The most surprising thing about Overcompensating is that, underneath the sexual romps and irreverent humor, there exists something sweet in the form of Benny and Carmen’s friendship. Yes, the show is largely about college and exploring the boundaries of freedom. It’s also about the different performances we put on in an awkward attempt to fit in and realize Who We Are. But it can also feel like it’s tackling too much at times, without a lot of novelty. College-set films and shows like Undeclared, The Sex Lives of College Girls, and even Neighbors have already treaded similar ground in sharper and funnier ways. But Overcompensating is still worth the watch, if only to see how Benny and Carmen grow and find platonic comfort in each other. Campy characters like Hallie (Holmes) and Esther (Kaia Gerber) also provide plenty of laughs and elevate it into something truly memorable.
"“Overcompensating” gradually shifts from a straightforward sex comedy to something emotionally richer. Much of that depth comes from an increasing focus on Carmen."
— Inkoo Kang
"All in all, it’s far from a remarkable comedy, but it’s certainly a sound one. And with so few like it hitting theaters these days, “Overcompensating” may still end up being some young viewer’s formative college story."
— Ben Travers
Closeted former football player and homecoming king Benny becomes fast friends with Carmen, a high school outsider on a mission to fit in at all costs. With guidance from Benny's older sister and her campus-legend boyfriend, Benny and Carmen juggle horrible hookups, flavored vodka, and fake IDs.
Benny (Benito Skinner, in a semi-autobiographical role) isn’t quite ready to come out of the closet despite being handed a clean slate in college. Helping him fit in is his new friend Carmen (Wally Baram), a fellow freshman in search of her identity.
The temporal ambiguity of the setting. Is this 2010 or 2020? The music and pops of neon make a strong case for the former, but the TikTok challenges and fashion sense date it to modern-day. Not to mention, a lot of the actors are in their 30s. Whatever the case, it does lend the show a nostalgic feel, as if it were made for reminiscing adults rather than actual teens.
Like a Charli XCX extended music video, but with even more longing and a surprising dash of earnestness.
Spirit Awards
1 nomination
