This scene destroys me every time I watch it. It's relatable to an uncomfortable degree. The shame so many people feel and battle can be hell to deal with. What a powerful performance. What powerful writing. Love Paul Mescal, man.
This scene REALLY hit home to both myself and a lot of people who suffer from mental health issues or who have lost a loved one to suicide, or who struggle to adapt to college life, much like Connell. I adore how it's filmed in almost entirely one, long, continuous take, and Paul absolutely sells Connell's utter heartbreak and despair! 😭💔 Tissues at the ready! 😢🤧
This is how my son is it's heartbreaking.
one of the most realistic depictions of a breakdown in a therapy session since Gandolfini's panic attack in The Sopranos in Melfi's office.
I can feel his pain deep in my heart! Paul does really a great job. He is a special one ,
he is incredibly talented. watching this scene made me feel so vulnerable for him. it’s rare to see a man opening up like this in such a realistic way. beautiful man and beautiful actor. i loved him in this
This was so powerful. Especially, as to how they lead up to this near the end of the series. Although you could see some of these things, they never let on that it was this bad inside him, so it made it all the more real and hardhitting, It wasn't out of nowhere but you just didn't see it being this bad. That is how it often is, especially with men. I wish this didn't hit so close to home but there's a reason I have watched this scene over and over from time to time.
Me too...
As of today, he is ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE Paul Mescal. Hands down the greatest actor of our generation right now.
Absolutely spectacular. Paul Mescal deserves an Emmy for this.
I'm incredibly happy that Paul Mescal's career has been thriving since this show. Spellbinding performance.
The way that Paul was able to create a feeling of sadness for him at first, almost pity, and then transforms it into us FEELING those emotions - letting our heart break with him. Haven’t experienced this level of writing and acting that has captured me like this did. Just rewatched this show and dealt with something related to what Paul is going through now. So excited to see where his career takes him! I’m a huge fan. I can’t even imagine what it would feel like to bare my soul like this in front of a camera
this is the most relatable depiction of loneliness I've ever seen.
Never ever did I see a scene that emulated my school days. What
an actor!
is this an actor? If he is give him an Oscar
Yeah, it’s a scene from the series Normal People - give it a watch! It’s 12 episodes long I think? 30 minutes-ish an episode. Him and his co-star are excellent together!
Thanh D. Le he’s gooood
He’s brilliant! Honestly felt every bit of emotion in the series
He has been nominated for an Emmy
Thankfully, he is an Oscar nominated actor now.... well deserved.🎉
What an amazing actor! I am in awe..
I've never seen the actual series.
And I cried.
The worst place you sometimes can leave someone is with their own thoughts…
I’m not usually one with drama shows but this one hit way to hard. To much was similar and relatable.
This scene hurt so bad. Paul Mescal is the greatest actor of his generation already.
Paul was absolutely incredible in this show, but in particular in this episode
i cant watch this series without tears rolling down all the time
This particular scene got me in so many ways possible. What an incredible acting from Paul!
One of the most hearbreaking moments i've seen in a tv show. I'll never forget it. Amazing.
I’ve never related to a scene more in my life, I bawled the first time I watched this! Amazing acting ❤️
I recently finished this series, and I'll have to admit, it left a profound mark on me. I can understand and relate to Connell and Marianne in some ways. I really hope they end up together, god knows they deserve it. Yeah, probably one of the most moving pieces of tv I have seen in my 24 years of life
Paul Mescel is one hell of an actor. He fully deserves every scrap of praise he has been getting
Come back and watch this every so often, and Connell as a character and everything he says here, is accurate and every guy has felt this and gone through it, especially in Ireland
This is really how I feel. I was told by a girl that I really liked to watch this and Marianne reminded me of her. We don't talk anymore but she truly was one of a kind. Like no one ive ever spoken to before. We never really spoke in school because we were in different friend groups etc, but I knew she had something special about her. I always liked her but people around me and friends always hated on her because of how she looked, and that hurt me inside because I would get mocked at for liking her etc. She will never see this and I know she is excelling in whatever she's doing. I will always love her deep down, and even though I may have never had the chance, I hope one day, I can get that chance again. She was beautiful inside and out, and it kills me that she couldn't believe me because everything I said was the truth. Her name was Sophie. If she somehow sees this which i know she won't, just know that you are special. To me and everyone around you.
I'm gonna leave this here but yh,
The one that got away.
KR.
Just reading this comment but reach out to her and see if you can strike up a line of communication again. It's not too late to see what might be, even if it's just a friendship
lol paul mescals daughter in aftersun is called sophie
I was crying along with him so hard when I watched this episode 😢
i came into this series thinking i would most relate to marianne & have nothing in common with connell. & at first, that was true. much like marianne, i was always the shy, stand-offish outcast girl in school. but at the same time, i relate to connell so much more than i expected, especially as the series went on. his shyness, social anxiety, having a hard time fitting in in college, depression, etc… it was all so poignant and real
I remember seeing NP last year and I stopped watching the series after this scene and finished it after two days. It's so personal and raw.
