"You" employs a narrative voiceover as a prominent storytelling device throughout the series. The voiceover is primarily provided by the protagonist, Joe Goldberg, voiced by actor Penn Badgley. The voiceover serves as a window into Joe's inner thoughts, providing insight into his perspective, motivations, and justifications for his actions.
The use of the narrative voiceover allows the audience to intimately connect with Joe's character and provides a glimpse into his twisted and often disturbing mindset. It adds a layer of complexity by juxtaposing Joe's outwardly charming and normal demeanor with his dark thoughts and obsessions.
The voiceover is used to share Joe's observations, reflections, and even critiques of society and individuals around him. It creates a sense of intimacy and involvement, as if Joe is directly sharing his thoughts and experiences with the audience. The voiceover also helps to establish Joe as the unreliable narrator, as his perceptions may be distorted or biased.
Overall, the narrative voiceover in "You" plays a significant role in shaping the storytelling and providing a deeper understanding of Joe's character, his psychology, and his actions.