Mix Tape

By: Mariah Thomas

The idea of watching a film or show jump between the present and the past is nothing new. However, the series “Mix Tape: offers a fresh take on this simple idea. The first two episodes offer such a clear glimpse into the reflections of both worlds. In many ways, the present mirrors the past. Although it seems positive, you are left wondering if the negatives eventually reflect, too. Instantly, “Mix Tape” does a wonderful job at setting the scene in the past and building suspense in the present. 

In 1989, teenagers Daniel (Rory Walton-Smith) and Alison (Florence Hunt) meet at a party. The pair bond over their shared love of music. As the 1989 timeline progresses, a strong connection is built between them. Twenty years later, Daniel (Jim Sturgess) is still in Sheffield and Alison (Teresa Palmer) is in Sydney. They are both married with children. Daniel is reminded of Alison when he is sent information about her upcoming book. He is instantly taken back to fond memories of their past. He finds her on Facebook and sends a request. Back in Sydney, Alison prepares for her book launch party when she sees the request. She instantly lights up and feels that magnetic pull to Daniel once more. There doesn’t seem to be resentment or heartbreak that lingers as they remember the other. It leaves you wondering what happened for them to no longer be in contact in the present day. In the present, Alison’s younger self seems to mirror her daughter, Stella (Julia Savage). Though her daughter seems to be going through the “I hate my parents” phase, they share a sweet moment. Alison tells her that you never forget the boy that crafts your very first mixtape. 

Sharing music has drastically changed in twenty years, so Daniel initiates contact with Alison by sending her a Spotify link to a song. Their connection has always tied back to music. Although time has gone on and their lives have changed, that special dynamic between them is timeless. Meanwhile, Daniel’s wife doesn’t share his love of music and Alison’s husband condemns their daughter for listening to music too loud. We then see a glimpse of younger Alison doing the same thing, so she understands. Watching that spark live on is a highlight moment for me.

This is my introduction to Lucy Gaffy as a director and it is a great one. There is such a romantic and airy feeling to every shot that really captures the heart of the story. In the moments Daniel and Alison are rediscovering each other on social media, the world around them is so vast and expansive. Alison overlooks the city lights of Sydney while Daniel is on a rooftop watching a game with a friend. However, they are so drawn into their phones. It feels like a visual representation of being in a crowded room and feeling as though you are alone with the one you love. 

“Mix Tape” is such a feel-good show thus far. You are brought into this world and watch two love stories unfold between the same two people. It’s intriguing to see young Alison and young Daniel develop feelings for the first time and also watching the pair reconnect and immediately brought back to their seventeen year old selves. If you are in need of a light hearted, romantic show then I would highly recommend checking it out.