Everything Now: More Than Just a Teen Dramedy

You know how when you dive into Netflix’s catalog, you often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available to watch? We don’t know if it’s the same for y’all, but choosing the next show to binge-watch can take us hours. However, the good thing when that happens is that sometimes in our search we stumble upon hidden gems, rare finds that we think deserve more hype. Our most recent find? Everything Now.

Full disclosure, we had heard of the show before, back in November one of our lovely readers had suggested it to us, and of course, we added it to our list, but given how intense the promotion of other shows and movies was in those months, we had to postpone our viewing party for this show until this week. And what a mistake that was because this show is fantastic!

It honestly deserved the same hype as the rest. Why didn’t it get it? Why did we only find out about it thanks to our readers? Only Netflix knows.

It truly breaks our hearts when incredible LGBTQ+ shows and movies don’t get the spotlight and love they deserve. We understand that the entertainment industry is a business and that the powers that be that pull all the strings bet on certain content more than others, but we truly believe that all shows and movies should start on a level playing field when it comes to promotion. Like, why bother making content and releasing it if you’re not going to promote it properly so it can find its audience? It doesn’t make any sense, but we digress.

We’re here to talk about Everything Now and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. So join us as we talk a little about this teen dramedy.

Everything Now, Mia’s life through a bucket list

Produced in the UK by Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television, Everything Now dropped on Netflix on October 5, 2023. Hailing from the creative mind of Ripley Parker, this British comedy-drama has eight episodes that take viewers on a roller coaster ride through the highs and lows of adolescence.

Now, we get it — teen shows are flooding streaming services lately and they come in all colors and flavors. But we’re going to venture to say that Everything Now is not like the rest. It has the comedy, conflict, and drama you’d expect from a show in its genre, but it also has a fresh, raw, and grounded vibe that sets it apart from the rest, especially when it comes to depicting serious mental health issues.

But allow us to explain further.

Everything Now centers on Mia (Sophie Wilde), a 16-year-old girl who’s just returned to her life after spending months in a clinic receiving specialized treatment for anorexia and bulimia. Obviously, her return to reality comes with challenges for her—in her school, with her friends, and of course in her family dynamics. Her life is not what it used to be as people talk behind her back, she has completely lost her privacy and is faced with the complexities of the healing process that are often misunderstood even by those closest to her. But the hardest part? She feels left behind.

While being away, life moved on for her best friends Becca (Lauryn Ajufo), Will (Noah Thomas), and Cam (Harry Cadby), so now Mia feels like she’s fallen behind in the typical experiences of people her age. To catch up, she drafts a bucket list and recruits her friends (and two more ladies that will completely change her life *wink wink*) to help check off every significant milestone—from first dates to parties, alcohol, drugs, and even tattoos.

Mia’s bucket list becomes more than just a checklist; it propels her through a series of firsts, capturing the essence of the teenage experience, all while navigating the challenges of her recovery. Using this device to move the narrative forward was really clever, as it allows us to see that Mia is not your average teenage protagonist. She’s clearly on a difficult journey to recovery, but the beauty of the show is that, although her illness is a big part of her life, the show refuses to let it define her. Mia is a complex character: she’s stubborn, naive, mysterious, sometimes rude, loyal, smart, and very introspective—which is both a blessing and a curse.

Now, addressing eating disorders on screen can be a tricky, tricky business, more often than not we’ve seen shows completely miss the mark, but Everything Now manages to do it with respect and nuance. Mia’s inner monologues dive into her feelings of social anxiety and body dysmorphia, giving viewers a glimpse into the intricacies of her personal struggles.

And this is something that Everything Now does very well because it always makes it clear that this is Mia’s journey, Mia’s personal experience, and that other people who suffer from the same illness may travel different paths. They make sure to highlight that not all experiences are the same, eating disorders are personal, and that the journey to recovery must be personal too.

Also, the show doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of recovery—setbacks happen, healing isn’t a straight path, and outside opinions can be more hurtful than helpful. Mia’s journey has ups and downs, ranging from deep depression to uncontrollable euphoria that leads to impulsive acts of rebellion, all while she attempts to project a semblance of normality to avoid judgment and social stigma.

Mia’s relationships, especially with her family and best friends, unfold as central axes of the series. The dynamics are raw and vulnerable. And here’s the kicker—Everything Now doesn’t stop at Mia’s story. The plot expands to also explore the experiences of her friends, bringing in a diverse range of sexualities and identities.

The show tackles everything from body image and bullying to teen pregnancy and abortion, treating each circumstance with the respect it deserves. In a sea of teen series, Everything Now manages to stand out, not only for its engaging storyline but also for bringing queer identities to the forefront and portraying life’s challenges with authenticity. We’re very grateful to have watched this show. 

So if bucket lists are your thing, we recommend adding Everything Now to it. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that’s worth every minute. Trust us, you won’t regret it!

If you or someone you know is struggling with eating disorders or mental health issues, you aren’t alone. Please visit wannatalkaboutit.com for information on how to find support.

---

Everything Now is available to stream on Netflix. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff! 

Featured image: Image Courtesy of Netflix