Hulu's 'High Fidelity' Is Better Than The Original Film

Source: Bryan Bedder / Stringer/ Amy Sussman / Staff / Getty

We can talk all day about how tired we are of seeing remakes to popular TV shows and films from before back in the day — but when something is good, you gotta give credit where it’s due. Like Hulu’s remake of the 2000 John Cusack film High Fidelity.

The highly anticipated remake (which is originally based on the Nick Hornby novel) is a series that stars Zoe Kravitz as Rob, a slightly self-indulgent record store owner who recounts her top five breakups in effort to find a common thread as to why they’ve all failed.

The series is an ode to the original film in many ways. Movie Rob and series Rob share the same name. They both own a record store, and frankly, they’re both cool AF. Too cool in fact. The amount of existential, millennial angst in the show makes for more of a relevant and relatable story for it’s Gen Y audience.

The High Fidelity film certainly holds a special place in the hearts of emo pop culture enthusiasts everywhere. And all the modern tweaks incorporated into the Hulu series makes it a high contender to make history in it’s own way. Also, fun fact, Zoe Kravitz mom, Lisa Bonet, starred in the original film.

Hit the flip for all the ways  the ‘High Fidelity remake is bolder, blacker and better than the original. And catch the series available on HULU, now! Tell them we sent you.

Rob Is A Black Woman

John Cusack did an amazing job as Rob in the 2000 movie. But it’s 2020, and it’s a time for women (especially Black women) to be series leads and share their nuanced stories without being put in a box.

Rob Confidently Navigates The Tides Of Her Queer Identity 

Let’s be honest. Film Rob was pretty stereotypical — white guy sulking about how he ruined so many relationships because he’s unable to love, blah blah blah. But the series remake allows Rob to have a myriad of emotions, relationships and connections. Her bisexuality wasn’t taboo or frowned upon. It was just, Rob.

Unapologetic, Deep Conversations About Controversial Topics 

Sure, the record store gang in the film discussed current topics. But it didn’t get as deep as the convos on the show. Series Rob and her record store crew talked everything from Michael Jackson accusations to Rob getting dumped for her partner’s type: a blonde, White girl.

Not So Happy Ending 

Film Rob wounds up winning his ex back after giving her the notorious mixtape. But TV series Rob doesn’t get so lucky.

Caricatures and Stereotypes Based On Sexuality Are Broken 

In the series, Rob’s gay bestie Simon isn’t like any other gay bestie. In fact, he use to date Rob before he discovered his own sexuality. But the two are even closer now than they were as partners. Gotta love it.

CHERISE!

If you look up bold, black and better in the dictionary — a photo of Da’Vine Joy Randolph will be posted next to it. Randolph totally stole the show as record store employee and Rob’s best friend Cherise. Randolph told Harper’s Bazaar about played Cherise:

“I didn’t want to just make her a one-dimensional tough girl that was just like, ‘I said what I said and could care less what you think and that’s that,’” Randolph explains. “Someone who feels that big feels other things that big as well.”