Content warning: this story includes discussions of rape and sexual assault.
Content warning: The following review of Michaela Coel’s “I May Destroy You” includes discussion of rape, assault and racism that may be upsetting to readers.
The 12-episode journey, which is streaming on HBO and BBC iPlayer, invites the viewer to walk alongside Coel’s vibrant characters as they experience harassment, assault and identity crises in East London. In the first episode the main character, Arabella, played by Coel, is drugged in a bar and raped. As many survivors also experience, the memories of the assault are hard to pin down and it takes her multiple days to put the pieces back together and make sense of it.
The rape itself is extremely difficult to watch, making me wince and instinctively try to protect myself by covering my eyes, as one of my friends repeats “oh my god” over and over again. As difficult as it is to watch, this is how rape should be shown — because this is how rape is. Unlike rape scenes in shows like 13 Reasons Why, there is no cascading lyrical song in the background, and the experience isn’t sensationalized just to get public attention.
What is perhaps the true gift of Coel’s series is the inclusion of these often-ignored nuances and shades of grey that force the viewer into an uncomfortable position. We have to face the realities of rape and trauma and healing and what it really means to be in community with people who are all struggling with their experiences of sexual violence.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump's tensions with the military grow after reports that he disparaged soldiers, generalsGOP Rep. Mac Thornberry disagreed with Trump&39;s remark that Pentagon leaders "want to do nothing but fight wars." "It&39;s exactly the opposite," he said.
Read more »
Whistleblower says top DHS officials distorted intel to match Trump statements, lied to CongressBrian Murphy says top DHS officials wanted intelligence to "match up" with Trump&39;s statements about "ANTIFA and &39;anarchist&39; groups."
Read more »
Donald Trump Jr. Defends Kenosha Protest Shooter: 'We All Do Stupid Things At 17'Donald Trump Jr. on Tuesday defended Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old who fatally shot two anti-racism protesters in Wisconsin last month and is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, stating that “we all do stupid things” at that age
Read more »
When Jimmy Carter's White House was a tour stop for long-haired, 'torpedo'-smoking rock outlawsAsked about Willie Nelson’s account of smoking marijuana on the roof of the White House at the tail end of Carter’s term in 1980, the former president lets out a chuckle and reveals that one of his sons had smoked with him
Read more »
Michael Cohen Makes Chilling Prediction About Trump And The Constitution If He WinsThe president&39;s former attorney warned what Trump will start doing on "day number one" if he declares victory.
Read more »
Trump slammed after celebrating Kim Jong Un's 'good health' as the US COVID-19 death toll nears 200,000Trump celebrates Kim Jong Un's 'good health' as the US COVID-19 death toll nears 200,000 'Kim Jong Un is in good health. Never underestimate him!' Trump tweeted
Read more »