Anna Cathcart Shines in ‘XO, Kitty’ Spinoff, Delivering Gen Z Charm and Heartbreak”
Anna Cathcart, known for her role as Kitty Covey in the “To All The Boys I Loved Before” trilogy, brings spunk and whimsy to the spinoff series, ‘XO, Kitty.’ Kitty, the precocious younger sister of Laura Jean and Margot, steps into the spotlight.
And sets off on a journey to find love and pursue her dreams. Set in Seoul, South Korea, the series explores Kitty’s adventures, heartbreaks, and self-discovery in a foreign land.
Kitty’s frustration with the long distance in her relationship with Dae leads her to convince her parents to let her attend the prestigious Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS).
This decision not only brings her closer to Dae. But also allows her to explore her late mother’s past, who had a magical year at KISS.
Armed with confidence and a vibrant yellow suitcase, Kitty travels to Seoul. She is hoping to surprise Dae and embark on a dreamy romance.
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Heartbreak and New Beginnings
However, Kitty’s dreams are shattered when she discovers Dae with another girl named Yuri. Despite the humiliation, Kitty remains determined to uncover her mother’s secrets and embraces her Korean roots.
Along the way, she forms a bond with Q. One of Dae’s best friends, and uncovers past secrets involving her mother and KISS’s headmaster, Jina Lina, who happens to be Yuri’s mother.
Kitty’s resilience and curiosity pave the way for her to forge a new path at KISS.
“XO, Kitty” captures the essence of teenhood. With its mix of cheesy and awkward moments that make it relatable and unique.
Kitty’s character, portrayed by Cathcart, showcases a more mature side. While retaining the spunky naiveté that endeared her to viewers in her pre-teen years.
Her determination and earnestness provide grounding amidst the chaos. While the series delves into the desires and circumstances of those around her. Including her peers, adversaries, and friends at KISS.
Exploring Relevant Themes
With ten episodes running at 35 minutes or less, “XO, Kitty” tackles themes that resonate with today’s teens.
The show explores parental death, the search for connections to the past, divorce, abandonment, financial hardships, the impact of the American public school system, and self-acceptance.
It also addresses issues like queerness, othering, and classism, all while weaving in a compelling mystery at the heart of the story.
“XO, Kitty” provides viewers with an in-depth look into present-day Seoul and modern Korean culture.
Shot on location, the series showcases the KISS campus, as well as glimpses of the vibrant metropolis and the beautiful natural surroundings just beyond the city limits.
The characters effortlessly switch between English and Korean, immersing the audience in the diverse cultural landscape.
With references to K-pop, traditional holidays like Chuseok, Korean skincare, and K-dramas, the series celebrates an international teen cast beyond the confines of the U.S.
A Contemporary Teen Drama: XO, Kitty
While drawing inspiration from iconic teen-centered TV series like “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill,” “XO, Kitty” remains rooted in the present moment.
Although romance is present, the series goes beyond it, offering a deeply feminist and LGBTQ+affirming narrative. It portrays a generation determined to explore the world while being introspective and true to themselves.
In the spinoff series “XO, Kitty,” Anna Cathcart shines as Kitty Covey, delivering a captivating blend of charm and heartbreak.
The show takes viewers on a journey of self-discovery, love, and uncovering the past, set against the backdrop of modern-day Seoul.
With its relatable themes, diverse cast, and exploration of Korean culture, “XO, Kitty” offers a refreshing and engaging contemporary teen drama experience.
