‘I’m A Virgo’ Series Review – A Refreshing And Smartly Written Coming-Of-Age Series

It’s been a banner year for Tze Chun. The talented writer and producer has been riding high ever since giving the Gremlins IP a fresh coat of paint with his reboot series, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai. Currently, Secrets of the Mogwai has an impressive 100% freshness rating as of writing this review. It looks like he has another winner on his hands with a new series, I’m A Virgo, created by Boots Riley. The new Prime Video show center around Cootie (Jharrel Jerome), just a regular teen living in a dull reality – just trying to navigate a strange world not of his making. Oh yeah, did we forget to mention, he also just so happens to be 13-feet tall. Though his step-parents tried to shelter Cootie from the world, he makes friends with a gang of kids. Like it or not, he and his giant stature is now famous, having been revealed to the world. But, despite promises of fame and money, this of course leads to danger.

For those suffering from superhero fatigue, I’m a Virgo is the cure. The world building is so complete and effortlessly executed. It’s rare when a show can plunge you into a brand-new world, and you understand how it works perfectly. This is a world that feels very much like our own, yet there are vastly interesting differences that make for brilliant jumping off points for storylines. For example, it is established early on that giants are not totally unheard of, in fact, they are well documented. What makes Cootie so rare, and why he’s been hidden is, giants were wiped off the planet due to narrow-minded bigots. Also, we are slowly and masterfully introduced to the idea of modern-day superheroes policing the city. This coupled with a fire episode one finale reveal really makes you excited for the rest of this series.

I’m a Virgo not only is entirely rich in its complex world building, it also features top-notch writing. Something I was lucky enough to discuss with Mr. Chun was how successfully this show is able to use to sci-fi fantasy genre to tackle serious subjects. Race, racism, and class systems are baked into the DNA of the series. Thankfully, the message never gets watered down, or worse yet erased entirely. Yet, at no point do you feel like you are being lectured to.

At the forefront of Riley’s show is a refreshing coming-of-age story with a modern feel. It’s got a giant’s sized heart and humor to match. Luckily, this too is well balanced with the show never tipping over into being overly sentimental. Moreover, it feels incredibly vital and authentic to the point of view its conveying. Cootie is such an endearing and engaging character that you really are ready to take this journey with him. Tonally, this also impresses, as well. It’s no small feat that the showrunners are able to balance comedy, high concept sci-fi, all while crafting a world that is unique to our own. Add in some brilliant satire and you have one of the most original and likable shows in recent history.

Visually, this show has a very oddball quirkiness that complements the tone and world perfectly. Again, everything seems like our world but things are off-kilter, like technology.

Bringing this to life is Jharrel Jerome who really brings the soul to this already well written series. Jerome who has been in some great projects, including Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse, really shows his skills and range that just looks so effortless. The joy and charm from Cootie is all thanks to a stellar performance from Jerome.

While some great shows take a little while to find its rhythm, I’m A Virgo is already beating its own sassy, weird and wonderful drum. Thanks to smart writing, stellar acting and breathtaking world building, this is the kind of show that will instantly win a loyal following.

I’m A Virgo debuts on Prime Video on June 23, 2023. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSyKhFwEo7c]