Eternally Confused and Eager for Love Review: You Might Want to Swipe Left on Netflix’s Breezy Adult Drama

forever confused and longing for love

Director: Rahul Nair

Producer: Rahul Nair

Cast: Vihaan Samat, Suchitra Pillai, Rahul Bose, Dalai, Ankur Rathi

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Stories of coming of age have entertained us forever. Netflix’s latest original Eternally Confused and Eager for Love tries hard to fit into this bracket, combining romance and adulthood. The series revolves around Vihaan Samat as Rey and his inner voice (Jim Sarbh), who is personified by a magician idol named Viz. Ray has had the China-made Wiz statue for as long as he can remember and it is his guiding light as his inner voice.

Set in the plush streets of south Mumbai, Ray, a privileged young adult, lives with his parents (suchitra Pillai and Rahul Bose) and works at a Japanese investment firm. While he may be average in his professional space, Ray is not having any luck in the dating or relationship sphere. The series begins with Ray having a crush on a girl who plays football. But, we quickly move into Ray’s life or his dating life.

In the first few episodes, the producers establish that it tries hard to talk socially awkward young adult women but fails almost every time. ECEL starts off on a promising note but loses steam midway. Spanning eight episodes, the show revolves around Ray’s dating endeavors, disastrous dates and a party every other night. You might actually wonder if these young adults have a life outside of clubbing and house parties.

All the while, Ray tries his luck at dating as his childhood friend Riya (Dalai) helps him with ample opportunities. While ECEL deals in bits and pieces, it doesn’t affect you entirely. If anything, the objectification of women is borderline problematic.

The highlight of ECEL is Ray’s inner voice, voiced by Jim Sarbh. The actor delivers a scintillating rendition of the inner monologue that Ray continues to do with himself. The inner voice’s timing flows seamlessly within the actual dialogue. Another highlight is Rahul Bose as Ray’s father. From giving advice to a sometimes grumpy old man, Rahul Bose has some laughs along the lines on the paper.

Producer Rahul Nair doesn’t do much to sustain himself as a viewer and thus it becomes difficult to stay invested in Ray’s story. While the overall feel of this adulthood drama is fascinating, it is not necessarily interesting. Watch this if you want to take a break from thrillers and intense drama, otherwise, you might want to swipe left on this one.

ALSO READ: Forever confused and eager for love trailer shows Vihaan Samat’s quest to find love