idreamofidee

I haven't read the book, but I did go into the film knowing it depicted domestic abuse.

With that said, I thought there would be more depictions of the abuse that occurred in the relationship. However, it makes sense that there weren't as, I assume, the point of the film is ending the cycle of abuse and the normalisation of violence many of us inherit due to the environments we are raised in. This film wasn't going to play out an increasingly violent and torrid marriage as that wasn't the point. Lily dismissed and rationalised the first few incidents, but eventually left when she realised how her marriage mirrored the household she grew up in.

Moreover, I appreciate that Ryle wasn't the foaming at the mouth archetype of a person who beats their spouse - sometimes the perpetrators of abuse aren't raging alcoholics who watched mum beat dad (or vice versa) and sometimes victims aren't frail with no means of escape. Perpetrators can be materially successful, teetotal, surrounded by family, friends and colleagues who love them. Domestic abuse can occur in gorgeous, palatial homes and violence can, at least at first, be easily dismissed as an accident, or a one off, or even just 'how things are in a relationship sometimes'.

Ryle was brilliantly portrayed and there were moments I was afraid of him. Both the younger versions of Lily and Atlas were solid performances too, particularly Lily - really well cast.

Kudos to the producers for making this film free to watch, it is incredibly important, and I've come away (hopefully) better equipped to support my own child's navigation in a world that seems so different to the one I was raised in.

Would urge parents to watch this and really heed the vital perspectives shared, from both children and their parents. It is easy to watch, and though a lot of information is shared, it isn't overwhelming or difficult to comprehend. I appreciated the plethora of expert opinion, particularly by the expert from Protect Young Eyes and the woman in her 80s/90s who gave wonderful insight into what childhood was like when she was growing up.

Well produced, research up to the eyeballs and touching on a topic we all seem to be dangerously skirting around (the rise of social media and the decline in mental health).

Just as I had been lamenting on the state of television and bemoaning that I can 'never find anything good to watch'...Dead to Me came along and shut me right up. I had previously watched season 1 and 2, but could barely remember what happened as I think I had been too distracted when I had first given the show a try. Decided to watch the first two seasons again, and also finally watch the final third season, with no distractions or weekend plans. I am so glad I did - it is such a funny, heartwarming, weirdly wholesome (?) series that both beautifully and hysterically explores grief and friendship.

The chemistry between the two leads is incredible, so many small moments where they truly seem like best friends. Anyone who has been through a transformative experience with another person (hopefully not murder) that has meant they've become close friends fast can relate to how quickly Jen and Judy bonded. There was also brilliant chemistry with Jen and her eldest son too.

I've laughed out loud, several times, and unashamedly wiped away many tears during season 3. I, strangely, found the last two episodes of that season difficult to watch as I felt like I was saying goodbye to two people I really care about.

Judy is played with a tenderness that made me go from initially finding her annoying, to eventually finding her spirit admirable, especially given that she had experienced a plethora of difficulties. Jen is hilariously played, simultaneously acerbic and vulnerable.

It ends well, but you may still miss it when it's over.