Everything Now Review: a New Sentimental Netflix Teen Dramedy

In the 2023 season, we bid farewell to “Sex Education” and “Never Have I Ever.” However, don’t worry; as we wait for the release of “Heartstopper” season 3, coming probably in 2024, Netflix has us covered with a new teen British series, “Everything Now.”

22-year-old Ripley Parker created the series, and it evolves out of her own experiences and feelings about adolescence.

SYNOPSIS

Mia Polanco (Sophie Wilde) is a 16-year-old Londoner entering sixth form at the fictional Westmere School, returning home after seven months from a stay at a rehabilitation center for disordered eating.

Mia wanted to return to her previous self and what she enjoyed after leaving the rehabilitation center. Unfortunately, her friends had moved on and engaged in activities such as partying, drinking, having sex, taking drugs, and falling in love. Mia fears being left behind and feels the need to catch up with their “new normal.” To make up for lost time, she creates a constantly changing bucket list to complete with her friends.

The series explores sensitive topics such as eating disorders, pregnancy, abortion, depression, and alcoholism. However, it balances these heavy themes with lighter moments. We follow Mia’s journey as she returns home, adjusts to family and school life, and works on her recovery.

In the 8 episodes, Mia’s inner thoughts are narrated through a voice-over. Throughout the series, there are several flashbacks that depict when Mia’s eating disorder began. Her brother initially covered it up for her, while her parents argued about the severity of the issue – her father recognizing it while her mother did not. The series also includes the moment when Mia’s father discovered her unconscious on the floor.

Mia finds it hard to bond with her mother Viv as they maintain a distant relationship. She feels misunderstood and judged by her mother. However, Mia has always shared a strong connection with her father, Rick. They are both creative and emotional and have a great father-daughter relationship. Rick is also actively involved in Mia’s treatment and recovery.

Although Mia is the lead character in Everything Now, the show is actually an ensemble series.

The talented writers of the show have created a cast of unique and complex characters, each with their own personal issues and secrets. When these characters come together, their chemistry is truly amazing. Throughout the eight episodes, each character will face their own individual struggles and challenges.

Mia’s best friend, Becca, is a top-performing student at Westmere. She takes on the role of the responsible and caring friend within their group, hoping for everyone to get along. However, Becca faces immense pressure at both school and home. As her father is dead, her mother relies on her to assist with her younger brother and household duties. At the beginning of the series, Becca is in a secretive relationship with Cam. Cam, on the other hand, is known as the player of the gang, but his reputation is merely a facade. He is sensitive and exposed, with his father frequently absent and his mother struggling with depression. Cam was the one who recognized that something was wrong with Mia and took the initiative to inform her parents. Will uses his charm and entertaining personality as a defense mechanism for his insecurities.

OUR TAKE

The new dramedy on Netflix is expertly done.

Fans of Heartstipper and Sex Education will appreciate the similar themes, cinematography, and aesthetics. The themes are very relevant to the struggles that teenagers face today. Unlike 13 Reasons Why, this series is not as dark. There is a good balance between serious and lighthearted moments. However, the audience should be aware that the show focuses on Mia’s eating disorder, which may be triggering for some viewers.

The cast has remarkable chemistry together, and Sophie Wilde delivers a phenomenal performance in portraying the complex character of Mia. However, we do have some concerns regarding the characters’ supposed age of 16, as the actors appear to be much older than their characters. Nonetheless, we are hopeful for the show to get renewed for a second season. We are particularly intrigued to see how the cliffhanger involving Mia’s father Rick will be further explored and received by the Polanco family members.