He is incredibly gifted,
Congratulations to Paul Mescal for his Oscar nomination for Best Actor in Aftersun. He is such a terrific actor.
He seriously killed it !!! he is just a brilliant actor !! hope everything good for him, love you Paulll 😭❤️
kind of unfathomable that this is acting
mescal's hesitancy- pushing himself to open up, or just to gather the words that feel right- feels sooo authentic.
brilliant performance
it was the best acting scene performed by Paul that I have ever seen in my life, full of truth and emotion ... I cry to this day as I watch it, respect Paul Mescal 💜
I teared up on this, not gonna lie... this show was so much more than I thought it would be... in every great way possible... it was funny, and sad, and honest... and this scene... whew..... man... i can only hope to create something so gut wrenchingly honest.
never related more to a character than I did with Connell in this scene... I had to pause it multiple times because of how close it hit home.. It's literally word for word how I felt in my childhood and now... Sally Rooney is a genius and Paul brought everything to life in the best way possible... This stayed with me, even if it's been a while since I watched it, I still come back to this scene...
This scene is the most important in the whole show.
This is marvelous acting. I literally thought this was a real therapy session until i read the title properly again!
BEST SERIES EVER !!! These young actors did something so very special
Everything about this show the writing dialogues the acting was so real, it was like being a fly on the wall watching them live their lives
This made me cry so much...
His performance was just spectacular
A psychology student, this was and remains the best representation of therapy I have ever seen in any film or show.
This hit me like a freight train when I watched it earlier for the first time.
I cried because I've related to it on times.
This scene Is so powerful!!! Give him the Emmy , the Golden Globe and every recognition . Paul mescal Is a brilliant actor .
I think part of the reason why I loved this show was because Connell is a spitting-image of myself.
Incredible acting from Mescal.
Paul mescal portrays depression so accurately, it’s not just being sad, it’s a feeling of withdrawal with everyone and everything, a loneliness and an emptiness that just clings onto u not matter where u go. And it just wears u out inside and tires u. You do things to cope with the feelings like Connell moving away would fix this feeling of withdrawal. The death of his best friend made it worse because now he has no strong sense of home to go to other than Marianne and his mother. For me I would use toxic coping mechanisms to cope with that feeling of loneliness and isolation and I’d put on role on what people would want me to be or at least make me personality traits more acceptable. I’d pretend I’m this silly person without a care in the world, I’d act like I’m too naive to be depressed so people wouldn’t worry about me if I did say something slightly more negative. And obviously because of playing a version of myself rather than being myself it makes me feel more lonely and all my life no matter how much I try I never find people like me, and it upsets me. Sometimes I meet people and I almost get tricked because I realise actually we aren’t a like as I thought and now this person has a very different idea of who I am and I feel forced to almost maintain it because if they saw all this hurt and pain and loneliness and all the ugliness to who I am, they will leave me. So I either end the relationship myself so it’s easier to cope with that loss and so I’m not abandoned or I carry on maintaining this character and hope the mask doesn’t slip, and if the mask does slip I hope that the person still accepts me. But yeah I feel for him so much in this scene and I wish I could give him a hug
thanks for sharing. you're not alone
I don't put a front on, I'm genuine and unafraid to show my depression. The result is the same, even though the former may grant you facetious interaction, the latter shows people that your depression would hold them back; either way, you end up alone.
As someone who has dealt with loneliness for a long time and depression I feel like I saw myself in this scene. Losing a friend when you don't have a lot is tough and devastating you doubt yourself and think people don't like you. Its this painful emptiness that grows and unfortunately sometimes it can lead to negative coping methods and it can lead to an addiction. Its tough but eventually you reach your breaking point where you feel so burnt out
I don't think that anyone ever described my life better than that comment of yours. thank you so much for writig it. take good care of yourself x
@@nancynancy1587 I’m glad you have someone to relate to and I’m glad I’m not the only one out there. I hope you have better days
Outstanding. One of the most heartbreaking scenes.
I felt this so deeply
I truely thought it was a real therapy session show when I saw this clip. Added "Normal People" to my watch list without watching the trailer. Watched the series a year later, didn't realised it was because of this clip until the specic scene. Mind-blowing performance by Paul. WOW.
The way Roony writes about mental health especially focused on her male characters is so refreshing. This part in the book was so moving.
I have never seen this show, I have no context for this scene, but boy this is really powerful acting.
Wow, fantastic performance by the therapist. Really stole the show for me
hand this man the emmy already!!!
This is the 1st time I've cried as a guy.
Some of the best acting ive ever seen.
Wow, that is some insanely good acting. I thought it was a real therapy session recording from some documentary, until I looked at the comments.