Film student Ellia-Luna Gaspard describes her edit as an “atypical form” of a supercut, and that’s apt. It is a supercut in the sense that it brings together a large number of short clips that share a common motif: the direct address moments in the television series Fleabag. But Gaspard pushes the form further by using it to explore the character’s emotional journey. She cleverly uses the motif of breaking the fourth wall as a framework to map Fleabag’s character development. The supercut shows how this stylistic device evolves over the course of the series. Initially, it serves a primarily comedic purpose, but gradually these glances become more intimate, confessional, and sincere.

Gaspard occasionally diverges from her central motif. For instance, including the conversation between the sisters about farts doesn’t strictly fit the “looking at the camera” motif. Yet it’s a necessary addition to fully examine the titular character’s arc. Knowing when to deviate from form (and from the assignment your professor gave you) in service of a stronger analysis is commendable.

Toward the end, the edit leans slightly into “fannish” territory. Gaspard’s affection for and tribute to the main character occasionally overshadows the analytical perspective. Yet even this is somewhat fitting, since Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s main character herself undergoes a transformation from cynical detachment to loving acceptance.