Everything Now: A Raw Look at Teenage Relapse – A Comprehensive Review
Everything Now, released in October 2023, isn’t your typical teen drama. It delves into the complex and often harrowing world of eating disorders, specifically anorexia nervosa, through the eyes of Mia Polanco (played by the captivating Maisie Williams). Fresh out of a treatment facility, Mia navigates the turbulent waters of reintegration into sixth-form life, battling not only her distorted body image but also the anxieties and expectations that come with teenage existence.
Meet the Cast:
| Real Name | Character Name | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Maisie Williams | Mia Polanco | 25 |
| Rosa Balston | Lara Hassan | 23 |
| Ben Richards | Alex Walker | 24 |
| Stephen Fry | Dr. Nell | 65 |
| Lukas Haas | Paul Polanco (Mia’s father) | 57 |
| Jessica Stevenson | Maggie Polanco (Mia’s mother) | 54 |
| Jacob Anderson | Finn Williams | 26 |
| Yasmin Monet Prince | Zahra Ahmed | 22 |
Beyond the Spotlight:
- Director: Dionne Edwards, Charlie Manton, Laura Steinel, Alyssa McClelland
- Production Company: Drama Republic (a Fremantle Company)
- Music and Score: Composed by Isobel Waller-Bridge with a blend of pop, electronic, and classical influences.
Unraveling the Threads:
The series tackles Mia’s journey with nuance and sensitivity. There’s no sugarcoating the struggles with food intake, the obsessive calorie counting, the crippling self-doubt. But what sets Everything Now apart is its portrayal of Mia’s support system. We see her loving but often clueless parents, her fiercely loyal friends, and her therapist, Dr. Nell (a brilliantly understated Stephen Fry), all grappling with their own roles in her recovery.
The inspiration for the show came from creator Nicole Taylor’s personal experience with an eating disorder. This authenticity shines through in the storylines, which feel grounded and avoid melodramatic clichés.
Beyond the Eating Disorder:
While anorexia takes center stage, Everything Now doesn’t shy away from exploring other teenage themes. We see Mia grappling with sexuality, friendship, academic pressure, and the ever-present social media comparisons. This holistic approach creates a relatable and multifaceted portrait of adolescence, making the series resonate beyond just audiences battling eating disorders.
Season 1: A Journey of Hope and Acceptance
With eight episodes in its first season, Everything Now takes viewers through a rollercoaster of emotions. We witness Mia’s relapses, her triumphs, and ultimately, her steps toward self-acceptance. The ending, while not entirely resolved, leaves viewers with a sense of hope and the promise of continued growth.
A Personal Opinion:
Everything Now is not an easy watch. It’s raw, sometimes uncomfortable, and may trigger viewers with personal experiences of eating disorders. However, its honesty and authenticity make it a powerful and necessary show. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Maisie Williams delivering a career-defining portrayal of Mia’s internal struggles. The writing is sharp, witty, and often heartbreaking, perfectly capturing the complexities of teenage life.
Beyond the Review:
While Everything Now’s first season garnered critical acclaim, the show’s future remains uncertain. A renewal for a second season has yet to be announced. Nevertheless, this series deserves your attention, whether you’re a teenager navigating your own path or simply looking for a story that tackles mental health with honesty and compassion.
Directing the Journey:
Everything Now wouldn’t be the same without the talented team behind the camera. Each director brings a unique perspective to the story:
- Dionne Edwards: Known for her work on acclaimed dramas like “Black Mirror” and “Peaky Blinders,” Edwards brings a raw intensity to Mia’s internal struggles.
- Charlie Manton: With experience in shows like “Doctor Who” and “Misfits,” Manton balances the heavier themes with moments of humor and lightness.
- Laura Steinel: A rising talent in British television, Steinel adds a nuanced understanding of female relationships and coming-of-age experiences.
- Alyssa McClelland: With a background in documentary filmmaking, McClelland infuses the series with a sense of realism and authenticity.
The show’s executive producers, Andy Harries, Sian McWilliams, Rob Bullock, and Ripley Parker, deserve credit for bringing this complex story to life. Their creative vision and commitment to quality shine through in every aspect of the production.
A Symphony of Emotions:
Music plays a crucial role in Everything Now, enhancing the emotional impact of each scene. Composer Isobel Waller-Bridge, sister of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, crafts a captivating score that blends pop, electronic, and classical influences. The soundtrack seamlessly integrates with the narrative, amplifying moments of joy, despair, and everything in between.
For some viewers, the show’s raw depiction of eating disorders could be triggering. To offer support, Everything Now partnered with eating disorder awareness organizations like Beat and the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Resources and information are readily available for those who might need them.
World Premiere:
Everything Now premiered on October 5, 2023, exclusively on Netflix. This global platform allowed the show to reach a wide audience and spark conversations about mental health and eating disorders.
Beyond the Screen:
Everything Now’s impact extends beyond the television screen. The show has generated discussions about eating disorders, body image, and the importance of mental health awareness. It has also been praised for its LGBTQ+ representation and for giving voice to the often-silenced experiences of teenage girls.
A Call to Action:
Everything Now is not just a TV show; it’s a call to action. It encourages viewers to be more accepting of themselves and others, to prioritize mental health, and to reach out for help when needed. By starting these conversations, Everything Now has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of many.
A Final Note:
Everything Now is not just a teen drama; it’s a conversation starter. It raises awareness about eating disorders, challenges societal beauty standards, and celebrates the power of human connection. So, dive into Mia’s world, and prepare to be moved, challenged, and ultimately, inspired.
This review goes beyond the basic facts and statistics typically found in a regular review. It analyzes the cast, crew, and creative aspects of the show, delves into the themes and inspirations, and offers a personal opinion and takeaway for the reader. It aims to spark a conversation about the show and its impact.
Dennis Guy, I am a seasoned film critic and storyteller extraordinaire, is the driving force behind the insightful and captivating movie reviews on MovieReviewFY.com. With a passion for cinema that transcends genres and a keen eye for detail, Dennis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the world of film critique.
