Given the harrowing events, Isabella’s in her IDGAF era - less makeup (or none at all) and pulled-back hair, looking exhausted by the constant stress and nonsense going on around her. Summer 2000 is when she looks the most different. A few months later, she’s straightened her hair and adapted to the chillier weather. When she gets to Chatham, she’s rocking fun, natural curls for the summer, short shorts, and cropped tanks. Isabella goes through a less noticeable external transformation. The following summer is tainted by a tragic death, represented by the yellowish-green tint you’d see in a series set in the apocalypse. July 1999 is bright and warm, but that December appears in blue hues, fitting for the winter season but also reflective of the dark cloud over the once sunny days in Chatham. Other than the onscreen introductory text denoting the current time, we can recognize the shift in time through the cinematography. However, in July 2000, there’s an obvious change in their relationship. By December 1999, they are incredibly close, ride-or-die besties. We meet the characters in July 1999, seeing how Isabella and Megan slowly form a sisterly bond. Like the previous season, this story is told in three parts. She’s seemingly content hanging out with mostly male friends, but it doesn’t take long for Isabella to point out that there are palpable vibes between Megan and Luke. “She’s a straight-A student, a Goody Two-Shoes, and doesn’t really get out much or have the normal kid teenage experience,” Stanley described to Entertainment Weekly. She’s overworking herself academically too. She works too much for a teenager because she has to help out with bills at home. Megan is still discovering who she is and what she wants. Depending on how much you relate to the more reserved Megan, you’ll either think Isabella is genuinely a loyal, caring person looking for a connection or just someone who relishes attention and needs everyone to love her. Isabella is likable but also annoyingly awesome. She’s confident in her “up for anything” attitude, always prepared to do something reckless, telling Megan, “Unpredictable is my brand.” She has a witty or flirty response for every interaction and isn’t afraid to dole out threats to people who cross her. The effortlessly cool, sex-positive, worldly Isabella has clearly already found herself, and casual self-discovery is a part of her day-to-day life. The vibe quickly changes, everyone’s enamored with the new girl, and Megan is jealous. We see Isabella’s influential presence in action when she meets Megan’s friend group, especially her lifelong best friend Luke (Griffin Gluck). Megan is less than interested in a friendship with this gorgeous stranger but still has to show her around town. She’s beautiful, warm, and instantly loves the Landrys. Isabella (Lexi Underwood) arrives with a recognizable American accent (though I’m sure she knows more than one language) but is just as fascinating. When most people think of an exchange student, they probably expect someone with an accent who speaks a foreign language. In fact, she’s downright salty before the girl even gets there. Her mother Debbie (KaDee Strickland) hopes she’ll enjoy the experience, but Megan is anything from excited. Megan Landry (Sadie Stanley) begins the Summer of 1999, her last summer as a high schooler, being forced to host an exchange student. Cruel Summer Season 2 takes us to Chatham, Washington, a scenic waterfront town with an all-American feel.
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