How Chris Briney of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Became the Internet's New Heartthrob
Chris Briney, the 27-year-old actor portraying Conrad Fisher in Jenny Han's "The Summer I Turned Pretty" series on Amazon Prime Video, has become a viral sensation, drawing comparisons to a young Leonardo DiCaprio. His portrayal of the brooding and vulnerable Conrad has resonated deeply with fans, solidifying his status as a modern-day teen idol.
The "Black Cat Boyfriend" Phenomenon
Conrad Fisher is more than just a typical young adult love interest. His character, burdened by grief and loyalty, embodies the "black cat boyfriend" archetype – someone seemingly closed off but fiercely protective and deeply emotional. This combination has made him a central figure in the series and a topic of extensive discussion online. According to Threads, posts about Conrad significantly outnumbered those about Jeremiah and Belly during the show's third season.
Viral Jingles and Fan Commentary
Each episode of the final season of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" sparked a flurry of memes, edits, and fan commentary. Jake Schroeder (@frostedjake) created playful jingles about Conrad, stating that he is “kind of everything we need as a society. He’s shy and sweet and sexy.” The actor’s portrayal as Conrad has garnered attention online and cemented his role.
The Leonardo DiCaprio Connection
One of the most prominent trends surrounding Chris Briney is his resemblance to a young Leonardo DiCaprio. Fans have drawn parallels between Briney and DiCaprio during his "Romeo + Juliet" and "Titanic" era, noting similar features such as tousled hair, angular jawlines, and a melancholic gaze. The underwater stare-down between Conrad and Belly in the pilot episode, a direct homage to Romeo + Juliet, further solidified this comparison.
A Generational Heartthrob
A particular scene in episode six, where Conrad injures his leg while surfing, is strikingly similar to a shot of DiCaprio in "Titanic," emphasizing the cinematic language Briney channels. As Meghan Witthaus (@mewitthaus) points out, DiCaprio in his prime represented “romantic sincerity,” making the comparison with Briney feel natural.
Elizabeth Scholnick (@elizabethscholnick) suggests that every generation has an actor who embodies young love and mystery. In the 90s, it was DiCaprio's Jack Dawson. Now, Briney’s Conrad possesses similar "beauty, mystery, and sexual appeal," potentially propelling him to similar levels of stardom.
Redefining the Teen Drama Archetype
Chris Briney's performance is also notable for redefining the traditional teen drama archetype. According to Jessica (@faeryfolkk), Conrad represents “a breed of masculinity that the world today has yet to embrace,” showcasing a quieter strength rooted in humility and care, rather than bravado.
The Intangible Star Quality
The internet's fascination with Chris Briney and his resemblance to a young Leonardo DiCaprio extends beyond mere physical similarities. Both actors possess an intangible "it" factor that has captivated their respective generations. As Prime Video highlighted with a side-by-side comparison of Briney in the "bathtub scene" and DiCaprio in "Titanic," both actors have managed to embody a specific kind of heartthrob status.
While physical comparisons focus on features like swoopy hair and green-blue eyes, the real intrigue lies in Briney's acting skill. He can convey immaturity, vulnerability, and heroism simultaneously. This elevates the entire show. Jenny Han crafted a rich character and Briney has successfully brought to life a complex character.
