Trinkets Is Netflix's Next Great Teen Drama — Here's Why You Need to Have It on Your Radar

Moe, Elodie, and Tabitha don't take to each other instantly, to put it lightly, but soon they realise that they have far more in common than they initially realised. This, of course, is shoplifting. Of the three we first encounter Elodie (above left, with costar Henry Zaga), who finds herself in trouble after trying to steal a Slim Jim from a convenience store.

"Shoplifting represents any of the holes we have inside of us, and the emotional wounds we struggle with. For Elodie that's definitely the grief of her mom passing away shortly before the show starts, and she's just really trying to figure out who she is in this totally new context," Meyer says. "It's a way for her to find control in a world where she has no control."

Andelson adds: "She's struggling with a lot of things that people do in high school — figuring out your sexuality, finding new friends, being a fish out of water. It's definitely about control since so many things are happening to her."

Tabitha (above, right) is their high school's queen bee, who seems to have it all thanks to her beauty, trendy clothes, and a pair of wealthy parents. But, like everyone, there's a lot more going on with the character beneath the surface.

"From the outside, her life could not look more perfect," Andelson says. "She's struggling to keep up that image. [Shoplifting] is her rebellion. This is her way to kind of figure out who she is. She lives in a glass house, so she's trying to shake things up a bit."

Moe (above, left) is what the producers describe as a "classic outsider." She's rough around the edges and has no problem walking up to people, getting in their face, and telling them exactly how she feels (which is usually barbed with insults). But as the series goes on, it quickly becomes apparent that Moe has a big, strong, fierce heart, which is exactly what Elodie and Tabitha both need in their lives.

"She's trying to figure out how she fits in and who she is. She has this tough exterior, but she's smart, she's funny," Andelson explains. "Even though she has this crew, she's still trying to figure out what her place is within all of that, within the greater world of high school."

Yes, she hangs out with her high school's group of burnouts, but don't get it twisted — Moe isn't a walking slacker stereotype. With each episode new layers are peeled back from her character, revealing that she's a wickedly smart student who often holds down the fort at home since her single mom is always picking up extra shifts at the hospital to keep them afloat. Her tough exterior is just that — a mask.

"A lot of Moe's struggle is about being accepted," Meyer says. "For all the girls there are issues of identity and acceptance. And I think so much of what's happening now is the discrepancy on social media, of who you appear to be and who you actually are on the inside. That's the kind of root of it for all of them."

The magic of Trinkets is due in a large part to the stellar performances by Brianna Hildebrand, Kiana Madeira, and Quintessa Swindell, who play Elodie, Moe, and Tabitha, respectively.

"We were really excited that the cast was so inclusive and they're such incredible actors," Meyer says of the cast. "They're so fresh and authentic. They brought the world to life in a way that exceeded our expectations so much. It's been amazing to see how they've become friends, and their dynamic has really been such a beautiful part of the process."

In addition to The Breakfast Club, the producers count '90s gem My So Called Life as major inspiration for Trinkets.

"It was a huge influence on us in terms of the raw, honest portrayal of the adolescent experience. One chance meeting with a new friend can change everything. One fight can end your world. These microstories have a huge impact. I think Angela Chase is the ultimate relatable teen girl longing to both fit in and break out in her struggle to self identify," says Meyer.

Andelson and Meyer's passion for the book upon which the show is based shines through in their adaptation. "There's this amazing line in the book that's something along the lines of 'People and places come and go, but objects stay,'" Andelson says. "That's sort of the interesting concept that the girls really hold onto. Really, in the end, what they end up with is each other."

Keep an eye out for Trinkets when it hits Netflix in June!