7 Moments From Normal People That Still Give Us Chills

It’s been a whole five years since Normal People first aired on TV, changing Irish culture forever.

Suddenly, the world was aware of who Paul Mescal was. We fell in love with Daisy Edgar Jones and her impeccable Irish accent. Connell’s chain captured the hearts of thousands.

The wildly popular series has just landed on Netflix for the first time, meaning that it is absolutely time for a rewatch.

The stolen glances. The wistful dialogue. The sense that something deeply upsetting was unfolding on screen but not really knowing where those feelings of melancholy were coming from.

Normal People has got it all: here are seven moments that still live in our heads rent free.

1. The first time

Connell and Marianne are friends before they’re lovers. Then they’re friends again, and then it’s complicated, and then they’re lovers some more.

But the first time they have sex is a special one, as Connell is gentle and sensitive, asking Marianne what’s okay and what’s not.

He treats her like a person, and the scene is raw and realistic and beautiful.

2. Debs regret

Connell and Marianne are spending lots of time together, but he doesn’t invite her to the Debs.

His mother Lorraine criticises his choice, confronting him about his feelings and whether he would be “embarrassed” to bring someone like Marianne.

It’s a scene wrought with emotion as Connell realises how much he does actually like Marianne, and how much he regrets his decision.

3. Miscommunication

There are plenty of things unsaid in Normal People. It’s a Sally Rooney text, after all.

As Connell and Marianne navigate life together in Dublin, they suffer a serious miscommunication when Connell is discussing his summer plans, finding it too awkward to ask Marianne if he can just stay with her.

Instead, he moves back home for the summer, and the pair end up splitting up.

4. The photoshoot

In Sweden, Marianne dates a photographer who takes sexually compromising photos of her.

It’s all very uncomfortable as Marianne submits to this new man in her life, a stark contrast to the romantic experiences she had with Connell.

5. Connell’s counselling

Normal People has been long lauded for its depiction of depression – and rightly so.

In college, Connell attends an on campus counselling session; one mired by checkboxes and a sense of relief as he finally puts into words what he’s been feeling.

It’s one of Paul Mescal’s most impressive scenes in the series, showcasing his strength as an actor, as well as the failures Ireland’s young people are experiencing.

6. Those Skype calls

As Connell battles with his depression, Marianne Skypes him – a lot.

In one scene, Connell goes to bed and asks if Marianne will stay on the call while he sleeps. She tells him that she will, and that she’ll be there all night.

7. The end

Normal People ends as expected – sad.

As Connell is invited to come and spend some time in New York, Marianne says that she wants to stay in Ireland.

“I’ll go,” he says. “And I’ll stay,” she says.